Yamaha XV 1900 A MIDNIGHT STAR CFD 2014 — Specifications

You remember the time when baggers were the exclusive domain of Milwaukee and a few American challengers? Yamaha, which has never really liked to stay in the shadows, decided to throw its stone into the European pond with this XV 1900 A Midnight Star CFD. A long name for a machine that doesn’t go unnoticed, arriving in 2014 with a clear ambition: to nibble a piece of the custom touring pie by proving that the largest production V-Twin could also be a companion for long journeys.

Behind its somewhat cold designation lies the Star Stratoliner Deluxe, well known to enthusiasts across the Atlantic. The recipe is simple and effective: take the imposing base of the Midnight Star, graft on a cape-style front fairing, two quick-release side cases, and let the rest speak for itself. The "rest" is primarily this engine. A 1854 cm3 V-twin that doesn't need to rev high to display its intentions: 154.9 Nm of torque available from 2500 rpm, the equivalent of a small anvil thrown in the face as soon as you brush the throttle. The five-speed gearbox and the slipper clutch are there to channel this fury, making the beast surprisingly civilized in the city despite its nearly 400 kilos fully fueled.

On the road, the character emerges. This is not a motorcycle for the faint of heart. The wide handlebars, the relaxed riding position, and this 46 mm diameter fork inspire confidence in wide curves, but you feel the weight in tight turns or during low-speed maneuvers. The braking, with its two front discs and a single rear disc, is sufficient without being sharp, in the image of the vehicle: everything is about moderation and progressiveness. The 17-liter tank and the 735 mm high seat make it a credible road companion, even if the finishes, especially on the suitcase plastics, would have deserved a little more care to fully justify its price tag of around 18,000 euros.

Facing a Harley-Davidson Street Glide or a Honda F6C, the Midnight Star CFD plays its card of pure mechanical excess. It is aimed at the touring rider who above all seeks the sensation of inexhaustible torque and a massive visual presence, without necessarily adhering to the folklore of a brand. It is an honest machine, sometimes a little rough around the edges, but terribly effective in its role: swallowing highway miles with a deep rumble and the assurance of a bulldozer. It doesn't do lace, but when you have nearly sixteen metric tons at hand, finesse often becomes a secondary consideration.