From: "Hans Knop" <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Tuesday, September 26

Where are all our Cape Vmax buddies.....? ?

I have been told that you see only Harleys and Vespas driving around there.

Does that mean all guys and girls over there are too scared to mount a real power cruiser.
No....... I don't believe that.

The SA film actor Arnold Vosloo had a Vmax when he used to live in the Cape and who's now living in the States making a living as an actor earning big (US) bucks and driving around in his Ferrari.
I also don't believe that he was the last one around there to own one.....................

So Guys/Girls if you hear of any Capies driving around on a real bike please let me know.

----- Original Message -----

From: "JJ van Zyl" <jj@iburst.co.za>

To: "HANS KNOP" <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 9:23 PM

Subject: Profile pictures
 Hi Hans,
 Just a few photos of my Max, after the revamp. Struggle to get exhausts,
 original or aftermarket, but red silicon and aircraft stainless steel hose
 clamps must maar do in the meantime!
 
 Mods, that I did and noticed during my revamp:
 Flyscreen
 Polished sissy bar, flyscreen bracket, dummy intakes, rim lips
 Bigger battery
 Twin braided brake hoses on front brakes
 Racing front footpegs
 LED tail light
 Front fork brace
 Aftermarket grips
 
 Your website is super!!
 
 Groetnis
 JJ

 

HAVE-A-LOOKY !!
JJ was looking for a place to shovel Mr Max from his bakkie in order to ride to the Rally Venue.

----- Original Message -----

To: 'Hans J P Knop'
From: JJ van Zyl

Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 9:00 PM

Subject: RE: BOTHA'S HILL RAILWAY STATION
Hi Hans,

You’re a star!!! I thought you forgot about me – thank you very much for remembering!!!

That spot’s more than perfect, just high enough – I can’t wait.

Mariana and I went to the Staffie rally at Pelgrim’s Rest, two weeks ago. Didn’t see many Maxes though. Whilst walking around in the camp, a Max came down the road and I stopped the guy, told him about our Rally, said that he will be there. If I can remember correctly, he’s name is Emmie or Emile – but I don’t see him on the quest list. I saw two more Maxes, an orange and a blue one on their way from the rally on Saturday afternoon, but wasn’t able to stop them. And that was all! Luckily I am in line to see only Maxes at the next rally. Isn’t that great?

Going to that rally, I had a brainwave. Usually, there are more ore less 4 to 6 bikes riding in a group. And most of the time, a bakkie or combi is accompanying the group containing all the ladies that don’t want to drive the distance and to carry all the baggage. And usually, that vehicle is also equipped with a tow-bar.

One of my very near future projects will be to build a trailer which can carry 4 or 6 bikes. No, no, no, I don’t want you to go on a trailer rally. On the off-ramp or town just before the toll gate, all the bikes on the trailer - guys onto the bakkie or in the combi, pay your R29 or - R43 at Machadadorp, pay your toll and mount again on the other side. (Make your calculations). Will be a bit taxi-like for that few kilos, but that will show them! On only one trip’s toll fees, you’ll be able to pay your trailer’s license for the year! Or you can have a few extra beers on the other side.

But before I’ll tackle that project, THE Rally is on the calendar, and then it’s mad November, deadline December – Christmas – New Year and – bankrupt January.

See you in Botha’s Hill!! Will Pik and PW be there??

Vmaximus greetings

JJ

----- Original Message -----

From: "Piet Kotze" <mca@lantic.net>

To: <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 2:34 PM

Subject: GENERAL

Hi there, just went into your site. Extremely interesting and very well
done.
How do I join the club firstly and secondly do you know of any complete four
into one exhaust systems available (new or good second hand)
Thanx,
Piet Kotze
PK Industrial Supplies t/a MCA
Cellular 0832261220
Fax 0866825191

----- Original Message -----

To: Hans J P Knop

Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 1:57 PM

Hi Hans,
Here is that story I promised you.

“Maxed Tales of the road” 

Guy Sheehan 

It’s 1999, Max and I have been on a Rally Mission….The Buff, Mustang, Pig….and the next animal in our sights was the Rhino in Christiana!

We left the north Coast KZN with high spirits on that Friday morning…..Max was howling his own distinct tune as we made our way up to Bethlehem where I was to meet my mates Gav and Elfie, have a braai and sleep over at the local Camp Site, Loch Athlone. My Cousin, a farmer in Bethlehem joined us with a cooler box which looked like he’s brought food for everyone attending the Rally (I’m sure he culled a whole herd of cattle for the occasion!).

Next day we were off early…riding through places like Bultfontein (Where’s the fountain?) and watching out for the “Mr. Plods” who were sure they were going to catch up on their Xmas bonus with all these bikers passing through.

The rally was great with all the usual festivities including arm wrestling…still amazes me that despite this being an aggressive pastime and all the alcohol consumed there were no fights! I managed to stay on the table for four bouts before my good friend Gav flattened my arm. Sunday morning I wake up with Cramps (couldn’t have been the Captain Morgan…musta been the ice!).

I take one look at the queue outside the Toilets and decide to pay a visit to Gav and Elfie who’d booked a chalet in town (Elfie refuses to blow dry her air in a tent!).

With a lot of hopping around (and no accidents) I managed to pack the tent and all the rest onto Max and hauled into Christiana at a rate of Knots!

With very little ceremony I informed a startled Elfie of my immediate needs and her and Gav promptly decided it was a good time to go for a walk.

On their return Elfie decides that the best cure for a hangover is a “Guronsan C” She takes a glass of water from beside the bed and throws a tablet in to dissolve. She then insists I drink it before I ride home.

Now that I’m feeling a little better I relax but notice Gavan is wondering around the room looking for something. “Funny thing” he says “I left my contacts in a glass of water next to the bed and now the glass is gone! Elfie and I look at each other and crack up; I’d just downed Gav’s Contacts!

Luckily he had his glasses with him.

With an interesting renewed “vision” I decided it was time for Max and I to head home. Carol, my sons and a hot bath beckoned!

There we were, Max and I on the open road again 150km’s into the trip when a little bell rings in my head (VERRY LOUDLY), MY FIREARM IS STILL IN THE POLICE LOCK UP IN Christiana! @#&*$ 

I turn around between two towns and make my way back towards Christiana with a heavy heart and a fist full of Max’s throttle.This obviously causes much confusion to other bikers who are on the way home judging by the frantic waving (they were probably wondering why this idiot was arriving so late!). 20 km’s before Bultfontein Max decides that his tank is now empty and slows down with a splutter.

I’m now tussen naby and @#$*& with no fuel!

Luckily a car with two elderly ladies comes along and I try to wave them down, they take one look at me and accelerate away. That’s when I realized that a bearded biker in leathers after a rally does not make the most attractive hitch hiker! I’ve shaved my beard off since then because young girls kept calling me Oom!

 After a while a club from Ficksburg pulls over and offers to send their support vehicle back to Bultfontein for fuel.While that happens we all relax and share Rally stories under the shade of the only tree. I was relieved they’d arrived because the cows were not interested in talking to me and the silence on an eastern Free State road is deafening.

 After at least an hour the support vehicle weaves it way back to us, wait a minute! Why is it weaving? Turns out that the only container was a Brandy bottle which still had a lot of brandy so the quick thinking appies decided to down it so that they could use the bottle for fuel!

 I arrive back in Christiana at 12:30 and manage to retrieve my firearm and I’m back on the road again……4 ½ hrs after I left!

I pop into my cuz for lunch and am on the highway heading back to the coast with a full stomach and visions of that lekker hot bath.

Just after Ladysmith some idiot jumps into the road! Is he mad?

Damn! It’s Mr. Plod! His moustache bristling with pleasure he informs me that I was doing 190kph and due to various provincial border issues I have narrowly avoided the “ZERO TOLERANCE” Treatment and promptly hands me my fine for R1250. He then obviously decides that I haven’t destroyed any villages lately nor plundered any maidens so decides to explain to me how I can go about getting the fine reduced! Weird hm?

 Helluva trip! You are thinking, it can only get better hm?

 BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!

 Just before Escort I lose 1st and 2nd Gear!

I pull into the Ultra city and decide that a couple of Red Bulls are in order should I wish to continue this epic journey.

 9:30 that evening I arrived back in Salt Rock and that hot bath. Carol only got to hear the first half of the story that night as I fell asleep in the bath.

 Life is never boring on the Road! 

PS. This is a true story and no names have been changed to protect the innocent!

----- Original Message -----
From: Sheehan, Guy

To: Hans J P Knop

Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2006 11:04 PM

Subject: FW: VMAX RALLY ENTRY
I’ll be celebrating my Max’s 10th Birthday at the Vmax Odyssey! As I took delivery of mine in Oct ’96 – How cool is that?
Her maiden voyage was to Joburg to watch the 96 Curry Cup final at Ellis Park (Natal vs. Tvl... we won). Spent the night before the match upsetting sports car owners in Oxford rd Jhb – R65 000.00 toy out performing R350 000.OO toys…he he

Guy Sheehan

-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 01 September 2006 03:50 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Let us sell our Vmaxes

Vmaxers
Let us all sell our slow lazy outdated Vmax cruisers and get ourselves say..............a modern bike.

There will be no shiny things to polish, no engine to see and everything plastic so that it can be nice and light for exceptional flickability in tight chicanes. 

Just look at the shape ...a sculpted aerodynamic work of art that looks like it is running downhill with that sexy hind pointing in the air.

Check out that low front end and flowing lines of full fairing.....pure

bliss.

 Admire those wheels, tyres and exceptional brakes that can slow you down faster from 220 -0 km/h than a drag bike can get to from 0-220 km/h.....really awesome.....or even better doing stoppies to the admiration of other people......

 What about that awesome top speed.....can you  just imagine comfortably sitting at 280 km flat out down our safe freeways and secondary roads......yeah

Be mesmerised by the state of the art suspension that allows you to scrape your knee against the ground on public roads...sparks flying...in bends at slowish 180 km/h speeds....  

 How about pulling a mother of a wheelie at 180 km/h  for 1 km to the utter admiration of anyone watching you ......

 You interested............... okay then lets move on.

 Lets get into that race suit with the hump on the back ..............Quasimodo...... now you starting to look GP material......

 Now climb onto your scud missile and revel in the comfort....man they designed this baby just perfect for your Rossi size and build of 55 kg.......and it really is super comfortable lying on the tank like that.......guess you can ride all day long

 How about taking the missus with....I am sure she just loves sitting in the air like that ........looks really comfortable too

 And lets not forget when you and your mate see that slow rider ahead......go screaming past that slow coach novice who is doing the speed limit.....you pass him on the left and your mate flies past on the right wherafter you and him wheelie in tandem disappearing into the distance at say 250 km/h...yup you certainly know your machine and have mastered the bike beautifully.........

 Yes one can more safely race on public roads-it is far more dangerous on  race tracks and there you really have to be carefull and ride slower yup I am going to sell my Vmax because:
-it has zero aerodynamics-zero zip nothing
-it cant' race around a track
-it can't stoppie or wheelie or maybe it can 
-it has no styling and good looks-21 years is out of fashion you know
-it is too slow-it can only just break into the 10 sec quarter mile
-it is too heavy weighing in at 288 kg-way to heavy for my 55 kg body
-it sits too straight up and comfortable-the wind really catches you at high speeds and fly screens are for sissys
-it only runs 239km/h way too slow you know
-it comfortably carries passengers with that sissy bar-who wants to carry passengers anyway,they add weight and slow you down
-it is old outdated technology,I want the best that technology has too offer-double the speed limit at 240 km/h feels better on a modern bike
-it has a powerful engine-but not as powerful as Vmaxers will have you believe it has a flexible frame,suspension,tyres, brakes-pretty much everything is useless and belongs in the stone age
-it is not deserving of its legendary status-modern bikes are so much better for so much better reasons
-it never started the hot rod performance cruiser class 21 years ago -that is all lies that Vmaxers have thought out and it is only recently that manufacturers invented the fast cruiser and besides if it is fast it can't by definition be a cruiser 
-low maintenance drive shafts belong on cars-chain drives are fun, you get more power to the rear wheel and I don't mind greasing chains and changing sprockets  

On second thoughts maybe not. I  like that attitude and show, that winding snarling sound that is unique to the V4,the much improved handling after  the mods and opening the throttle with vboost coming in still gives me a huge grin.

Guess I will still hang on to Mr. Max. Maybe someone will explain to Mr. Max that he needs to retire-until then I am not selling.  

PS if anyone was offended or takes exception to these words..........sorry but this is a Vmaxer home page what do you expect ?

Vmaximus
Carl T

----- Original Message -----

From: Carl Talbot

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 4:41 PM

Subject: FW: Entree(entry),attendance or whatever-number of entrants for Vmax Odyssey rally-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 23 August 2006 04:39 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Entree(entry),attendance or whatever-number of entrants for Vmax Odyssey rally

Vmaxers

Welcome to all newer Vmaxers who have joined our ranks.

To those that have booked(and paid) for your place in history,I am very excited to meet each and every one of you. You are obviously eager Vmaxers who will be part of history.

Furthermore I am very pleased at the growth in numbers of members and particularly younger new members.It would seem from the new members perspective that there are more and more Vmaxers who are younger than Hans Knop who turns 17 soon and will offically be in his middle aged  teens.When you ride a Vmax you are young at heart and on a legendary musclebike that will never retire. 

I am still confident that the event will be successful and I would rather attend the rally with 30 passionate and enthusiastic Vmaxers than  with 10 000 ,only to be lost in the sheer multitude of numbers.

Long live Mr Max
Vmaximus
Carl T

----- Original Message -----

From: Hans J P Knop

To: Carl Talbot

Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 8:13 PM

Subject: MIDDLE AGE

Carl

I had an interesting conversation with a Vmaxer (61) from Alberton, Ian Corrigan president of an M.C, will join the rally and might come with some buddies as well. He claims, his Max is superfast, had it tuned and on a Dyna etc. Has got the same experience with guys on Superbikes vs Vmax like you.

I find it amazing how many Vmaxers are over the age of 50. And don't call these people middle aged, that starts these days only over 70, so I still have got exactly 364 days to go. Also as you said you are as old as the woman you feel. Now I have got a problem with that, although my wife is ten years younger than I am so I am supposed to feel 10 years younger, she doesn't allow me to feel 51 years younger if you know what I mean. Although she claims I don't know what to do with it anyway anymore.
Hans

----- Original Message -----
From: Carl Talbot <mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za> 
To: 'Hans J P Knop' <mailto:mail@awol.co.za> 
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:58 PM
Subject: MIDDLE AGE
 
Hans
Yes it does seem that Vmaxers are generally 50 and older.I think it has a
lot to do with the cruiser thing.Very seldom will you find a someone of
20-35 on a cruiser.They tend to think that cruisers are for older riders.In
my town all the Vmaxers are over 50 and judging from members on the web page
similar seems to be the norm, Carl Dickason at 32 and I at 38 are the
youngest.
 
The Vmax is 21 years old and was around long before todays 25 year old was
even old enough to sit on one.Todays 25 year old was only 4 years  old when
V max hit the streets.I was 18 when the Vmax hotrod was released and
although I was old enough to ride one I was definitely not mature enough.
 
In conversation with John Van Nieuwenhuizen concerning the same topic,he
made a valid point saying that the Vmax is still a bike that the rider rides
and not that the rider gets ridden by the bike.To handle a Vmax takes "big
balls" and apart from the maturity brought about by age ,most Vmaxers
irrespective of age are generally guys in the heavier 90kg weight.
 
In the real world of biking my Vmax is up there with the best that modern
technology has to offer.It would however be interesting to see the
statistics from Yamaha as regards to the New concept Vmax and the age group
that are attracted there.
 
I am glad to hear more and more people are becoming involved in the Vmax
though.It is a great bike,timeless in character and deserving of its
legendary status.
Vmaximus
Carl Talbot   

 ----- Original Message -----

From: Carl Talbot

To: This mail was sent by Carl to all VmaxWorld members listed on our mailing list

Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 11:08 AM

Subject: RE: Response to Mike van Rensburg’s mail  “I will be going to the v-max rally and want PE v-maxers “ 

Mike Easy Max Rider 
 I am pleased you going and look forward to meeting you and other Maxers.
I will be riding in from the North with other Maxers (Pietersburg-Limpopo) and are very eager to attend the rally
Vmaximus
Carl

Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 11:04 AM
Wednesday 16 August 2006.
Seattle, USA.

Dear Mr Hans Knop

Lately I have been receiving a hell of a lot of letters  of complaints (120 to be precise), some of them  rude an nasty, from your Members about the spelling error made on your RALLY PAGE "Register of Vmaxers who have submitted  their Entry Forms and Paid the Entree Fees".
Will you be so kind as to convey my sincere apologies to your members and inform them that I summarily fired the person responsible for this omission. We will review our spelling test program pronto.
As a matter of interest what kind of bike is a Vmax, never heard of it.
Here in Seattle we only have Harleys and Fords......and big steaks ! !

Vmaximus greetings

Bill Gates

Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 10:23 AM

Subject:  Hierdie brief is gerig aan alle Vmaxers en entoesiaste .

Hi all from Mike in Port Elizabeth.
I will be going to the v-max rally and want PE v-maxers to join me for a road trip thru the transkei. Please mail who wants to join so we can plan the trip.
Guys this is the first v-max rally you MUST Attend.
Cheers
Easy max rider.
[3Dza] 0782563245
mikevr@3dza.co.za

From: jjvz@aviation.denel.co.za

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:15 AM

Subject: RE: Vmax Rally

Hi Hans,

Thanks for your feedback. I am busy to dolly my Max (Maxie) a bit up - and giving her some TLC. The years do have a affect on her somehow. It's amazing what a bit of paint, polish and brushes can do! (You that are married or not, should know!). I shall send you some photos of the operations I am performing during this process. It may be handy to the other members somehow. During this time, I am driving a NSR 125. Handling and weight is nice, but to cruise and get off the mark - a frustration!!!!

I also have discovered a few hidden improvements and shall update my profile accordingly, in due time.

A favour - can you perhaps find out if there may be a place to unload Maxie at the rally site. We are coming down with the bakkie as Mariana doesn't want to drive so far, as she is still new in the game. It would help a lot, otherwise, I shall unload Maxie at the railway station.

On the other hand. It seems to me that the booking rate's a bit slow. Only 25 people as on today, and we need 70. Come on guys, I'm sure you don't want to miss out on this unique rally!!!!

Groetnis

JJ

JJ
MOENIE WORRIE NIE

We will get the 70 Guys - Gals and Kids together, in order to have the whole venue at our disposal.

Hans

original Message -----

From: Johan Marais

To: Hans J P Knop

Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 1:45 PM

Subject: Re: ENTRY FORMS (members amd invited guests) for the The Historical "1st Annual SA Vmax Odyssey Rally"

 Dear Hans, Due to an unfortunate and serious knee injury (not bike related) and surgery to follow, I will be out of action for at least 4 to 6 months. I thus cannot attend the rally. Good luck and hope you guys have a good time.

 Thanks 

Johan Marais

Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 07:23 PM
Hi Johan
Sorry to hear about your knee injury, I wish you a quick and healthy recovery.
I would have loved to meet you at the rally.

Vmaximus greetings

Hans

----- Original Message -----

From: Basie Bothma

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 11:04 AM

Subject: MEMBERS REGISTER. My Profile 

Hi Hans

Visited your site after I realised the need to modify "something" on my Max, as I had, like so many of us at one stage (all of us?), a very pale-face moment. I like what Carl did to his Max, and I will definitely follow suit over time, he really did great with his Maximus. 

Attached, my application and two photo's with me and the kids on my Maximus. I bought her from Raceways (Pretoria) and changed to deep blue/purple. Also fit a rack for a carry box. 

Regards

Basie Bothma

 P.O. Box 6101
Lydenburg, 1120 

Tel/fax: 013 235 3419
Cellphone: 082 776 4577
E-mail: basiebothma@mweb.co.za

----- Original Message -----

From: "JJ van Zyl" <jj@iburst.co.za>

To: "HANS KNOP" <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 6:57 PM

Subject: Thanks

Hans,
I just want to thank you for publishing my letter regarding my handling
problems, on the website, and therefore, gave Carl Talbot, the opportunity
to respond.
And did he!!! He sent me an e-mail, phoned me and even sent me a SMS after a
week, just to hear how it's going!
Thanks Carl. We're lucky to have you in our club!!!
My Max's yoke bearings were a bit dry and over-torqued. Thanks to Carl, the
weave at low speed is gone. Additionally, I modified the standard front
mudguard bracket to operate like a genuine brace. This involved a bit of
machining - but it is working like a dream.
See you all at the Rally.
Groetnis
JJ

----- Original Message -----
From: jjvz@aviation.denel.co.za

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 8:47 AM

Subject: July is Motorcycle awareness month

Hans,

Something to share with your mailing list.

Groetnis

JJ 

 I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.  
But, you didn't see me, put an extra R10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday. 
 
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. 
But, you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.   

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant. 
But, you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hunger relief.  
 
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. 
But, you didn't see me driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.  
 
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. 
But, you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.  
 
I saw you stare at my long hair. 
But, you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.  
 
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. 
But, you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.  
 
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. 
But, you didn't see me cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in  my heart.  
 
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. 
But, you didn't see me going home to be with my family.  
 
I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. 
But, you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.  
 
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. 
But, you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.  
 
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. 
But, you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.  
 
I saw you race down the road in the rain . 
But, you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.  
 
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. 
But, you didn't see me trying to turn right.  
 
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. 
But, you didn't see me leave the road.  
 
I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. 
But, you didn't see me.  
I wasn't there. 
 
I saw you go home to your family. 
But, you didn't see me. 
Because, I died that day you cut me off. 
 
I was just a biker,.....  
A person with friends and a family. 
But, you didn't see me.
~Anonymous~

----- Original Message -----
From: JJ van Zyl

To: 'HANS KNOP'

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 6:34 PM

Subject: RE: Hierdie brief is gerig aan alle Vmaxers en entoesiaste .

Hans,

Waar kan ons inskryf?? EK het nog net nie vandag op die website gekyk vir ‘n vorm nie, want ek was op kursus - maar asb man. Julle gaan nie weet hoeveel gaan bywoon as julle nie ‘n inskrywing/registrasie-vorm het nie.

Gee hom gas!!!

Groete

JJ
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----- Original Message -----
From: Gerrit Dokter

To: Hans Knopp

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 11:00 AM

Subject: V-Max Odyssey Rally

Hi Hans,

Please place my name on the list of V-Maxers that will be attending the first Odyssey V-Max rally in KZN.

I shall share a room with Carl Talbot, and we will be taking the B-Package.

Carl and I will be riding our V-Maxes down to KZN, and we are really looking forward to doing the 2000 plus kms round trip and also meeting like-minded fellow V-Maxers.

Sincerely,

Gerrit Dokter

Pietersburg

Tel 0827444081
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----- Original Message -----
From: Graeme Fisher

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 9:49 AM

Subject: V Max rally 

Hans, I intend to attend the rally however the logistics for me are a bit of a nightmare and due to that I will have to trailer my Max to the rally and no doubt be castigated for being a trailer biker. Please bear this in mind. I will fly out of Zambia on the Thursday afternoon then catch a connecting flight to Pietersburg arriving at 19:00 hrs. I will then have to catch a flight on Monday morning at 08:30 from Pietersburg. The only way I will be able to manage is for my wife and I to share the driving. I want to be there and bear this in mind to support you and the fellow V Maxers in this effort is going to cost in the region of R8000:00 for air fares. An expensive rally so please bear with me. My son and a friend will also attend but they will have to ride a different route as they will be bringing a Suzuki.( Behind for a Suzuki is toooo close). So if you could mail me an entry form so I can send off the money and confirm I would appreciate. Thanks Graham Fisher. P.S. Carl there will be a trailer for when your Max breaks down.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Nardus Cronje

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 10:59 AM

Subject: RE: Hierdie brief is gerig aan alle Vmaxers en entoesiaste .

Hallo daar,VMAX  ENTOESIASTE!

Dankie vir die e-pos. Stem saam dat die eerste VMAX Rally iets besonders gaan wees. Sien uit na die dag om op ThunderMax te klim en ware VMAX entoesiaste te ontmoet en lekker saam te kuier!

 Groetnis vir eers.

Pope.
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----- Original Message -----
From: +27824156752

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 12:45 PM

Hans Fellow Vmaxer, Gerrit (Dok) Dokter and I are leaving wives and kids at home and will take option b . Say the word and we will pay our fees into the account.Regards Carl Talbot
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----- Original Message -----

From: +27824156752

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 6:51 PM

JJ handling problems - Try cleaning(withought removing)the steering bearings and grease.You will probably find them rusted, dry and gummed up with brown sticky gunk.Do not overtighten(or undertighten) the bearing nuts before you lock the lock nut.The tightening procedure known as the Furbur fix generally works. Regards Carl T.
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----- Original Message -----
gfisher@mopani.com.zm
From: Graeme Fisher

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 12:42 PM

Subject: V Max
Hi please could you include me in the profiles. I am battling to download the member application. I live in Zambia however my SA home is in Pietersburg. My info is as follows. Name Graham Fisher  Mufulira Zambia Pietersburg SA Married Date of birth 29/10/1954 1988 V Max four into four exhausts 17 inch rear wheel 18 inch front wheel rear set footrests tail light modified K&N air filter Honda CB900 oil cooler preloaded front forks oil pressure gauge fitted four pot front calipers fitted fly screen fitted crash bobbins fitted. If you check out Bikesa.biz in their galleries under concourse bikes their is a picture of a purple max. That is mine. I have a large collection of different bikes from old to new. Thank you Graham Fisher my e mail is gfisher at mopani dot com dot zm
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Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 17 July 2006 03:30 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Vmax rally
Vmaxers

 Hierdie brief is gerig aan alle Vmaxers en entoesiaste .

 Slegs met julle bywoning sal daar n Vmax samekoms wees.Hierdie samekoms gaan n historiese eerste wees .Ek wil nie dat hierdie historiese gebeurtenis my verbygaan. Ek wil nie tot my latere spyt wag dat iemand anders die eerste tree neem en na die afloop van die rally moet hoor hoe beveredigend dit was en dat ek eers volgende jaar miskien kan oorweeg om te gaan nie. 

Ek wil deel wees van die geskiedenis.Daar sal net een eerste rally wees.Dit gaan verseker nie die grootste rally wees nie.Ek  het al verskeie groot rallys bygewoon maar hierdie is n rally waarvan ek al baie lank droom.

Vir die geharde rallyganger is daar letterlik tientalle rallys wat almal uniek is en sy eie atmosfeer het.Die Vmax rally is nuut.Niemand het al ooit een bygewoon nie.Niemand weet hoe dit gaan wees nie.Jy het egter n geleentyd om deel te word van  die heel eerste gebeurtenis wat van krag tot krag sal groei.Jy sal as Vmaxer en entoesias deel wees van n groep mense met een ding in gemeen het- n entoesiasme vir 2 wiele en varal Vmax, die" baddest" super cruiser wat weier om af te tree.

 Niemand kan 3 maande in die toekoms insien nie.Ek besef dat almal van ons ,ons opsies oophou en verkies om op die laaste minuut ons te verbind tot n gebeurtenis.

Dit is duidelik dat die Vmax rally gaan klein wees.Moet dit groot wees om n sukses te wees? Selfs die grootste gebeurtenisse ontstaan gewoonlik met n kleiner oomblik wat dit aanvuur.

 Ek verbind my nou tot bywoning van die Vmax byeenkoms op 27-29 Oktober 2006.Ek gaan daarheen en terug ry op my Max en tot dusver is daar 2 ander Vmaxers wat op hulle Vmaxes wat mekkaar gaan vergesel.

 Dit sal vir my n belewenis wees om die rally by te woon ,my Vmax badge te verwerf ,om my Vmax T hemp aan te trek en veral om oor yskoue bier kennis te maak met ware Vmaxers.

 Vmaximus 

Carl Talbot   
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From: John van Nieuwenhuizen

Date: 07/18/06 09:38:16

To: Hans Knop

Subject: VMAX RALLY

 Hi Hans

 May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the fantastic job that you are doing for the VMAX community. The site is also very informative and user friendly. I am sure that the guys will come through for you in appreciation.

The VMAX owners that I have spoken to and communicated with are very passionate about their bikes and are keen to trade stories of their experiences at the rally.

I will definitely be attending the rally.

I have 87 sleeps left and counting (down)

Cheers

John

PS Keep one wheel on the tar
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-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 17 July 2006 03:30 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Vmax rally
Hans 

It seems that potential attendees to the Mr Max rally are over the initial surprise and shock that the rally is now dated and placed for Koinonia.The next phase for attendees is their planning and arrangement to get off from work etc.

The most important phase (from the rally organising point of view) is that attendees show their actual ability to attend.Maybe (if I may suggest) you could set aside a special page for those who are definately going to attend in a list form for all others to see.It may encourage those who are still undecided and need a little subtle persuasion.

Since this is such a historic event having your name on this list is in my opinion a very prestigeous thing.In years to come I would be proud to have the attendance badge ,T-shirt and other paraphanalia proving that I attended the very first Vmax rally in South Africa and even in the continent of Africa.All big things invariably have humble beginnings.How about having a certificate on the Vmax logo showing the name of the attendee.

What about an attendance register of sorts with all attendees signing  on a page with the Vmax logo .You can keep the original and maybe scan the document onto the web page so that it can be down loaded off the web page and printed at a later stage after the rally.The rally must be well documented with photographs and lots of pics of all the attendees etc. 

Vmaximus 
Carl Talbot   
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----- Original Message -----

From: jjvz@aviation.denel.co.za

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 1:34 PM

Subject: Roadholding

Hallo Hans,
We shall attend the Vmax rally, me and Ma, and shall settle for option B. I foresee a big festival!
I bought my Max about 3 months ago - a Japanese UF model without V-boost. It's Ok for me, as I had my neck-braking performance when I was quite younger.

I've got a problem with my Max - serious road holding problems. The strangest of it all - she handles normal when cold. As soon as she's getting "hot", that's after about 10 to 15km, I couldn't handle her - not even at 20km/h! I needed the width of one lane to stop at a robot. It feels as if the front tyre has ribs in it - like an old tractor wheel. I fitted a brand-new Michelin Pilot front tyre - with no improvement. After I performed the tasks listed below, she improved at low speeds, but she still isn't up to standard. I read through the forum on your website and did the following:

• I checked the wheel bearings and swing-arm bearings. I especially looked at the swing-arm bearings. There's no play.

• I serviced the front shock - replaced the oil with weight 10 and measured it accurately to ensure the right quantity. At the same time, made sure the pressure in the shock are equal and that the tyre pressure is correct. Very little improvement.

• The frame bolts at the splits were a bit loose and I tightened them. Big improvement but still nervous above 140 - especially when approaching a corner at nearly any speed.

My next step is to brace everything. I am in the process of manufacturing a fork and two frame braces. I plan to go to the Staffie Rally and want her to be perfect at that time.

If somebody at the club have experienced something similar, I would appreciate some advise.
Very nice website and see you all in PMB!

Regards,
JJ
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----- Original Message -----
From: "mail" <mikevr@3dza.co.za>
To: "HANS KNOP" <mail@awol.co.za>
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 7:53 AM
Subject: Re: 1st Annual SA VMax Odyssey Rally 2006

Hi Hans
 
 Thanks for the entry forms, will see u there as i have good friends in warner beach who  might join us although they ride a harley.
 
 Ja my missus was the first to experience the max wheelie and i got a slap on the  helmet, but now she enjoys it as long as i signal for her to hold on hehehe. But don't  try this with a pillion without a sissy bar and if you want to try this i suggest to
 fit the t-boost switch as not to get a nasty surprise when u hit 6000rpm.
 
 We joined the ulysses club in uitenhage as ulysses is international and they are a nice
 bunch to ride with.

 keep well and ride safe.
 Mike 

Ed Burke, the designer of  the VMax, doing this wheelie, and the advice given when this pic was published  "don't try it yourself".

And don't forget Mike's advice about the Sissy Bar.  (editor)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 12 July 2006 12:57 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Vmax rally

Hans

 I am pleased that a date and venue has been set for the rally and take note of the dates.

 I am trying my utmost to keep to my commitment of attending the rally and are re-arranging and re-organising my things so that I will be able to attend the historic get together.

 I am of intention to ride the 1000km to the venue on Mr Max and will not carry a passenger. I will ride this even if I must ride the entire distance on my own.

I am also trying however to mobilise as many Vmaxers as I can and are relatively sure of one other Vmaxer who indicated that he would ride the 1000km to the rally and a further 1000km back.

 The rates and packages seem reasonable and I would opt for the B package.

 Regards

 Carl
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-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Talbot [mailto:carlstalbot@absamail.co.za]
Sent: 12 July 2006 12:57 PM
To: 'mail@awol.co.za'
Subject: Vmax the ultimate timeless supercruiser ?

Vmax the ultimate timeless Supercruiser ?

Vmaxers 

One bike
What is the ultimate  tar road motorbike? If you where asked today to choose one motorcycle and one motorcycle only what would you choose?What if we threw aside  issues like price value and said to you this bike would be the only(last) bike you will ever get to ride and that you will never be able to sell it and get any money from the sale of it ?

New bike regularly to keep up technologically
 Yes I know it is a stupid question.Most people go through many bikes in their lifetimes,in fact I know of several guys who regularly(say every couple of months ) write off (probably not intentionally) their bikes in crashes and replace them with new ones.Other riders simply purchase the the newest model every few years because of whatever reasons they have. 

Vmax-my reasons
What follows hereafter is my personal thoughts and I am a firm believer in free choice and free thinking.I am not going to try and explain why certain motor bikers like the bikes they do and why.I am simply trying to give the reader of these words an insight into my chain of thoughts and  ideas in my mind.

Supercruiser
Among all the groups of two wheelers like sport bikes,super bikes, supertourers,tourers/sport tourers,offroaders,dual purpose bikes,cruisers and super cruisers I choose  the super cruiser.Anyone who knows me and is interested to know my opinion will see that I am an outspoken Vmax fanatic.How is it possible that a mechanical object like Mr Max can evoke such interest and emotion the way this machine does.

At the time I was in the market for a motorbike there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted a cruiser.Love them or hate them ,they draw the most attention from the public in general and is the embodiment of the ultimate freedom-not only of freedom of the open road but also freedom of personal expression.As proof of this you will find that no two cruiser bikes ever looks the same.Each owner has his own individualised idea of his 2 wheeled expression. 

Not all show and no go
On the one hand I had the desire for a typical cruiser chopper that had plenty of show.On the other hand I wanted something that also had the muscle to flex when I wanted to go! That was my criteria.Did such a machine exist?

Attitude,legend,classic
After extensive internet searching and research the Vmax kept jumping out at me.Here was a semi-custom cruiser which kept on being referred to as a "muscle bike","hotrod","badass","hooligan" ,"macho"."legend","classic","icon" etc etc and was being referred to as Mr Max.No motorcycle I had ever heard of was so blatantly, openly  and arrogantly being referred to in this fashion.What was even more amazing was that these were the terms being used by prominent motorcycle writers all over the world.

Timeless
A further astonishing aspect was that from 1984-2005 the Vmax was still in production virtually unchanged.Yes the critics of the Vmax had twenty years of new technology bikes to measure the Vmax against.This did not concern me too much,if anything it made me even more curious.Why did this bike endure for so long when the average shelf life of a motorcycle nowadays is hardly a few years(sometimes even 12 months before it is reworked and improved).

Other power cruisers
Undoubtedly the Max was the first power cruiser even before anyone new what a power cruiser was.The Vmax belonged in a league of its own .Even when other manufacturers started making faster cruisers-the so called power cruisers,Vmax was still in a league of its own.The Vmax is a super cruiser and it was only in 2001,more than 17 years after the Vmax was released that Harley Davidson released the Vrod.The similarity in certain design aspects that Vrod has with the Vmax is uncanny.I was once told that  the owner of a Vrod was asked if he knew how the Vrod got its name.The Vrod owner said he did not know and he was told that Harley was so impressed with the Vmax that they called their bike a Vrod.Needless to say the Vrod owner was not impressed.Another similarity that the Vrod shares with the Vmax is the underseat tank-maybe a coincidence.Triumph followed in 2004 with the Rocket 3 and the super cruiser class was official.These bikes are all sit up straight cruisers that can run quarter milers in under 11 seconds and run speeds above 220 km/h.It is however a historic fact that Vmax started the super cruiser division long before there were any other contenders to this part of the market and even in its original form will not be outperformed by the new technology super cruisers.   

Real world riding
This brings me back to my Vmax.How does the Vmax shape up in the real world of motorcycling.By real world I mean short rides,long rides,cornering and highway riding,with passenger and luggage.In my opinion all Yamaha need to do is fit the Vmax with radial tyres and solid engine mounts.

With this done on my bike I have ridden with various crowds of riders and various types of bikes.
I have not once felt outpaced ,outperformed or outclassed.I must tell you that when you are in a crowd of 20-30 sport bikes one can tend to feel a little out of place and overwhelmed.Cruisers do not generally keep company with sportier bikes and  cruisers are passed with impunity by sport bike riders only to disappear in the distance..Many sport bike riders are surprised and even horrified to see a Vmax with rider sitting straight up, feet forward and running in their fast company.As I said in the real world of corners ,traffic and road rules the Vmax can  hold its own with the new bikes.Are there any other bikes twenty years and older that can still do this in the same way that the Vmax can.I have also on several occasions used the Vmax to go touring with a pillion and luggage and once again,no problem.I generally do not find the 15 l fuel tank restrictive when riding at touring pace and prefer to not ride for stretches of more than 90 minutes at a time.My fuel stops take less time than a smoke break and if I wanted ultimate fuel economy I would be riding a 125cc scooter.

Why would I replace my Vmax with something else ?
I suppose the most obvious reason is that its old and tired and shabby looking and no longer in style.Not all Vmaxes are in showroom condition and may have been neglected.It is often an easy way out to simply purchase a brand new bike with factory warrantees etc.Take note that even new bikes need to be cleaned maintained and polished and there will always be a passionate Maxer who will take an "old" Vmax and restore it to its former glory.Certainly my Max on purchase was cosmetically neglected.Soap,water polish paint and elbow grease can work wonders.I sorted out all  Mr Max's quirks and am now a true enthusiast.Below the cosmetics Vmaxes are solidly engineered and give no mechanical problems.So what is preventing me from purchasing a brand new 2006 model bike.A new bike will set you back more than R100 000. With that type of cash I could purchase 3 imported Vmaxes.The other side of things is attitude and presence.A Vmax oozes presence and attitude and like it or not the Vmax is universally awed by fans and others alike.

Attitude and spirit
The Vmax does not only carry the Vmaxer physically it also carries the rider on a higher level of emotional and spiritual well being.The rush and adrenaline fever is like very little else on this planet.I am an avid reader of bike magazines and eagerly read up and study the performance levels and road tests of all road bikes.Yes there are faster bikes,yes there are lighter bikes ,yes some corner faster and handle better, yes there are bikes that carry more fuel and are more fuel efficient,yes there are bikes that easily wheelie and do stoppies,yes there are bikes bursting with new technology and I agree that there are certain bikes that outperform the Vmax in a given situation like racing around a track or circuit -this is to be expected of bikes with a 21 year technological advantage.One aspect that the Vmax still rules supreme is attitude that is still backed by enough muscle.Vmax is not a copy of any style and no style can never go out of style.Anyone who believes that the Vmax is a puppy does not know what they are talking about.In my opinion the only thing that limits the original Vmax are both rubber related.Upgrade to modern radial tyres and replace the rubber engine mounts with solid metal mounts and no more wobbles ,frame flexing or any other problems.I have also noticed that the average Vmax pilot is above average in body build,weight etc.In this regard I found that as a person weighing 96kg that fork oil of 15wt really improved things too.   

So do I feel outperformed,outclassed,outgunned and outdated with an "old technology" Vmax-not a chance,in the real world of biking and if you choose to ride that way, the Vmax will not get left behind on a ride and will run with most modern bikes any day !

Vmax is alive and well

Vmaximus

Carl Talbot
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----- Original Message -----

From: "Jacobus Byloo" <Jacobus.Byloo@eskom.co.za>

To: <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 9:42 AM

Subject: rally

 hi hans
 it s great news to hear that things have progressed so much.
 have you got info about the site , regarding accommodation etc.
 already.  as well as entry forms etc.
 the date is a nice time i think. i am looking forward to see the pics
 of that  limited max, it must be damn nice, would not mind if it was parked  in  my garage  looking forward to meet you guys at the rally
 cheers
 kobie
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----- Original Message -----

From: QuickStartIT

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 8:09 PM

Hi Hans

I’m really glad to see the web site updates coming through again.

A little news is that I had a new starter clutch installed and clutch master cyl kit and clutch seal kit. And new fork seals. This was done on my blue/purple VMAX. Now all is well… This bike is up for sale now, if anyone you know is interested. The money will be invested heavily in my Big Green Monster VMAX.

I’m looking forward to the Rally coming up soon..

Cheers

Carl Dickason

QuickStartIT cc.

Carl_dickason@quickstartit.co.za

082 8705539
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  ----- Original Message -----

From: John van Nieuwenhuizen

To: Hans Knop

Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 12:45 PM

Subject: Buy and Sell

 Hi Hans

How are you keeping?  I trust you had a pleasant break.

The MAX is going well with the solid mounts and 17" step up. Handling is unbelievable. All that Carl Talbot describes in his letters is verified day after day.

You know how it is when you travel the same road regularly one gets accustomed to the line you have to take to avoid the bumps etc. Well, the bumps are now totally absorbed and not a factor since doing the conversion. While doing the exercise I was wondering if it was all worth it. Yesterday I travelled from Port Elizabeth to Port Alfred to watch the Power Boat GP on the Kowie river and went through a few tight corners at speed without hesitation. Coming out on the other side feeling quite exhilarated was just reward for the money spent. Not to mention the confidence boost.

Hans, last week I sold the stainless steel radiator side covers to Enrico Loots, another VMAX member from PE. I have now sold my items on the Buy and Sell and also purchased the rim and sissy bar as displayed on the I Want site.

You can now change the site accordingly. Thank you again.

Cheers

John
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----- Original Message -----

From: John van Nieuwenhuizen

To: Hans Knop

Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 8:55 AM

Subject: VMAX RIM STEP UP - WIDEN- POLISH

Hi Hans

As I told you I had sent my standard rear rim to Hi Tech Mag Repairs in Alrode for the 17 inch conversion.

Well, let me tell you the service and workmanship was 5 Star. I live in Port Elizabeth and you I am not accustomed to this level of service.

I can recommend these guys to all other VMAX enthusiasts.

Cheers

John
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NB: This email and its contents are subject to the Eskom Holdings Limited EMAIL LEGAL NOTICE

which can be viewed at http://www.eskom.co.za/email_legalnotice

------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi hans
the max is still going ok, just changed the speedocable, which broke off for some reason,and battery that does not seem to last.
i am finding that when the battery starts to go , that the bike starts to
revlimit at appr.6000 rpm, and when i change it my problem dissapears.
i think that when you put entryforms out , or in the bike sa,you should
state that it is an exclusive V-MAX rally, to rule out any misunderstandings.
i however feel the same way about it as you do. i think it is importent
to have it exclusive, because after all it is about V-MAX ES and not anything else.
cheers
kobie
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----- Original Message -----

From: Pastor Pieter van Wyk

To: VMAX Hans Knop

Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:31 AM

Subject: VMAX

Beste Hans
Baie dankie vir die advertensie in die Maart en April BikeSA aangaande die VMAX Liefling. Ek is 'n eienaar en een van die groot liefhebbers van die VMAX motorfiets. 

Ja, ek stel belang om deel te wees van wat julle wil doen. My enigste probleem is dat ek nie altyd beskikbaar is om saam te ry en die VMAX te geniet nie. Waar ek kan sal ek altyd ondersteun en deel wees. Indien julle dit so kan aanvaar, reken my in. 

Hoor graag van julle. 

Pieter van Wyk
Carolina - Mpumalanga.
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----- Original Message -----

From: "Carl Talbot" <carlstalbot@absamail.co.za>

To: <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Friday, March 31, 2006 10:44 AM

Subject: MILEAGE ON RADIAL TYRE

Hans
 
I have now finally used up the rear Michelin Macadam 100 (180/55 X 17") and
replaced it with a Michelin Pilot Road tyre of the same size.Both are
essentially sport touring tyres that give excellent handling and good
mileage.
 
Many would be inquisitive to know how it compared to the original bias ply
tyre.Well I retired the Macadam at 9600 km when it had exactly 1 mm of tread
remaining.It was the same  type of mileage I made on Bridgestone 170/80 X
15" cross ply tyre.
 
My riding style stayed generally the same on both types of tyres.Most of the
riding was done long distance at highish speeds and with bouts of
hooliganistic Vboost acceleration (never doughnuts).I never  excessively
abused the tyre however I admit that the radial tyre worked hard keeping  to
the engine power in Vboost mode and radial tyres allowed me to go to safely
to higher performance levels than was possible on the cross ply tyres.
 
I like using vboost and hardly ever ride without grabbing a handfull of
throttle and feeling that Vmax kick in the pants.Furthermore I always use
engine braking to slow the Max down before corners which does also
accelerate wear.Coming out of corners I also enjoy using V boost to
accelerate(carefully !).The front tyre is still very good and will last for
the entire life of the new replacement rear tyre.
 
What I enjoyed the most however was the total control and comfort of the
radial tyre.Also the bias ply tyre generally wears down in the middle and
very little on the sides.The radial wears more evenly towards the outside
and  does not square off so badly as the cross ply tends too.There seems to
be  a bigger contact patch on the road with a radial even when leaning in
corners and more in line with modern sport touring bikes as far as tyre
handling goes.The radial offers heaps more grip in the wet and dry.
 
Do I regret going on the radial tyres- no, the enjoyment comfort and
handling is worth it .Do  I want a fatter rear tyre-no not on a bike that
corners and generally it is accepted that there is little performance
benefit in fatter than 190 mm  rear tyres-if anything too fat (like 240mm)
hampers cornering performance.
 
I confirm once again that I do not advocate racing your mates to see who
gets there first-Mr. Max is not a sport bike in tight corners and never will
be.What I do say is that generally speaking you will have a safer bike on
tyres that can handle the engine and road far better than the outdated cross
ply tyres.
 
Velocitas est Vmax
Carl    
 

go to  Technical Tips to read Carls article on
RADIAL PLY TYRES ON A YAMAHA Vmax ?
Old school muscle on modern tyres?
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----- Original Message -----

From: Marthinus Lee

To: mail@awol.co.za

Cc: HANS KNOP

Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 12:00 PM

Subject: VMAX RALLY, NUMBERS ETC

Dear Hans
Thanks for an excellent website.
I have really enjoyed scrolling through it and was
pleasantly surprised to see my name under the profiles.
Here is some more info on myself to make the profile more
accurate.

I hope to be able to forward you a photo soon.
With regards to the rally I think the location of the venue
will due to distance always be a compromise. I hope I
am not stating the obvious but a VMAX Rally badge is
a definite must. It will instil a sense of pride and will
definitely be the envy of the rest of the biking fraternity. 

Thanks again for a great site.
Vmaximus Greetings 

Marthinus 
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Life as seen from behind 'bars
by Dennis Droppa of "The Star Motoring"

Several hundred motorcyclists gathered at the Sasol service station in Pinehaven on Sunday to show their support for the Think Bike road safety campaign. Volunteers handed out the campaign's bright yellow leaflets and bumper stickers to bikers and motorists to create awareness in a bid to try and make the roads a safer place.

A primary focus is encouraging car drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists.
Almost every biker in an accident with another vehicles will have heard the inevitable "But I didn't see you". A number of studies show that an alarming number of motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles.
"We as bikers, cannot expect motorists to consider our safety if we don't help them understand what the roads are like from our point of view, from behind the handlebars," said a spokesperson for the campaign.
The campaign offer the following advice to road users:

WHAT CAN I DO, AS A BIKER?
* Be seen.
Accidents can be significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (it is in any case a legal requirement to ride with them in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility clothing.

* Get some training.
Many motorcyclists  were self-taught or learned from friends. Motorcycle -rider-training experience reduces accident involvement.

* Wear protective clothing.
It (apart from the helmet) probably won't save your life, but is can save you months of pain, skin grafts and surgery.

WHAT CAN I DO, AS A MOTORIST?
* Bikes are closer than you think.
Motorcycles are smaller than other road users. To the untrained eye this makes them appear to be further away. When you see a bike approaching, always look again before you judge the distance.
There is always less time than you think.

* Bikes move fast.
Motorcycles usually move more quickly than most other vehicles. Not necessarily because they are speeding, but because they are able to accelerate more quickly than a car.
Incidentally, many bikers prefer to accelerate out in front of other traffic simply because they don't feel safe with cars and other large vehicles around them.
Remember even a light bump can knock a bike to the ground, causing massive injury and damage.

* Lane splitting is legal . Have you ever seen motorcycles riding between cars on a highway, feeding trough traffic jams? As long as this is done responsibly, it is completely legal, and even encouraged by traffic authorities. Blocking the path of a filtering motorcycle is illegal and dangerous.
The same holds at traffic lights. A courteous driver will never try to deliberately block a motorcyclist's path. Pleas let them trough, they'll be gone before you know it.

* Please don't try to share a lane with a motorcycle.
When a car is moving close to a motorcycle at speed, the slightest mistake on the part of either the motorist or the biker can lead to instant death.

So What Can I Do?
It's simple.
Think Bike.
Consciously look out for motorcycles, and give them a little space.
If  you see an oncoming headlight, rather wait a few seconds then kill an innocent road user. Bikers are people too, and don't deserve to die just because they choose an alternative means of transport. More info at www.thinkbike.co.za
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----- Original Message -----

From: QuickStartIT

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 11:57 AM

Subject: VMaxer Profiles

Good day Hans
Please add my profile.

I was shown this web site by John van N. This is a great idea. There are so many MAX owners out there and it is really good to have a place, locally, where we can come together and share our joys and experience.

I have a 1FK... The best bike I've ever had.

She is Candy Red, has a PowerFlow system and HiFlo filters (just fitted this week). I've also done a clutch mod to reduce the drag.

The clutch mod is a cheapy that can be done if you have a worn clutch an little cash and it makes a huge difference. I did it more out of curiousity, to see what the fuss was about, than anything else. All it takes is to replace the first friction plate, which is a half sized one, with a full sized one. As easy as that. Of course a new gasket, master cyl kit, oil and filter is a good idea at the same time. And soak those old friction plates in some Coke. I believe that the Coke cleans off some of the muck.

Other than that I've only fitted the filters, removing the airbox, and a 170/15 Bridgestone. Later today I'm getting a new regulator, as per the recommendation on this web site, to sort out my charging/starting problem.

I'm just waiting for a bit of rain now so I can test the filters in the wet. So far there is an improvement in noise quality.... but other than that I can't say that it does anything. I am fabricating an oil tank/collector out of stainless to catch any potential blow by. I don't have an airbox anymore.

THINGS TO DO:
Furber Fix - Frame Braces - Spot Lights - Forward Controls - Screen.

Thank You
Carl Dickason
P.E. Strugglers M.C.
Framesby Ext.
Port Elizabeth
cell: 0828705539
email: carl_dickason@quckstartit.co.za
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----- Original Message -----

From: Jacobus Byloo

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 11:05 AM

Subject: v-max info

Hi Hans

Some info on myself and my max.  birth date -19/05/1963. I am residing in Volksrust in Mpumalanga. I am a fitter and turner by trade, but at present  involved in the quality field. I enjoy  fishing and of course motorcycling , going to rallies and off-roading. My wife enjoys motorcycling as well , and rides her own bike, a Yamaha Virago 750.

MY V-MAX

maufacture-1996(metallic blue)

bought in 1999 with appr. 3800km on the clock

present km. about 32000km . As you can see , I have used it.

This you probably will not believe, travelling at 120-140 km/hr, loaded for a rally 2-up I still manage to get 18.6km/l. I have done as well as 21km/l doing around 110km/hr

I ride bridgestone battleaxe front and rear. about 13000-15000km on a rear tyre, front a lot more.

I hope this information is helpful

A rally in the valley of a thousand hills sounds great, as I am a Natal boy of heart , born in Ladysmith and grown up in Colenso.

regards

Kobie.  

----- Original Message -----

From: Jacobus Byloo

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 9:55 AM

Subject: v-max

 Hi Hans

As for my consumption, it is true. my max however is the japanese model, with the upgraded forks and front discs.

It also came without the V-BOOST, something I would have liked, but power there is enough.

I had my max dynotuned by Cobra bikes in newcastle, and went for consumption rather than power, which is likely why it is so light on fuel.

Top -end was not really affected, as I have had it on 240km/hr on the clock twice, but hell it was scary.

regards

Kobie.

ps. do you know of someone who can re-chrome the stanchions on front forks. Mine has some marks on them, and I have to replace my top seals about every 6 months.

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----- Original Message -----

From: VAN RENSBURG Mike

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 1:37 PM

Subject: My Max &  v-max rally

Hi Hans

I’m Mike van rensburg I live in Uitenhage port Elizabeth and own a very nice 1997 v-max.I have fitted stabilizer bars, dropped my front forks by 1.5” done the furbur fix to the steering  to help the handling but the best result I got was to replace the Bridgestone tires with Michelin commanders, taking sweeps at 180kmh two up is now a pleasure. Is there some one in sa that can modify rear wheel rims to 17”? from what I’ve read the 17” Rear wheel and the swing arm brace is the best to improve handling.

It’s about time to get all v-maxers together and from what I’ve heard Cape Town probably have the most v-max owners, but you should see where the most replies come from before you decide on a venue. I will attend a v-max rally even if it’s in kzn.
Regards
Mike Van Rensburg
Cad-Cam Manager
Comau Press Tools & Parts (Pty) Ltd.
Tel: +27 41 995 3866
Fax:+27 41 995 3835
Mobile: 082 8883898
E-mail: mike.vanrensburg@comau.co.za

----- Original Message -----

From: VAN RENSBURG Mike

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 3:09 PM

Hi Hans

I’ve met up with john van Nieuwenhuizen at the garden route Ulysses run in January, he promoted your site and it’s great to meet v-max riders who is enthusiastic about their bikes.

In my previous letter I gave some mods I did to my max but failed to mention the highway bars, sissy bar and then for some fun I fitted a switched v-boost kit that opens boost from 3000rpm when I need it. It sounds great too!!

 On the stock exhaust system I drilled the five rivets at the rear out to half inch holes thru the cover plate and riveted the plate again in between the new holes, this gives the bike a nice roar and drag sound. Before you go out and replace your standard pipes (if they are still good) with expensive after market pipes try this mod, I had my v-max on dyno at the rhino rally last year and another gent had paid R3000+ for a four into one pipe but only gained one horse power and one kph on top end more than mine (with standard pipes drilled out).The dyno showed 136hp at 8000rpm and 251kph on top end. My rear tire was almost smooth and I think it was due to this that the reading was less than the other max with a fairly new tire.

On my airbox I drilled two dia 20mm holes in the y-piece but that makes no difference unless you fit a k-n filter, shim the needles and tie the slider diaphragm spring in the cv carbs by three wires down to make it slightly shorter. On this mod I noticed a carb blowback when the throttle is blipped, and I’ve now set it back to standard as the performance was almost unchanged.   

And please only run your max on unleaded because it was build and timed for it, you are just wasting money on leaded and fouling up the working parts.

I bought my max thru a shop in Pretoria east called raceway international (bike sa) and I took the max for a spin and loved it, then the wife got on the back and she screamed all the way thru the acceleration, she said if she was going to ride with me she needs a sissy bar and luckily for us they had one in the store room.

But if you need spares they are very helpful and quick, I had my clutch plates disintegrated during a show off (R1000 bucks lesson not to drag when the motor is hot) and got the new plates three days later by courier.

Feel free to post the letters and any comments on them.
Regards

Mike Van Rensburg

----- Original Message -----

From: MAIL AWOL

To: MIKE van RENSBURG

Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 9:54 PM

Subject: 1st Historical "Annual SA VMax Odyssey Ralley"

Hi Mike
Thanks for your interesting letters.
I will publish them on our site.
John mentioned you in one of his mails.
Your Mr Max really looks nice.
You haven' been on our site yet ?

There is another dedicated and very knowledgeable VMaxer living in Pietersburg by the name of Carl Talbot. He has done a lot of research about Maxes on the internet.  He has  sent me quite a few interesting articles to be published on our site, some are published on the Letters Page and the technical ones on the Technical Tips Page. The one about tyres on VMaxes and his conversion you might find interesting. There is an advert on the Technical Tips Page from Smith's Motorcycles Kyalami where Carl bought his 17" wheel from. He raves about the improvement it made to his bike when he changed from Cross Ply tyres to Radials. When you do such a conversion you might not need a swing-arm brace.

When I bought the bike, the previous owner who had a bike exhaust and silencer business, had a specially designed single pipe fitted. It gave a rough unsophisticated sound. Luckily they still had the originals which they then put back on the bike for me. Afterwards I drilled five 13 mm holes at the end of each silencer, which gave me, in my opinion, a nice sophisticated sound. Although it is all a question of taste. Some people like Chopin music and others like hip-hop or whatever.

I am glad to hear that you had some good readings of your Max on the Dyno.

One of Carls letters on "The Letters Page" describes all the improvements he made to his bike, for example he replaced the rubber engine mounts with solid ones, also got a switch for the V boost and removed the Y from the airbox, shimmed  the needles with copper washers, etc. etc.

I have attached the 1st Historical "Annual SA VMax Odyssey Rally" Web page for your perusal.

Please don't hesitate to mail us your ideas and/or suggestions to help us making this event an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Cheers
Hans Knop
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From: MAIL AWOL [mailto:mail@awol.co.za]
Sent: 25 January 2006 13:42
To: THE STAR Dennis Droppa
Subject: NEW BIKE SALES WIND UP TO 80S' HEYDAYS - A MISNOMER ?

Wednesday, 25 January 2006.
The Star Motoring
The Editor
Mr D Droppa

Dear Dennis

New bike sales wind up to 80s' heydays. The Star Motoring 19 January 2005.

In the article it is mentioned "The last time more than 40 000 bikes were sold was in 1983 when 47 780 units found new owners."

I could be wrong with my interpretation of the above and other facts in the article.

• * First of all, you  might agree or disagree with me, a Quad Bike also called an ATV is not a Motorcycle (a vehicle on two-wheels).

• * I am sure the 47 780 units sold in 1983 where for 99% Motorcycles, as there were only a few Quads on the market.

• * When we deduct the amount of 21 790 Quads sold in 2005 from the total units of 41 662 sold, there were only 19 872 Motorcycles sold in 2005 which is confirmed in the same article by Andre van Rooyen, national director of AMID the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors.

Taking all the above facts into consideration one would say: last years Motorbike dealers Total Sale of UNITS came close to the 1983 figures of MOTORCYCLES ONLY sold - but still last year MOTORCYCLE sales are  far below the MOTORCYCLE sales of 1983.
Kind regards
Hans Knop

PS
I really enjoy your weekly supplement of The Star Motoring, there are always interesting articles for Bikers as well as Motorists.
Keep it up, it only can get better.

----- Original Message -----

From: Denis Droppa

To: MAIL AWOL

Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 10:45 AM

Subject: RE: NEW BIKE SALES WIND UP TO 80S' HEYDAYS - A MISNOMER ?

Thanks for your e-mail. You're right that two wheeler sales last year were much lower than in 1983, but the market tends to class quads as motorcycles. I guess it depends on whether you class a motorcycle as a two-wheeler or a vehicle that has handlebars instead of a steering wheel.

Regards
Denis Droppa
Editor The Star Motoring
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----- Original Message -----

From: Carl Talbot

To: 'MAIL AWOL'
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 9:07 AM

Hans

Your site is a great idea and forum for Vmax owners in South Africa and is certainly a first web page in South Africa.

It would be great to obtain a data base of all Vmax owners with a view to meetings, gatherings and sharing of ideas and interests concerning the Vmax.

The idea of a Vmax rally is a good one and I would be very interested in attending. Concerning a venue it would probably not be possible to find a venue that would suit everyone. Unfortunately it can only be held at one place and one might find that although many wish to attend ,the distance, time and expense might not allow all to attend.

That should however not be a total bar against organising such an event. Feedback and interest would probably indicate the feasibility of such a venture. It would however be great for me to attend such a historic first time event in this country and I will do everything in my ability to attend and to mobilise other Vmaxers in my area to attend.

Looking forward to a future Vmax rally and being part of an organised Vmax community.

Regards 

Carl Talbot-Pietersburg ,Limpopo Province 
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----- Original Message -----

From: Carl Talbot

To: mail@awol.co.za

Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 2:20 PM

 Fellow Vmaxers
Consider the following functional mods that I found beneficial 

-Adjustable fly screen/fairing-enables you to sit up straight and comfortable at any speed for any distance

- Sissy bar-a pillion passenger generally sits more comfortably.When going to a rally you can tie a barrel bag to the sissy bar.I have done various rallies this way and had packed tent,sleeping bag,camping chair and as much other clothes and goodies that can fit into a barrel bag.

-Saddlebags-slung over the rear seat- you have increased packing space 

-Engine/frame protectors-if the bike topples over your bike will survive -add flip up footpegs and you can cruise comfortably feet forward cruiser style

-Better breathing better performance -Remove y from airbox,shim needles with copper washers,K&N filter and slip on free flow exhausts--loud pipes save lives

-Clutch-Add extra diaphragm clutch spring and  1 bigger clutch plate-known as double D mod- clutch really bites without slip when at maximum horsepower

- Vboost on/off and Vboost on at 6000rpm or 3000 rpm switch-at high speed in 5th you can switch off Vboost(maybe for better mileage) and at pull away Vboost can be activated with more powerfull pull away in first gear or more powerful midrange-known as Tboost

-Solid metal engine mounts-replaces rubber mounts that become tired and allow engine to twist in the frame-solid mounts make engine part of the frame and sturdy up the frame and increases handling

-Radial tyres-replace cross ply tyres with 17" rear radials-in my opinion the first mod that should be done on a Vmax.
* read the Radial Ply Tyres article at the Technical Tips page !

Regards

Carl Talbot
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From: MAIL AWOL
To: John van Nieuwenhuizen
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 10:06 PM
Subject: V MAX

Hi John
Glad to hear your frame and fork braces work well. And thanks for the nice pix. I envy you with those nice braces, looks very professionally made. Did you make them  yourself ?

  Wish I had been in contact with you at the time your were making those braces, we then perhaps could have made a plan for 2 sets to be made.

Maybe your bike is different than my bike as I have never experienced any problems during acceleration, and I am talking about accelerating from 0 to 100kms in 3 seconds.

Your forks seems to move only about 2 to 3 cms, a big difference with my one moving about 12 cms up and down. Now I am  wondering, is your front suspension not to bumpy? (John had progressive fork springs fitted - Editor)

I have pumped my front forks to 70Kpa, which has improved the roadholding but makes for a more bumpy ride. I always keep my tyres at 250Kpa which also improves the roadholding, but there again, the ride is a bit more bumpy. The roadholding improves a lot when I carry my wife as a passenger, but she starts hitting me when I get a bit enthusiastic when taking corners at interesting speeds.

As you might know, tyres can also make a big difference, I have Bridgestone tyres fitted.

 Reminds me of the old VW beetle, people carried sand bags in the front boot to improve the road holding.
Cheers Hans

From: John van Nieuwenhuizen
To: Hans Knop
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 8:46 AM
Subject: V MAX

 Hi Hans
I had a good laugh when I read your mail. I have the same experience with my wife. She also plays bongo drums on my back. I recently went on a breakfast run with the Church. A group of about 50 bikes participated.  There were a couple of speedsters in the group and I set out after them.  When we stopped for a cooldrink my wife got off the bike and could not walk properly. She found that her heels on her boots had melted off as she had them resting on the silencers. She was not impressed.

I did make the braces myself. I have been looking at the examples on the internet and decided to give it a go.

I do not have air in my front shocks. When fitting the progressive fork springs the manufacturer suggests you use oil. Which I did. I too have bridgestones on my bike. I also find that with my wife on the bike makes for better road holding. I do not find the ride too bumpy. I have 2.5 pressure up front and 2.8 at the rear. My rear damper is set on 3 and the shock is also set on 3.

I read on the internet that when a Max is tested on the dyno at full torqe the frame can twist up to 25 mm. I intend keeping my Max for a while so I play it save and do some minor changes as suggested. It also keeps the mind occupied. I have just ordered a 7" headlight and on off switch from www.vmaxbits.co.uk Check the pics.
Speak soon
Cheers
John
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The following letter was  published in the November 2005  BIKE SA issue.

VMax Praise And CDI Wanted.
Enjoyed the article on the VMax but unfortunately I am having   some problems. Apparently the CDI of the bike is different to those exported to SA and  is thus classified as a grey import! I need to get it fixed or fit pedals!  do you have any contact details?
I would also really like some details to join an appropriate club in Natal. This is  the best bike I have ever owned. it provides me with the perfect ride; I am 53 and like to cruise and drive about town normally very slowly, listening to the growl.  The seating position is excellent for the older generation. Only two problems - one the small  fuel tank, and now the CDI.
Thanks. kuhrauj@iwcc.durban.gov.za
 

Our Editor responded with the following letter.

Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 2:03 PM
Subject: VMax
Hi
I read your letter in this months BIKE SA.
I am also the proud owner of a VMax.
Unfortunately I cannot help you with your CDI problem.
I presume you live in the Durban area, looking at your email address.
There are 2 Yamaha dealers in Durban have you tried them?
You also can get one from overseas, Cees Cornwall - in Holland specializes in VMaxes, check his nice informative site @ http://members.chello.nl/c.cornwall/Home.html
There are a lot of bike clubs in the Durban area who are always on the look_out for new members. You have to try a few, depending on the kind of crowd you want to mix with. There is the Wheels club , I did a breakfast run with them last year April, and they are nice guys. The chairman rides one of those big BMW touring bikes and there is also one member with a VMax. Below some pix.
You can contact Ron Springer
ron.marianne@absamail.co.za  0828220759 for more info. 
I am a member of The Harley Davidson Club of SA in Durban, you might wonder why? but that's another story.
Kind regards
Hans Knop

----- Original Message -----

From: "Johan Kuhrau" <kuhrauj@iwcc.durban.gov.za>

To: <mail@awol.co.za>

Sent: Monday, November 07, 2005 1:50 PM

Subject: Re: VMax

Thank you for the trouble to respond to my letter in the Bike S A.
I never knew they were going to publish my letter!
It was a nice surprise to receive so many letters and to know that the bikers took the trouble to respond
Somehow your name came up when I spoke to my boss Keith Matthais who seems to know all about you!
Thanks for the information
Very interesting
I am waiting for the mechanic in Johannesburg who hopes to fix the bike and then I will let you know what happens and if not I will take your information further
Thanks again for responding, also with the information about the clubs!

----- Original Message -----

From: "Johan Kuhrau" <kuhrauj@iwcc.durban.gov.za>

To: <lancem@3i.co.za>; <mail@awol.co.za>; <anthony@mitaka.co.za>

Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 2:30 PM

Subject: V Max
Hi
Just to let you know my Max is going and I took it from jhb to durban
went well and got 11 and half litres fuel and  did 170 kms!!!
received interesting e mail from John which I am forwarding to you as well
Cheers Johan

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>>> "John van Nieuwenhuizen" <john.olbro@tiscali.co.za> 11/21/05 12:40 PM >>>
Hi Johan
My Max looks exactly like the one on the left I downloaded this picture

 from the products page at www.vmaxchat.com I do not know if you have seen the gallery of V Max's on the site but do yourself a favour and go look at the history and such..
I have a full power V Boost model regiatered 1997. California model 143 HP
I have fitted a Frame Brace - Fork Brace and Progressive front fork springs to help sort out the noodling when the V Boost kicks in at 6000 rpm.
for pix go to Technical Tips/ Frame - Fork & Swing-Arm Braces
You must hang on as it goes from 160 to 200 in a few seconds. Before you realise it you are flying. The first time out without the braces I had to change my shorts. I have had the radiator grille cut at the local laser engineering shop. I made the frame and fork braces myself.
The small tank is a pain, But it can be overcome at a price. Exactrep in the UK make a tank ( 6 litres)  that replaces the air filter cover (tank top) but it is too expensive to get out here because of the exchange rate.
I recently travelled from Port Elizabeth (Home) to the Rhino and stopped 18 times there and back in total for juice, I had to stop at nearly every town as I was not sure how far my tank would get me. I averaged 12 kilos to the litre. I did about 1850 km in total I was travelling with guys on superbikes and used the V Boost quite often
Where did you get your CDI (for future reference?)
I have a Highway screen on mine that allows me to comfortably sit at 180 without being blown off. I bought it from MRA Shields in JHB
I fitted a belly pan as well but the small stones chipped it quite badly so I removed it.
I have also fitted a K + N filter
I have stainless steel powerflow twin pipes (kerker replica) that growl like a V 8, never fails to turn heads.
I am now looking for a decent carrier system.
Speak to you again
Cheers
John