Yamaha XV 1600 A Wild Star 2002 — Specifications

Can a Japanese motorcycle truly stir the soul of an American big-bore enthusiast? In 2002, Yamaha threw a stone into the pond of custom bikes with the XV 1600 A Wild Star, a muscular response sharply tailored to the Harley-Davidson motorcycles of the time. We are talking about a beast weighing 335 kilograms fully equipped, perched on a double cradle frame that seems hewn from tank armor. But don't be fooled, behind this appearance of a chrome liner lies a mechanism of formidable efficiency.

At the heart of the matter is this 1602 cm3 V2 engine, a giant that doesn't seem imposing on paper with its 63 horsepower, but hides its game where it counts: in the entrails. Its pharaonic torque of 134 Nm, available from 2250 rpm, is a clear statement of intent. You don't rev it up, you surf this wave of fat and permanent traction. Every throttle opening is a slap, a dull and authoritative push that propels this mass with disconcerting nonchalance. That’s where the Wild Star really hurts, very badly, the competition. It offers the raw feel of a large-displacement custom, but with the fluidity and reliability of a Japanese engine. In this little game, a Harley-Davidson Road King must seriously hold on.

On the road, the miracle happens. Despite its 307 kilograms dry weight and a long wheelbase of nearly one meter sixty, the beast proves surprisingly agile. The 43 mm fork and the single shock absorber manage the weight with a seriousness that commands respect, offering healthy road handling and more than honest comfort for the category. The position, with a saddle at 71 cm, is royal and relaxed, even if the 20-liter tank tends to spread the legs a bit too much. You ride as a peaceful dominator, savoring the long straight lines where the twin cylinder displays its full breadth. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive contribute to this impression of mechanical refinement.

But not everything is perfect in the kingdom of chrome. The black spot, and it is significant, is the braking. Although equipped with a double disc at the front, the biting power is there, but the feel at the lever is sorely lacking in bite and progressiveness. To stop this colossus, you have to put conviction into it. This is the price to pay for a philosophy geared towards pure cruising. Ultimately, the Wild Star is aimed at the demanding traveler who seeks the sensations of an American maxi-custom, but without the quirks or sometimes tedious maintenance. Its exemplary finish and charismatic engine made it, at the time, a serious threat to Milwaukee's undisputed reign. Today, it remains a credible and more affordable alternative on the used market for those who want to enjoy the joys of very high torque, without breaking the bank.