Okay, here’s my take on the Yamaha VMAX custom project, written in a casual, blog-style format:
Alright, so I finally got my hands on a Yamaha VMAX. This thing’s a beast, a total legend, but I always felt like it needed a little something extra, you know? Something to make it truly mine. So, I decided to dive headfirst into a custom project. No turning back!
First, I spent hours just staring at the bike. Seriously, just walking around it, looking at it from every angle. I wanted to figure out what bugged me, and what I loved. The stock exhaust was definitely on the chopping block – way too quiet for a bike this mean. And the rear fender? Too bulky. It needed to be streamlined.
I started with the easy stuff. Swapped out the mirrors for some smaller, sleeker ones. Big improvement! Then came the turn signals. I went with some tiny LED ones, tucked them in nice and close to the body. Looks way cleaner already.
The Exhaust
- Finding the right exhaust was tough. I wanted something that sounded angry, but not obnoxious.
- Ended up going with a used after market slip on system.
- Had to fiddle with the mounting a bit to get it to fit just right, but man, the sound is incredible! It’s got this deep rumble that just makes you grin.
The Rear Fender
Chopping the rear fender was a bit nerve-wracking. I marked it out like five times before I finally got the courage to start cutting. Used a Dremel with a cutting wheel, went slow and steady. Patience is key!
After I got the basic shape cut, I spent a good amount of time sanding and smoothing the edges. Didn’t want any sharp bits snagging on anything. Then, I had to figure out how to mount the license plate and taillight. I fabricated a simple bracket out of some scrap metal. It’s not perfect, but it’s solid.
The finishing touch? A fresh paint job. I went with a classic black, of course and it makes it look so, so good.
The whole process took a few weekends, and there were definitely some moments where I thought I’d messed it up completely. But seeing the finished product? Totally worth it. It’s the same VMAX, but it’s my VMAX now. And that’s a pretty awesome feeling.
Next up? I’m thinking about swapping out the seat… but that’s a project for another day!
