Photo: Alfredino 246 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha VMAX 1200
83/100 Overall
75 On the road90 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha VMAX 1200 vs Honda CBX1000
Yamaha VMAX 1200 scores 83/100 overall against Honda CBX1000 on 89/100. On the road: 75–78. As classics: 90–100. Overall result: Honda CBX1000.
Photo: Andrés Teixidó · Public domain
Honda CBX1000
89/100 Overall
78 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha VMAX | Honda CBX | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 7 | Honda CBX |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 8 | Honda CBX |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 6 | Yamaha VMAX |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 8 | Honda CBX |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 10 | Honda CBX |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Yamaha VMAX if…
you want immense straight-line performance, unmistakable muscle-bike styling and one of the 1980s' most memorable engines.
Choose the Honda CBX if…
you want engineering spectacle, turbine-smooth performance and one of the most memorable engines ever fitted to a production motorcycle.
Background
History
Yamaha VMAX
The Yamaha VMAX 1200 was produced from 1985–1989 and used a 1198cc liquid-cooled V4. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for performance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda CBX
The Honda CBX1000 was produced from 1978–1982 and used a 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, performance, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Yamaha VMAX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1985 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 1198cc liquid-cooled V4.
- Its strongest comparison scores are performance, character, styling.
Honda CBX
- Its production span in this library runs from 1978 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 1047cc air-cooled DOHC inline six.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, performance, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Yamaha VMAX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha VMAX 1200. Its library score for performance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda CBX
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CBX1000. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Yamaha VMAX
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Honda CBX
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Yamaha VMAX
Rivals to the Honda CBX
Final result
The verdict
Honda CBX1000 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CBX1000 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CBX1000 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.