1985
Yamaha VMAX
Colours used
in this example.
Plum and violet set the main colour direction. Softer background tones keep the motorcycle in focus.
Suggested pencil shades, not exact factory paint matches. Test colours on your paper before building richer layers.
Reserve a pale ridge highlight on the tank.
Keep the saddle centre lighter than its edges.
Reserve white strips for reflections.
Use light horizontal strokes across water.
Keep the crane less saturated than the bike.
Look a little closer.
Explore the details from different angles.
1989 VMAX comparison
Canadian-specification 1989 motorcycle. A later first-generation comparison.
Photo: Alfredino 246 · Source · CC BY-SA 4.02001 VMAX comparison
Canadian-specification 2001 first-generation 1200. Bodywork finish differs from 1985.
Photo: Okonomiyaki-kimichan · Source · CC BY-SA 3.01997 VMAX comparison
First-generation 1200 with later finish and fittings. Useful for the original muscular silhouette.
Photo: ja:User:Okonomiyaki-kimichan · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0VMX 1200, side profile
First-generation VMAX photographed near Frankfurt. Exact model year is not stated.
Photo: Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0First-generation VMAX
Later personalised example with a navigation unit. Exact model year is not stated.
Photo: User:村重孝義 · Source · CC BY 3.0Original factory colours
Deep Scarlet is listed in the 1985 Canadian brochure. The reproduced 1985 VMX12N parts catalogue also records Dark Amethyst as an alternative. Keep the chosen body finish separate from the silver scoops and black mechanical parts.
- Deep ScarletTank cover and mudguards, alternative finish
- Dark AmethystTank cover and mudguards, VMX12N alternative
Screen swatches are a colouring guide rather than exact paint matches.
The Canadian brochure and VMX12N fiche describe different source scopes. The swatches are approximate and do not reproduce metallic depth. The gallery contains later or undated motorcycles.
In the photographs
The gallery shows later or undated first-generation motorcycles: black and dark charcoal bodywork, a silver-grey example and a red personalised example. These are useful material references but do not establish the factory options for 1985.
- Black/dark charcoal
- Silver-grey
- Red, undated comparison
Visual colour guide only. These are not additional factory paint options.
In the coloured example
The example uses a bright purple finish. Dark Amethyst is a separately documented 1985 option but the drawing is not a verified match to its shade or placement. Deep Scarlet offers another documented direction.
Make the details count.
Build the plum body colour in layers while leaving the tank ridge light.
Use tiny silver strokes to separate the dark engine sections.
Follow the rear tyre curve with graphite shading and keep the tread grooves dark.
Follow your curiosity.
Model history and further reading.