The VMAX-4 800 was the more powerful successor of the revolutionary VMAX-4 750. But contrary to popular belief, the new model wasn’t simply a big-bored version of the 750. Instead, its engine had been heavily redesigned including the crankcase and the engine internals.
If you want to find out more about this 2-stroke performance Yamaha snowmobile, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha VMAX-4 800 review!
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Review
The predecessor of the VMAX-4 800 was its 750 sibling, which was released in 1992.
This model was Yamaha’s answer for the high-performance sleds of competitor manufacturers. The most well-known of these were the Polaris Indy RXL, Ski-Doo Mach 1, and the Arctic Cat Wildcat 650.
But unlike the rivals, the VMAX-4 750 housed a 2-stroke, 4-cylinder engine and many advanced technologies.
This model is considered the first “Muscle Seld” ever built, which finally opened a whole new era in the snowmobile industry.
Yamaha marketed the 750 from 1992 through 1994 and its legacy was carried over to the more powerful VMAX-4 800 (VX800) and VMAX-4 800 ST (VX800ST).
Contrary to its name, the latter was the long-track version, but aside from their track size, these two were almost equivalent.
Let’s drill into the details and take a closer look at this high-performance 2-stroke Yamaha sled!
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Engine
The VMAX-4 800 engine was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 791cc, inline-4 power mill that produced roughly 145-150hp out of the box.
This unit was the successor of the 743cc quad, which debuted in 1992 as the first mass-produced quad snowmobile engine.
(The first 4-cylinder engine was used in the 1971 Arctic Cat King Cat – but it wasn’t a production model.)
Even though the engine specifications of the VMAX-4 750 and 800 were very similar, these two power mills were quite different.
As reported by SnoWest.com, the new 791cc VMAX-4 engine was redesigned from the ground up. In a nutshell, the key upgrades of the new engine were as follows:
- Larger displacement (743 to 791cc)
- Increased bore (63mm to 65mm)
- New crankcase
- New crankshaft
- New power take-off (PTO) shaft
- Larger PTO drive with dual driving gears
- Different compression ratio (6.3:1 to 6.5:1)
- And more
Thanks to these upgrades, engine power increased from 140hp to roughly 150hp.
In terms of engine architecture, this unit enjoyed a very special design since it was built by bolting two twins together.
To reduce the vibration and the torsion twisting of the unusually long crankshaft, the primary clutch wasn’t attached to its end.
Instead, you can find a PTO (power take-off) drive in the middle of the crankshaft, housing two driving gears. These gears transferred engine power to a second jackshaft, which was connected to the primary clutch.
Referring to its function, this shaft was often referred to as a PTO shaft as well.
Just like the engine, the drivetrain was also redesigned for the 800 and got dual driving gears for increased durability.
Other innovative engine features were carried over from the 750, including:
- Liquid-cooling system
- New chain case with “silent” drive chain
- Top-cog V-belt
- CDI Ignition
- 4 x Mikuni TM 33 flat-side rack-mounted carburetors
- 2 x Mikuni fuel pumps
- Yamaha Autolube lubricating system
- Recoil starter
VMAX-4 800 Chassis and Features
The VMAX-4 800 inherited its monocock frame from its predecessor, which was made of aluminum and steel.
It was covered by a sleek black dress, which was considered one of the most attractive snowmobile bodies ever built.
It was packed with many innovative features, including:
- Straight, wide handlebars
- Halogen headlight
- Tinted wrap-around windshield
- Factory aluminum ski
- Plastic ski skins
- Telescoping Strut Suspension (TSS) on the front
- Pro-Action rear suspension
- High-performance track with deep-grooved lugs
- And more
The VMAX-4 800 got some important upgrades for its last production year, including an upgraded seat, a hydraulic Nissin brake, and increased rear suspension travel.
To the greatest regret of Yamaha enthusiasts, the manufacturer only produced a couple of these revamped models.
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Performance
As incredible as it sounds, some VMAX-4 800s are still used for drag racing in the US, and with good reason. This machine had always been known for extreme acceleration and speed. In stock condition, you could expect the top speed of the sled to be in the ballpark of 110-115 mph.
Its low center of gravity, and and wide handlebars offered an outstanding riding experience.
The 800 was extremely fast, yet comfortable thanks to its high-performance suspensions.
On the other hand, it was a very heavy sled, which was hard to get unstuck from deep snow.
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Problems
Even though the VMAX-4 800 was extremely popular, it had some problems, which were as follows:
- Heavy weight: The VMAX-4 800 was fairly heavy so it was recommended for ice, hard-packed trails, and straight-line racing. It sunk very easily in deep show and unsticking it was really hard work.
- High fuel consumption: Its 2-stroke quad engine burned a lot of fuel, which translated to frequent fuel stops and high maintenance costs.
- Special front shocks: Its unique front shocks were prone to damaging the frame in an accident.
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the key specs of the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 into these charts:
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 1995 VMAX-4 800 |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Parallel, 4-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.56 x 2.35 in (65 x 59.6 mm) |
| Displacement | 791cc (48.3 cu. in) |
| Compression ratio | 6.5:1 |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM33 x 4 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Lubrication system | Separate lubrication (Yamaha Autolube) |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Oil tank capacity | 2.9 US qt. (2.7 L) |
| Fuel type | Unleaded regular gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2. Minimum octane: 88 |
| Starting system | Recoil starter |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Liquids
| Liquids | 1995 VMAX-4 800 |
| Lubrication system | Separate lubrication (Yamaha Autolube) |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Oil tank capacity | 2.9 US qt. (2.7 L) |
| Fuel type | Unleaded regular gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2. Minimum octane: 88 |
| Fuel Capacity | 10 US gal (38.0 L) |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Dimensions
| Dimensions | 1995 VMAX-4 800 | 1995 VMAX-4 800 ST |
| Length | 110.8 in | 118.9 in |
| Width | 45.5 in | 44.3 in |
| Height | 41.3 in | 42.1 in |
| Ski Stance | in | |
| Seat Height | in | |
| Dry weight | 560 lb. | 578 lb. |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Track Features
| Track Features | 1995 VMAX-4 800 | 1995 VMAX-4 800 ST |
| Track type | Internal drive type | Internal drive type |
| Length on ground | 30.1 in (765mm) | 37.8 in (961mm) |
| Width | 15.0 in (381mm) | 15.0 in (381mm) |
| Track deflection | 0.79-0.98 in (20-25mm) / 10 kg {22lbs} | 0.98-1.18 in (25-30mm) / 10 kg {22lbs} |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Suspensions
| Suspensions | 1995 VMAX-4 800 |
| Front suspension type | Telescopic Strut Suspension (TSS) |
| Rear suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Ski Features
| Ski | 1995 VMAX-4 800 |
| Ski material | Aluminum |
| Runner 1 material | Carbide |
| Runner 2 material | Polyethylene |
| Length | 40.2 in (1021 mm) |
| Width | 5.75 in (146 mm) |
| Ski Ground Length | 14.8 in (375.6 mm) |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Transmission
| Transmission | 1995 VMAX-4 800 |
| Primary reduction system | V-Belt |
| Primary reduction ratio | 3.9:1-0.95:1 |
| Clutch type | Automatic centrifugal engagement |
| Secondary Reduction System | Chain |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Electric Features
| Electric Features | 1992 VMAX-4 800 |
| Ignition system | CDI/Mitsubishi |
| Generator System | Flywheel magneto |
| Spark plug type | BR9ECS (NGK) |
| 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-4 800 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 vs. VMAX 800
For a better comparison, we’ve listed the key specifications of the VMAX-4 800 and 750 head-to-head.
| Specifications | 1992 VMAX-4 750 | 1995 VMAX-4 800 | 1995 VMAX-4 800 ST |
| Weight (lb) | 551 | 560 | 578 |
| Displacement (cc) | 743 | 791 | 791 |
| Bore (mm) | 63 | 65 | 65 |
| Stroke (mm) | 59.6 | 59.6 | 59.6 |
| Compression ratio | 6.3:1 | 6.5:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Track length on ground (in) | 28 | 30.1 | 37.8 |
| Est. HP | 130 (’93-’94: 140hp) | 150 | 150 |
| Est. Top Speed (mph) | 100-105 | 110-115 | 110-115 |
Yamaha VMAX-4 800 For Sale
The VMAX-4 800 is still so popular that it has a dedicated fan page.
If you are considering buying one of these classic muscle snowmobiles, you can’t go wrong by visiting this site or snowmobile ad sites.
If you are lucky, you can also find a used Yamaha VMAX-4 800 for sale on Craigslist, eBay, or even Kijiji (if you are from Canada).
Takeaway – FAQs About the Yamaha VMAX-4 800
What year did the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 come out?
Yamaha introduced the VMAX-4 800 for the 1995 season.
What years was the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 made?
The Yamaha VMAX-4 800 was available from 1995 to 1997.
What size was a Yamaha VMAX-4 800?
The standard Yamaha VMAX-4 800 (VX800) measured 110.8 inches in length, 45.5 inches in width, and 41.3 inches in height. In contrast, its long-track counterpart (VX800ST) was 118.9 inches long, 44.3 inches wide, and 42.1 inches high.
How much did a Yamaha VMAX-4 800 weigh?
The dry weight of the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 (VX800) was 560 pounds, while the long-track model (VX800ST) weighed 578 pounds.
What was the track size on the Yamaha VMAX-4 800?
The track of the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 was 15 inches wide, while its length on the ground was 30.1/37.8 inches depending on the model.
What kind of engine was in a Yamaha VMAX-4 800?
The power source of the VMAX-4 800 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 794cc, inline-4 engine featuring CDI ignition, flatside rack mounted Mikuni TM33 carbs, and electric start.
How much horsepower did a Yamaha VMAX-4 800 have?
Thanks to its powerful triple engine, the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 delivered roughly 145-150hp.
How fast did a Yamaha VMAX-4 800 go?
The top speed of the 1992 Yamaha VMAX-4 800 was about 110-115 mph.
Was the Yamaha VMAX-4 800 a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha VMAX-4 800 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
How Much Does a Yamaha VMAX-4 800 Cost?
The asking price of a used VMAX-4 800 varies between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on the year and condition.
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