The VMAX-4 750 was the first “Muscle Sled” in the Yamaha snowmobile lineup and for good reason. It housed the first mass-produced 2-stroke, 4-cylinder snowmobile engine rated at 130-140hp, depending on the year. Its legacy was carried over to the more powerful VMAX-4 800.
If you want to find out about this classic performance snowmobile, you’ve come to the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha VMAX-4 750 review!
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Review
In the late ‘80s, Yamaha focused on family snowmobiles, which were tuned for comfort rather than performance.
Meanwhile, competing manufacturers started developing much more powerful race-inspired sleds like the Arctic Cat Wildcat 650, Ski-Doo Mach 1, and the Polaris Indy RXL.
Yamaha seemed to be falling behind, but everything changed in 1992 when the revolutionary VMAX-4 750 (VX750) hit the snow.
Unlike its predecessors, this sled was designed with performance-minded riders and racers in mind. It enjoyed a wide range of advanced technologies and a revolutionary 4-cylinder engine.
Thanks to these features, this ski was the most powerful and most advanced production trail snowmobile in 1992.
Therefore, it’s safe to say that the VMAX-4 750 established an entirely new snowmobile class, which is known today as “Muscle Sleds.”
Its significance was also emphasized by the fact that it won the prestigious Snowmobile of the Year award of Snow Goer in 1992.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this performance 2-stroke Yamaha snowmobile in detail!
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Engine
There’s no question that the most exciting feature of the VMAX-4 750 was its all-new power source. This liquid-cooled 2-stroke, 743cc, forward inclined, inline-4 engine delivered 130hp in the year it was introduced. In contrast, the 1993-1994 VMAX-4 750, with revised porting, delivered 140hp.
This Yamaha 743cc, inline-4 engine was also the first 2-stroke 4-cylinder snowmobile engine that eventually went into mass-production.
Sure, the first factory 2-stroke 4-cylinder sled was the 1971 Arctic Cat King Cat, which housed a 789cc Kawasaki engine.
But to the greatest regret of many hardcore sledders, this configuration was not a production model. Arctic Cat only manufactured 124 of these legendary sleds with the 4-cylinder Kawasaki, while some others had 793 Hirth and 650 JLO engines.
Back to the VMAX-4 750, its engine was unique in many ways, since it was virtually two twin engines bolted together.
Because of its unusually long crankshaft, it was designed with a special drivetrain.
On a standard snowmobile, the primary clutch is mounted on the end of the crankshaft, but this system featured an inner gear on the center of the crankshaft. The primary clutch was connected to this gear with a second jackshaft.
The main idea behind this design was to reduce vibration and minimize the crankshaft’s torsion twisting. In addition, it helped maintain a lively engine characteristic.
This drivetrain was completed with an all-new chain case, which housed a unique “silent” drive chain for a quieter operation.
The VMAX-4 750 was also the first production snowmobile designed with a capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) and a “top-cog” V-belt. This special design not only ensured higher flexibility but it also offered more airflow around the belt.
The four high-performance Mikuni TM 33 flatside carbs were connected to two Mikuni fuel pumps.
Thanks to the 6.3:1 compression ratio the sled required standard 87 octane gas, Snowmobile.com reports.
Its oil system was labeled Yamaha Autolube, which was an automatic, separate lubricating system.
The thumb throttle of the VMAX-4 750 was very easy to pull since it was connected to the innovative rack throttle setup.
This model shared the throttle design, CDI ignition, and many other features with the Exciter II.
VMAX-4 750 Chassis and Features
Many riders agree that the VMAX-750 was one of the most attractive snowmobiles ever built.
It featured a carefully designed hood with unusually large vents.
The arch of its rounded halogen headlight was continued into a tinted windshield that featured a low, wrap-around design for a sleeker architecture.
In terms of color scheme, the ’92 model was dressed in a black suit, which was completed with pink and grey decals.
The VMAX-4 750 was also the first snowmobile that came with lightweight metal skis featuring plastic ski skins from the factory.
Interestingly, the sled didn’t feature an industry-standard A-arm front suspension. Instead, it was designed with Yamaha’s Telescoping Strut Suspension (TSS) system.
On the rear, you could find a Pro-Action rear suspension and all-new track, which provided incredible traction thanks to its deep-grooved lugs.
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Performance
The VMAX-4 750 was known for its unbeatable acceleration and an incredible top speed of 100-105 mph. Because of this extreme power, the VMAX was commonly used for competition, especially for straight-line racing.
Besides its amazing engine power, riders appreciated the heavenly sound of the exhaust system.
Its well-designed chassis and steering system reduced arm fatigue and lowered the center of gravity.
Drawbacks?
Mainly its heavy weight, which caused many headaches in powder.
While the sled was easy to operate on lakes and hard-packed trails, it was prone to sinking off-trail.
According to its factory manual, its dry weight was 551 pounds, which made it very hard to get it unstuck from deep snow.
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Problems
Although the VMAX-4 750 was a revolutionary snowmobile, it had some minor flaws, which its owners had to live with. Without the need for completeness, the most important of these were as follows:
- Heavy weight: Due to its massive (551 pounds) dry weight, this sled sunk easily in deep snow.
- High fuel consumption: The 2-stroke 4-cylinder, 743cc engine of the VMAX-4 750 was known for its poor fuel economy.
- Special front shocks: In case of an accident the front shocks often caused damage to the frame. And only a slight bend in the frame caused the shocks to hang.
- Clutching and jetting issues: The 1992 model had some jetting and clutching issues, which were fixed for the second model year.
- Crankshaft gear issues: On some VMAX-4 750 the inner gear on the crankshaft became damaged from extreme use.
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 into these charts:
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Forward Inclined Parallel, 4-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.48 x 2.35 in (63 x 59.6 mm) |
| Displacement | 734cc (45.3 cu. in) |
| Compression ratio | 6.3:1 |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM33 x 4 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Oil tank capacity | 3.0 US qt. |
| Fuel type | Unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2 |
| Starting system | Electric and recoil hand starter |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Dimensions
| Dimensions | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Length | 111.2 in |
| Width | 44.3 in |
| Height | 42.1 in |
| Ski Stance | 38.5 in |
| Seat Height | 22 in |
| Dry weight | 551 lb. |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Track Features
| Track Features | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Track type | Internal drive type |
| Length on ground | 28.0 in (710mm) |
| Width | 15.0 in (381mm) |
| Track deflection | 0.98-1.18 in (25-30mm) / 10 kg {22lbs} |
| Rear Suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Ski Features
| Ski | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Ski material | Aluminum |
| Runner material | High Polymer Polyethylene |
| Length | 40.2 in (1021 mm) |
| Width | 5.75 in (146 mm) |
| Ski Ground Length | 14.8 in (375.6 mm) |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Transmission
| Transmission | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Primary reduction system | V-Belt |
| Primary reduction ratio | 3.9:1-0.9:1 |
| Clutch type | Automatic centrifugal engagement |
| Secondary Reduction System | Chain |
| Secondary Reduction Ratio | 1.65 (33/20) |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Electric Features
| Electric Features | 1992 VMAX-4 750 |
| Ignition system | CDI/Mitsubishi |
| Generator System | Flywheel magneto |
| Spark plug type | BR9ECS (NGK) |
| Spark plug gap | 0.028 – 0.031 in (0.7 – 0.8 mm) |
| Headlight | 60/55 W x 1 |
| Tail/brake light | 23/8 W x 1 |
| Tachometer light | 3.4 W x 1 |
| Speedometer light | 3.4 W x 2 |
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Features and Accessories
| Clutch | CVT |
| Primary Drive | Belt |
| Drive chain | Silent chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Reverse | Yes |
| Front suspension type | Telescopic Strut Suspension (TSS) |
| Suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Break type | Caliper-type disc brake |
| Break operation | Handle lever (left hand operated) |
| Throttle operation | Handle lever (right hand) |
| Chassis material | Aluminum and steel |
| Luggage box | Rear side of the Seat |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Rider capacity | 2 |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Yamaha VMAX-4 750 For Sale
Interestingly, you can still find many VMAX-4 750 running on the trails. This sled is so popular that it has its own fan page!
If you are considering buying one, you may want to visit VMAX4.com. In addition to some potential deals, you can find a plethora of useful information about this model on this site.
Also, you may find some used Yamaha VMAX-4 750 for sale on Craigslist, eBay, or snowmobile ad sites like Snowmobiletrader or Sledswap.
Takeaway – FAQs About the Yamaha VMAX-4 750
What year did the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 come out?
Yamaha introduced the VMAX-4 750 for the 1992 season.
What years was the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 made?
The Yamaha VMAX-4 750 was available from 1992 to 1994.
What size was a Yamaha VMAX-4 750?
The Yamaha VMAX-4 750 measured 111.2 inches in length, 44.3 inches in width, and 42.1 inches in height.
What was the track size on the Yamaha VMAX-4 750?
The track of the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 was 15 inches wide, while its length on the ground was 28 inches.
How much did a Yamaha VMAX-4 750 weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 was 551 pounds.
What kind of engine was in a Yamaha VMAX-4 750?
The power source of the VMAX-4 750 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 743cc, inline-4 engine featuring four flatside Mikuni TM33 carburetors, CDI ignition, and electric start.
How much horsepower did a Yamaha VMAX-4 750 have?
Thanks to its powerful triple engine, the 1992 Yamaha VMAX-4 750 had about 130hp, while the revised 1993-1994 models delivered 140hp.
How fast did a Yamaha VMAX-4 750 go?
The top speed of the 1992 Yamaha VMAX-4 750 was about 100-105 mph on radar or GPS.
Was the Yamaha VMAX-4 750 a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha VMAX-4 750 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
How Much Does a Yamaha VMAX-4 750 Cost?
The asking price of a used VMAX-4 750 varies between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the year and condition.
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