Yamaha's line of motorcycles could be broken down into three categories: street, off-road, and muscle. The Yamaha V Max falls into the latter category. For 20 years, the V Max has been a staple of the Yamaha line-up. With each new revision of the V Max, Yamaha's worked towards improving the bike while retaining the features which have made the bike an American classic.

One word to describe the bike would be heavy. It's a hulk of a bike--bulletproof in design. This doesn't pose much of a problem if you ride mainly in the city. Taking the bike on highways, however, will quickly reveal its weaknesses. For one, its handlebars force the rider into an upright position. When you're careening down a highway at 65 miles per hour, this is by no means the most comfortable of riding positions.

Furthermore, the bike was not designed for handling corners at high speed. Some feel the rear shocks are oversprung and underdamped, leading to a pogoing effect when leaning into tight corners. You could also experience a bit of force from the front forks as well. As a result, you may want to limit your V Max rides to more leisurely city cruises. Doing so will give onlookers a chance to soak in the bike's aggressive looks and minimalist, stripped-down design.

For some riders, this bike is ideal. Not everyone wants a 'crotch rocket' for racing or a dirt bike for ripping through the woods. If city riding is what you have in mind, the Yamaha V Max is worth considering. You can choose Yamaha's most recent model, a classic '80s version, or the 2005 20th Anniversary Edition of the Yamaha V Max muscle bike.