Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star 2012 — Specifications

Who said that air-cooled V-twins had said their last word? Arriving in Europe in 2012, the Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star challenges the laws of physics and common sense. With nearly 1.9 liters of displacement housed in an air-cooled V2, it weighs a substantial 346 kg with full tanks. Yet, this torque factory is nothing like a clumsy dinosaur. Its engine, a masterpiece, delivers 155 Nm from 2500 rpm, a traction force that pins you to the seat without asking your opinion. The announced 100 horsepower almost seem anecdotal compared to this wave of propulsion, smoothed out by an ingenious rocker arm system that filters parasitic vibrations without extinguishing the character.

Visually, the Midnight Star fully embraces its status as a boulevard liner. It is long, low, and exudes a physical presence that commands silence. Chrome is generous, the tires are wide – a 190 at the rear – and the muffler resembles a pipeline. But behind this retro look lies a modern construction. The frame is made of die-cast aluminum, a technique borrowed from the R1 sportbike, to lighten the beast without sacrificing rigidity. The 155 mm ground clearance, however, recalls that its domain remains smooth asphalt, not hairpin turns.

The braking system, with its single twin discs, might seem just adequate on paper for such a mass. Yamaha has integrated a unified braking system (U.B.S.) that, when the rear lever is activated, subtly distributes force to both wheels. It is effective and reassuring, even if custom purists might prefer a more separate control. With a 17-liter tank and a fuel consumption worthy of its displacement, fuel stops will be frequent, but it is the price to pay for riding such a mechanical sculpture.

Who is this colossus for? Certainly not for a beginner, who would be overwhelmed by its weight and excessive power. It is the motorcycle for the experienced touring rider who prioritizes the sensation of infinite torque over top speed, and who is looking for a custom with an undeniable presence. Faced with a competitor like the Kawasaki VN 2000, more raw and massive, the Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star plays the card of a certain technical sophistication and a more refined design. Its price, around 16,500 euros at the time, placed it in the high-end segment. Today, it remains a bold testimony to an era when "bigger" was an end in itself, a powerful and serene cruise where each start is an event.