Modified Yamaha V-Max Is Murdered-Out and Packed Full of Tasty Bits

That’s clearly not the sort of guy you’d want to cross, and he was in search of an equally touch custom ride.

The project's basis came in the form of a Yamaha V-Max from 1998, which seemed very appropriate for the man who would eventually become its owner. With the bike delivered to his shop, Chris first sought to improve its handling characteristics by replacing the OEM forks. The inverted alternatives of a Yamaha FZR1000 are now tasked with managing suspension duties up north.

They’re held in place via custom triple clamps, and the same FZR also donated its front three-spoke wheel and brake calipers to Motocrew’s cause. On the other hand, the front rotors are wave-style aftermarket parts of the highest quality. Some heavy lifting took place at the back, as well, with the factory shock absorbers making room for fresh YSS parts.

Both wheels got cloaked in grippy Shinko rubber for a firm contact patch, thus rounding out the handling upgrades. On the cosmetic side of things, the main idea was to sharpen up the muscle cruiser’s look with some fresh bodywork. Where its massive stock seat had once been, we now find a sharp custom tail unit that’s been fabricated in-house, complete with a solo saddle wrapped in black Alcantara.

This whole setup does an excellent job at reducing visual bulk out back, and there are dual-function LEDs integrated straight into the subframe tubing. Motocrew retained the original under-seat fuel cell, as well as the faux tank cover placed above the V4 engine. Its design works with the new tail section beautifully, but the front and rear fenders were both taken out of the equation.

Alongside them, the project’s author did away with the stock headlight, and he installed a Husqvarna’s repurposed number board in its stead. This piece gives the V-Max a street tracker vibe and features a circular cut-out filled with an LED projector. Further back, we see a thoroughly updated cockpit hosting a low-rise handlebar, in turn kitted with Domino grips, underslung mirrors, and bar-end turn signals.

In terms of powertrain mods, the Motocrew treatment involved the addition of a new clutch and a slash-cut custom exhaust with internal baffles. Finally, the creature’s color scheme is a murdered-out affair for the most part, done in a mixture of gloss and matte finishes to add some visual depth. This restyled V-Max is sure to make a statement with its sinister presence, and it's undoubtedly the perfect companion for its rider.