Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star 2013 — Specifications

You remember those early 2010s, when Japanese manufacturers decided they absolutely had to offer a response to American baggers? It was a gold rush, with sometimes awkward machines. Yamaha, on the other hand, played a more subtle card with the XV1900A Midnight Star, a machine that never really crossed the Atlantic officially in this configuration. What we had in Europe was a kind of local assembly: the solid base of the 2012 Midnight Star, onto which a "Casual Full Dress" kit was grafted, including a large front fairing and two side cases. The result is this grand touring cruiser, an 18,000 euro proposition that positioned itself as an outsider against the Harley-Davidson Street Glides of the time.

At first glance, the beast commands respect. With its 346 kilograms all fueled up and its 1854 cm3 V2 engine, it displays an undeniable physical presence. The deep, speckled black and discreet chrome give it a serious look, even if the large front fairing inevitably evokes certain Milwaukee productions. But where Yamaha hits hard is under the 17-liter tank. The colossal twin, with its 155 Nm of torque available from 2500 rpm, is a real locomotive. It doesn't shy away from comparisons with large American V-Twins, offering an addictive surge and a deep sound that vibrates the soul. Yamaha even added an assist and slipper clutch to facilitate low-speed maneuvers, a welcome concession given the weight of the machine.

However, when you scratch the varnish a little, a few concessions appear. The title of "bagger" is a bit overstated. The cases, although practical with their quick opening, seem tacked onto the original line and the finish of the plastics sometimes lacks the rigor expected at this price. The storage space is minimalist, just enough to slip a phone in front of the dashboard. And let's admit it, the "CFD" designation singularly lacks panache compared to the American "Stratoliner Deluxe" name it bore across the Atlantic. It’s a shame, as it contributes to an impression of a "kit" rather than a machine conceived as a single block.

So, who is this Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star for? Certainly not a beginner, who would be frightened by its weight and length. It is a motorcycle for the experienced globetrotter, the one who prioritizes the comfort of a low 70 cm seat and the pleasure of monstrous torque to swallow up the kilometers effortlessly. It is more accessible and often more mechanically reliable than an equivalent Harley, but it cedes ground to it in terms of charisma and the consistency of the pure bagger style. In summary, the Midnight Star CFD is an excellent mechanical base, a fantastic engine dressed in a somewhat cobbled-together touring outfit. It remains a solid option for those seeking the excess of a Japanese V2 without wanting to play in the yard of American purists.