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Redesigned VMAX, all-new TMAX headline 2009 Yamaha early-release lineup

A redesigned power cruiser and an all-new supersport scooter were recently showcased by Yamaha as part of the company's 2009 model lineup. In addition, the company reports that many popular cruisers and scooters will be returning for the new model year.

After a year’s absence, the granddaddy of power cruisers has returned, bigger and badder than ever. Part of Yamaha’s Star Motorcycle line, the 2009 VMAX retains the iconic styling of its predecessor while incorporating 21st century performance, handling and braking.

The new Mr. MAX gets his grunt from an all-new 65-degree, four-valves-per-cylinder, 1,679cc V4 fed by downdraft four-bore fuel injection and controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox to the 200/50-R18 rear tire via a low-maintenance shaft drive.

The VMAX also features sportbike-derived technology like a slipper clutch, 320mm six-piston wave-style dual front brakes with ABS and Brembo master cylinders, a fully adjustable 52mm cartridge fork front suspension and an adjustable remote reservoir rear monoshock.

The limited-production 2009 VMAX will be available beginning November 2008. Yamaha dealers are currently taking non-refundable, non-transferable deposits. Customer orders will be filled according to the sequence received.

Other Star models returning for 2009 include the V Star 1100 Silverado, Classic and Custom, the V Star Silverado, Classic and Custom and the V Star 250. In addition to new colors for the Silverado and Classic, both Custom models feature blacked-out engines and new blacked-out wheels.

On the scooter front, Yamaha’s new flagship supersport TMAX (left) features a 499cc fuel-injected twin-cylinder engine, a lightweight CF die-cast aluminum frame, four-piston mono-block caliper dual front disc brakes and a rear disc brake. TMAX also features plenty of storage, an operator backrest, full instrumentation and achieves an estimated 47 mpg.

For those seeking a smaller scoot, there’s the next-generation of the Zuma 125 (right). Yamaha claims the 125cc four-valve four-stroke fuel-injected single returns an estimated 88 mpg.

In other scooter news, the 400cc Majesty, Vino 125, Vino Classic, C3 and Zuma 50 all return with new colors for 2009.

Also returning for 2009 is the YZF-R6S in two colors as well as the recently re-designed XT 250 and versatile TW 200 dual-purpose machines.

Yamaha plans to announce additional 2009 model news at the end of the summer.

For more information, see www.yamaha-motor.com and www.starmotorcycles.com.