Cruisers

2003Yamaha VMAX

37 fields on record

The 2003 Yamaha VMAX is Yamaha's muscular power cruiser, famous for its straight-line acceleration. Its liquid-cooled 1,198cc V4 drives through a five-speed gearbox and shaft drive, with 101 Nm of torque. A 765 mm seat, 280 kg wet weight and 15-litre tank give it its brawny, drag-bike character.

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Engine: V four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 262.6 kg
Seat height: 765 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)

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Other years 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering45%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring35%

Two-up40%

Track40%

Best for: Built as a muscle cruiser, it exists to deliver brutal straight-line acceleration and street presence rather than outright cornering finesse.
Built for: It has a raw, intimidating personality defined by its iconic V4 engine, V-Boost induction snarl, and drag-strip-style thrust.
Not ideal for: It is not the right choice for riders seeking nimble cornering, long-distance comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Yamaha VMAX, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)
Torque: 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: V four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3732 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Performance

Top speed: 213.0 km/h (132.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1590 mm
Overall length: 2301 mm
Overall width: 795 mm
Overall height: 1161 mm
Seat height: 765 mm
Dry weight: 262.6 kg
Wet weight: 280.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Front percentage of weight: 44

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 43mm Telescopic fork w/air-assist
Rear suspension: Dual shocks w/adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 100 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 282 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-V18
Rear tyre: 150/90-V15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1999	2003	2004	2010	2014	2020
Capacity	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1679 cc	1672 cc	1679 cc
Dry weight	262 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg
Seat height	765 mm	765 mm	765 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 L	15 L	15.1 L	15.1 L	15.1 L