This year will be the last for the iconic, long-lasting Yamaha VMAX. (Yamaha/)
The Yamaha VMAX was released back in 1985, a V-4 musclebike designed by the same guy who penned the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle. In 35 years, the formula never changed. (Yamaha/)
Hefty brakes and adjustable suspension mean the thing can turn, but it is most at home making a rip down the boulevard or a dragstrip. (Yamaha/)
Those massive, legendary ram air pipes feed whatever gets in their way to the 1,679cc V-4, which puts almost 180 hp through the back tire. (Yamaha/)
Despite its prodigious 683-pound heft, the VMAX is low enough for almost anyone to throw a leg over, with a seat height under 31 inches. (Yamaha/)
Throttle wide open, road dead straight. The VMAX in its natural habitat. (Yamaha/)
Even after the 2009 update, the VMAX’s lines stuck close to its roots, and you never needed to look twice to know what it was. (Yamaha/)
The four stubby exhaust pipes have been a hallmark since day one. (Yamaha/)
Despite its size and weight, the VMAX was never a particularly relaxed machine. (Yamaha/)
The heart of the beast: a 1,679cc, 65-degree V-4. (Yamaha/)
Yamaha wisely fitted an adjustable remote-reservoir shock to help calm the big bike’s movements. (Yamaha/)
As the sun sets on the VMAX line, there are few contenders to truly replace it. (Yamaha/)
One gauge showing revs and speed. A reminder to pay attention to the road. (Yamaha/)
