Yamaha has introduced its new 2009-model V-max, a modern recreation of one of the company’s most iconic models. The new V-max is power by a liquid-cooled, 1679cc (90mm x 66mm bore x stroke, 11.3:1 compression ratio) 65° V-4 engine with four valves per cylinder actuated by double overhead camshafts, which are driven by a combination of gears and chains to allow for more compact cylinder heads, better engine placement in the chassis, better weight distribution and better handling. Air is drawn in via hand-buffed aluminum intakes on each side of the airbox and fed to a fuel-injection system that incorporates both Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC- T), or fly-by-wire throttle, and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I). The YCC-I system changes the effective length of the velocity stacks from 150mm (for better low-end performance) to 54mm (for better top-end performance) at 7000 rpm. The exhaust is a four-into-one-into-two-into-four system that includes an Exhaust Ultimate Power (EXUP) valve. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox that includes a hydraulically-actuated slipper-style clutch. A shaft transmits power to a 200/50-ZR18 rear Bridgestone radial. The front Bridgestone radial measures 120/70-ZR18, and the dual, wave-style front brake rotors are 320mm in diameter. Those rotors are grabbed by radial-mount, six-piston, mono block calipers. A radial pump Brembo master cylinder and three-position anti-lock braking (ABS) system come standard. The engine is carried as a fully-stressed member in an all-new cast-aluminum frame. The rear wheel is held in place by a double-sided aluminum swingarm. The 52mm cartridge-style forks (which come with a titanium oxide coating) and single rear shock are both adjustable for spring preload and rebound and compression damping. Fork rake is 31°, wheelbase is 66.9 inches, and weight with the 4.0-gallon, under-seat fuel cell full is 683 pounds (685 pounds in California). Manufacturer suggested retail price is $17,990 with an anticipated delivery time of November 2008. The only color available is Intense Black.