Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star 2016 — Specifications

This Roadliner continues its journey... quietly in the US; less so on the old continent. In 2013, this enormous cruiser had discreetly refined its front end: its front fender arch was removed. A modification that is quite minor, in any case. Enthusiasts are, however, drawn to the essential: the deep throbbing of Yamaha’s very large twin. Taking place in this imposing and majestic cruiser, the twin is an all-new engine, the first of a new generation of twins at Yamaha. A colossus of 1854 cm3 offering even more torque, horsepower, and "sensuality"... It's enormous. This long-stroke, double-ignition engine, air-cooled, with injection, forged pistons, and EXUP, produces 90 hp, but the most interesting thing is yet to come: its monstrous torque exceeds 15 mkg at only 2,500 rpm. To filter vibrations (keeping only the good ones that please ;-), engineers have incorporated a new right/left balance shaft system. The 2 balance shafts are positioned on each side of the crankshaft to minimize bulk while preserving efficiency. The oil-cooling system used on the Midnight Star is a first for a Yamaha cruiser. It will effectively support the role of the engine fins (benefiting from recent casting technology) to preserve the twin's reliability and longevity.

Question looks, nothing to say. It's beautiful, long, sturdy, commands respect, in the great tradition of large customs with that retro feel that smells of the rebellious years of deep America. Arrow-shaped turn signals, a huge exhaust (less aggressive than the Warrior's bazooka), superb spoked rims, a unique-design optical block, a rear brake disc as wide as an old 33 rpm record, chrome distributed here and there, and a weight equivalent to 2 sportbikes of the range on the same scale. This isn't the good old steel, however, but aluminum that is found in the design of the chassis. Created with pressure-cast aluminum technology, the frame is fitted with walls of varying thicknesses (same principle as an old R1) to optimize rigidity. The swingarm is also pressure-cast.

In 2011, Yam introduced its U.B.S (Unified Brake System) on the 1900 Midnight Star (and on the 1300). This system improves braking with simultaneous braking force on both wheels, front and rear, when the rider actuates the rear brake.

Between the "power-cruisers" and the "very-big-customs," the war of "good vibrations" could have continued with a lot of cm3. Alas, the XV 1900 A will not continue its journey beyond 2016. This imposing machine leaves the Yamaha catalog, like so many customs that no longer have the appeal of yesteryear on our territory.

M.B - photos manufacturer