New 2009 Yamaha V-Max: Official pictures

I have to comment on this V-max forum here. I have ridden a Goldwing for many years. Four years ago a buddy called me with a challenge. He said, "In my garage is a V-max with the key in the ignition. Ride it for a weekend and I bet you buy one." I rode it for two hours and bought one on Monday. It is without a doubt my favorite bike. I ride it on long hauls, short hauls, and commutes to work. I don't think anyone is less of a biker, because they have to stop every 120 miles. I think it is the perfect time to stop chat with my buds and hit the road again. I would ride my max anywhere. If I needed 200 miles a stop I would buy that Euro Gas tank they sell to add a gallon or so. The bike is light, powerful and has an amazing feel to roll on the throttle in any gear. So, be careful bashing riders for their willingness to ride any distance. I think I put about 30,000 on my max the first two seasons and I live in Ohio. We have winter. I would also bet that this new max will be hard to find, even with the $17,900 price tag. I know I will be saving up for one. I might even trade my goldwing in on it.

I did over 30,000 miles on my old V-max, sometimes fully loaded - it coped fine. You can 'tour' with anything - just adjust your head accordingly. Getting away on a bike (any bike) is great fun - just do it :-)