To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary Yamaha VMAX, Yamaha partnered with JvB-Moto to create a unique Yard Built tribute to this iconic power cruiser.
This special project honors three decades of VMAX heritage while reimagining the bike with a bold custom look and drag-inspired attitude.
At over 300 kg, the VMAX is not the typical base bike JvB-Moto would normally choose for customization. However, the VMAX is different. Its raw power delivery is addictive — once you experience the brutal acceleration, the weight simply disappears from your mind. That sensation of overwhelming torque and instant response became the emotional foundation of the entire build.
The goal of the project was to highlight the VMAX’s natural dragster DNA. When you launch the VMAX hard, you immediately feel the full force of its engine. JvB-Moto wanted the design to visually communicate this aggressive, straight-line power. The muscular stance, compact tail section, and minimalist bodywork all reinforce the impression of a focused drag machine ready to sprint.
The “30 years of VMAX” theme is reflected throughout the design. The custom air-intake scoops are inspired by the first-generation VMAX from the 1980s, paying homage to the original model. The color scheme is based on the Yamaha GP race team livery from 1985, connecting the build to Yamaha’s racing history and performance legacy.
This motorcycle is a true one-off build — only a single example will ever be produced. It is planned to tour major motorcycle shows together with Yamaha, giving fans around the world the chance to see this anniversary VMAX in person.
Almost every visual area of the bike has been reworked. The front mudguard is handcrafted from aluminum, while the headlight, tail unit, tank cover, and wheel covers are made from lightweight carbon fiber. The handlebars are modified LSL aftermarket clip-ons, and the bike features Motogadget indicators along with an Autometer rev counter, the kind of professional equipment normally seen in American drag racing. The airbox and electronics have been heavily modified, and a new aluminum subframe and fuel tank positioned under the seat further transform the layout of the machine.
The air-intake scoops were specially manufactured using stock aluminum parts from the original 1980s VMAX, blending past and present in a single design element. The exhaust system has also been reworked with a custom 4-into-1 collector paired with a Termignoni silencer, emphasizing both performance and sound.
Special thanks go to Basi and von Maze from Amadeüsss Speed Shop for their support, as well as Star Graphics Cologne for the outstanding paintwork that completes this striking 30th-anniversary Yamaha VMAX build.
