Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1995 Yamaha V-Max
Legendary V4 'muscle bike'
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 500
Registration No: N222 WAL
Frame No: 2EN 033209
MOT: None
Original and standard UK supplied V-Max 1200
Fitted with a few good quality chrome extras
Credible 9700 miles with 9 old MOTs and a V5C
The Yamaha Motor Co was formed in 1955 as the powered vehicle division of the massive Yamaha Corporation, more famous for making musical instruments. The first bike produced in 1954 was the YA-1, like the BSA Bantam a copy of the German-made DKW RT125, but in typical Japanese fashion this was soon improved upon with the launch of the YA-2 in 1957. This proved to be an immediate success in sporting events in Japan, starting a long tradition of achievement that goes on to this day in Moto GP. More famous for their performance two strokes, the XS-1 650cc twin was first seen in 1968 and by the late 1990s Yamaha had a full range of four stroke models from 250cc to 1200cc, culminating in the legendary V-Max. This brutally powerful V4 was built in Japan but designed and initially sold only in the United States. Yamaha created the V-Max as a two-wheeled equivalent of an all American muscle car like a Shelby Cobra, emphasised by the aluminum scoops drawing in air from either side of its dummy petrol tank.
This striking looking V-Max has been part of the Brian Ditchfield collection, a retired engineer and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who in the past ran a very successful Sidecar Grand Prix team, finishing second in the World Championship in 2002. Bought by Brian 10 years ago, this V Max has a credible 9700 showing on its speedo, backed up by 9 old MOTs, and is presented in excellent and original condition. The V Max was a bike that many owners modified so very few will have survived in such standard condition, right down to the '3UF-14721' stamped genuine exhaust system. The bike is fitted with some nice quality chrome extras including a pair of engine bars, a rear carrier/ backrest and a radiator grill together with a small flyscreen. Not run for a while, it will need the normal checks before use and it comes supplied with 2 keys and a current V5C.
