Yamaha XV950R 2016 — Specifications

So, Yamaha has finally decided to play in the bobber’s court? The XV950R, this 2016 version, is a clear and unadorned answer to those seeking a Japanese custom with a bit more equipment than the base model. We’re talking about a price of around €9600 at the time, a price that was discussed in relation to the American offer. For the used Yamaha XV950R today, it's often a very interesting proposition.

The heart of the matter remains this 942 cm³ V-twin, an engine that we know but which has been reworked for this mission. With 52 horsepower and a torque of nearly 80 Nm, it doesn't aim for speed records, but rather the raw sensation. Yamaha even removed the balance shaft and rigidly mounted the engine in its double cradle frame. The result? Vibrations are transmitted, a clear intention to get closer to the character of an American machine, without sacrificing Japanese reliability or regularity. It's a compromise, sometimes criticized by purists, but which works to give this motorcycle a personality.

Compared to the standard version, this Yamaha XV950R R adds elements that really change the experience. The separated reservoir shock absorbers offer noticeable comfort, a weakness often criticized in basic customs. The suede-like seat and the colored band on the tank are stylized details, but the standard ABS is the crucial addition, the one that makes the motorcycle safer and more modern. It is this version that, on the used Yamaha XV950R market, often represents the best value between style and function.

Who is the rider of this XV950R? The one who wants a bobber ready to ride, with a minimum of preparation. The weight of 251 kg fully fueled and the seat height of 690 mm make the machine accessible. The 12-liter tank and the final transmission by belt appeal to the urban dweller and the traveler who prefers the streamlined aesthetics and mechanical simplicity. It's a serious alternative, especially for A2 licenses, where the Yamaha XV950R A2 can be a relevant option compared to certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Ultimately, the 2016 Yamaha XV950R is not a revolution. It’s a statement: you can make a Japanese custom with character and comfort, without reaching the Yamaha XV950R price of an imported machine. It remains, in the Yamaha XV950R 2020 or Yamaha XV950R 2023 versions, an excellent base for personalization, faithful to the bobber spirit. For the rider looking for a distinctive, reliable motorcycle with a real temperament, it still deserves a close look, especially on the used market.