Yamaha Vmax 1700 Review
"A tire-destroying, jaw-dropping muscle cruiser that demands respect constantly."
Used Buyer Review
The VMAX 1700 is genuinely unlike anything else on the market, and that's both its greatest strength and its biggest warning label. That 1679cc V4 with YCC-I intake makes absurd power — we're talking 200Nm of torque that arrives early and stays violent. First and second gear are legitimately scary if you're not ready for it. Yamaha built this thing as a statement, not a commuter, and it shows in every ride. Used examples typically sit between 8,000-20,000 miles and most have been babied by owners who bought them as weekend toys. Check the rear tire wear pattern obsessively — owners who discovered that torque early burn through them fast. The brakes are excellent but the ABS system on early models can be finicky. Budget for tires every 4,000 miles if you ride it properly. Maintenance costs bite harder than the purchase price suggests. Dealer servicing is expensive and independent mechanics often won't touch the valve clearances. Find one with full service history or walk away.
Pros
Cons
New riders, budget-conscious owners, daily commuters
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