Yamaha XVS 1100 A Drag Star Classic 2005 — Specifications

A Japanese cruiser dreaming of being American. The Drag Star Classic from Yamaha, launched in 2005, is a direct descendant of the Virago 1100, but it traded its somewhat awkward look for a more assertive, lower-rider silhouette. It features a V-twin engine of 1063 cc, producing only 62 horsepower. This figure may raise eyebrows today, but it's important to understand the philosophy: here, power is secondary. The engine aims for torque, available from 2500 rpm, and the pleasure of riding at a slow pace, with that characteristic vibration of the V-twin that tickles the rider.

The mechanics have been revised, with new pistons and connecting rods, but they remain fundamentally simple and robust. The five-speed gearbox is not the quietest on the market, especially in first gear, but it does the job. Shaft drive adds a touch of authenticity and tranquility, without a chain to adjust. On the road, the surprise comes from the chassis. With a dry weight of 261 kg and a seat height of 690 mm, it handles with a disconcerting ease for a custom. The suspension, a 41 mm fork and a mono-shock at the rear, filters out imperfections without excessive wallow. You can even allow yourself some more dynamic lean angles, without the motorcycle getting sideways. The braking, with two front discs and one rear disc, is sufficient for this type of use, even if it doesn't rival that of a sportbike.

Compared to its contemporaries, such as some Harley-Davidson models of the time or even the Honda Shadow, the Drag Star stands out for its agility. It is less static, less posed. It invites you to ride, not just to show off. Its 17-liter tank offers honest range for touring, and its price of €9500 at launch placed it in an attractive position, less expensive than many American products.

But it has its limits. The passenger, seated on this often narrow seat, will not be the happiest after an hour on the road. And the top speed of around 170 km/h reminds you that this machine is made for landscapes, not for lap times. It’s a motorcycle for the rider who wants style without the folklore, who is looking for a custom capable of leaving the parking lot and offering simple and direct sensations. A cruiser that has retained a bit of play in the joints, and that is precisely what gives it its charm.