The 1985 model year released the bike that turned motorcycle enthusiasts on their collective ass:1200cc of V4 powered muscle that unleashed 145hp of “V-boosted” madness at the turn of your right wrist. All this in a package that was designed to do one thing very well: Go as fast as you could in a straight line. There were no excuses from Yamaha about this. Mr. Araki (now GM of Yamaha motorcycle operations in Japan) was the project leader of the V Max design team in 1984. He was inspired to build an American Hot Rod in the form of a motorcycle. He made a trip to the USA to research his target market, falling in love with American drag racing, both on the strip and on the street. When the bike ran a sub 11-second quarter mile out of the box, their goal was accomplished.

In 1986, the V Max made its release in Europe. Although detuned to 104hp, it still outsold its American sales figures and created a new cult of die-hard V-maxxers. For Remy Briere of Normandie, France, the allure of the Max played right into his passion for American Muscle cars. Remy purchased his V max new in 1992. At the time he was the youngest owner in France of the power house and even received a certificate from Yamaha Motors France to document the occasion. Today, he is the president of the V-Max Club of Normandie. Over the years, the bike received upgrade after upgrade to reach its current state of construction. There’s hardly much left that is factory on this bike. Aside from the V4 power plant, the only other piece that has anything reminiscent of the original V max is the signature side scoops.

A neutered 104hp wasn’t going to cut it for a bike that was supposed to be the street king of its day. For the bike’s first major modification, the engine was pulled and treated to 1540cc high compression pistons, forged rods and steeper cams. The engine breathes through the stock Mukuni carbs wearing K&N filters and a Stage 7 tune. The exhaust is custom bent stainless, ending in Leo Vince cans. If the Arrow logos throw you, don’t worry–he made us double take too. Ignition is controlled by a Dyna 3000 and sent through Nology wires. To handle power transfer to the ground is a custom billet lock up clutch, from Otec, that motivates the rear wheel via Otec’s chain drive conversion. All this now produces a stout 180hp and 132 lb/ft of asphalt-burning torque. Remy also found some pieces in Otec’s showroom to dress up his monster motor. A full set of billet windowed motor covers tops off the power plant and lets you see the inner workings, if you can catch this beast at a standstill.

Even for 80’s standards, the V Max was never known for its keen handling. The frame flexed, the suspension was sub-par at best and the brakes… well, they kinda worked. And forget trying to find decent tires for this bike. There are maybe two companies that make a radial tire to fit the odd-size wheels. So, with an extra 80hp to contend with, the chassis needed serious help. The ergos of the bike are typical muscle bike, low seat, mid-mount foot controls, tall bars. It puts the weight low but it’s not great for running the winding roads of Normandie.

The frame was chopped at the back and Remy started over. The rear end received an Aprillia RSV banana swingarm, as well the wheel and brakes. The mono shock conversion is fit with an Ohlin’s damper. The front required another trip to Otec for a set of their billet yokes, which hold the RSV’s Ohlins forks and wheel. Otec also supplied the master cylinders that transfer force to a set of Brembo radial calipers, much more suited for the bike.

Remy designed a complete alloy subframe, but the major hurtle was relocating the factory gas tank, since it was originally under the seat. He opted to move it back over the engine with a modified Cagiva 125 Mito fuel tank. The RSV also lends its tail section, but with a carbon fiber cowling and Plexiglas under tray. Finishing off the rest of the bodywork is ART Carbon front and rear fenders and side scoops.

Remy took the spirit of the V max and built on it until there was not a bolt that could be modified. It’s classic muscle bike, with modern super bike specs. Ultimate grunt, precision handling and hot rod ingenuity. It’s dripping in billet and carbon, but sounds like a fuel-altered waiting at the line. It’s what Mr. Araki envisioned back in the 80’s. It turns heads and shreds tires. It holds the heart and soul of a monster that roars from a V4. Except this one now corners!