Mod Max

MOD MAX

A V-Max for the next millennium?

WHAT WOULD YAmaha’s likable, long-running musclebike look like updated for the year 2000? Good question, we thought, so we dialed up British design artist Michel Fisher and commissioned an illustration of a thoroughly modern Max.

Keep the basic V-Max formula, we told Fisher, but clean things up and give the bike the state-of-the-art components we’ve come to love: monoshock rear end, meaty radial tires, single-sided swingarm, burly inverted fork, monster brakes. Oh, yeah, taking a cue from the V-Max performance aftermarket, trash the heavy driveshaft paraphernalia and rig Mod Max for chain final drive.

As you can see, Fisher’s finished product is spectacular, sort of a cross between a V-Max and a Ducati Monster, with a touch of Honda RC45 thrown in for good measure. Design links back to the original V-Max are strong (note the stylized air scoops, albeit flanking a conventionally located fuel tank), but as per Contributing Editor Steve Anderson’s con-

cerns in “Ode to Mr. Max,” this is more 1996 Dodge Viper than 1966 Cobra 427. And, no, we’re not so sure about the Buell-like under-engine shock, the curious headlight shroud or the abbreviated tailsection, either-but, hey, we’re flexible.

In fact, we were so taken with Mod Max that we faxed a copy of the illo to the powers-that-be at Yamaha USA and awaited a response.

“The V-Max has been the performance-cruiser king for over 10 years now, and the 1996 model sold out very early. As a result, we’ve had to introduce 1997 models months before our original schedule. As long as this trend continues, we see no need to make such dramatic changes, many of which would certainly alter the motorcycle’s distinct character,” says Bob Starr, head-honcho of Yamaha’s U.S. pressrelations office.

So, for now at least, the V-Max will keep on keepin’ on, which is no bad thing. It is, after all, hard to argue with a 12year success story. Still, the idea of an up-to-date Max has appeal. Could one be in the pipeline?

Maybe, maybe not. All we know is that after years of faithful, high-flying service, Mr. Max, master of musclebikes, could use a well-deserved face lift. If it even comes close to resembling Mod Max, sign us up.

David Edwards