Yamaha XV950R 2018 — Specifications

Has Yamaha finally understood that Europe is not America? While Milwaukee’s giants continue to line up two-wheeled behemoths, the Japanese custom offering had notably thinned. In this landscape, the Yamaha XV950R arrives like a UFO, a small troublemaker who isn't afraid. With a price tag of around €9700 new, it directly targets the wallet and heart of those who dreamed of a Sportster without accepting its compromises. This is not an innocuous motorcycle; it's a statement of intent.

Beneath its stripped-down bobber appearance lies a familiar engine. The large 942 cm3 V-twin is a close relative of that which equipped the Midnight Star, but it has been seriously recalibrated for the occasion. Power is reduced to 52 horsepower, but the 79.5 Nm of torque is available early, ideal for city starts. The real revolution lies in its assembly. Rigid frame, engine without a balancer... Yamaha dared to let the vibrations pass. It's not the disordered tingling of an old engine, but a frank pulse, a mechanical breath that gives the beast a soul. We are far from aseptic perfection, and that's a good thing. For those seeking a motorcycle with character, the V2 becomes a massive argument.

On the road, the character of this Japanese custom is confirmed. The weight of 252 kg fully fueled is forgotten at a standstill thanks to a low seat at 69 cm, a real gift for average builds or beginners looking for an accessible motorcycle. The R version, identifiable by its colored band on the tank and its twin-shock rear shocks, provides tangible comfort compared to the base model. But don't be fooled, with only 13 cm of ground clearance and short suspension, the XV950R is not a great traveler. Its element is the city and winding country roads at moderate speeds. The braking, provided by two simple discs with ABS, is sufficient without being sporty. The reasonable consumption, around 5L/100km, and the 12-liter tank make it a frugal machine for everyday use.

So, who is she? She is the most credible Japanese rival to the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. It opposes a more modern engine, probably less costly maintenance, and a more radical bobber style. Its weakness? A still timid second-hand market for the Yamaha XV950R, as examples are rare. For an A2 license, it can be restricted without worry, offering a mature alternative to small customs. The model years, from the 2017 Yamaha XV950R to the most recent, have not changed the essence of the beast. It is an honest motorcycle, which assumes its choices and its price. It does not claim to be the fastest, with a speedometer topping out around 170 km/h, nor the most comfortable. It is simply alive, and in a world of overly smooth machines, that is a precious quality.