Yamaha XVS 1300 A Midnight Star CFD 2014 — Specifications

So, Yamaha thought that one bagger was like a single exhaust pipe: not loud enough to get noticed. That's how this XVS 1300 A Midnight Star CFD was born in 2014, the more affordable version of the 1900 behemoth. We're talking about a motorcycle that, with its 1304 cm³, integrated rigid saddlebags, and enveloping windscreen, clearly displays its ambitions of American grand touring. But at a price nearly 5000 euros less than its big brother, it clearly targets the globetrotter who wants volume and style without breaking the bank.

Under this retro ship-like look, we find the proven base of the Midnight Star, but dressed up for a long journey. The engine, a 4-valve, liquid-cooled V-twin, is not a power bomb with its 73 horsepower. The philosophy is elsewhere: it delivers its generous torque of nearly 106 Nm from 4000 rpm, a low and relaxed operating range perfect for swallowing up the miles without mechanical stress. Yamaha even took care to integrate a double balance shaft to limit vibrations, a precious detail when you spend your days in the saddle.

On paper, it has serious arguments. The double cradle frame uses the engine block as a rigidity element, while the braking system, with its three 298 mm discs, is assisted by the UBS system. The latter intelligently links the rear brake to a front caliper, offering a safer bite without having to juggle the controls. It's clever, especially for an audience that prioritizes comfort and serenity over extreme sportiness. The final belt transmission is silent and clean, a logical choice for a motorcycle of this kind.

However, facing the competition, like some Harley-Davidson models or Suzuki boulevarders, the Midnight Star CFD plays a slightly too tame part. Its 73 horsepower seems modest to move such a mass, and the 19-liter tank imposes frequent stops on long journeys. It is made for those who first and foremost seek a strong visual presence and a royal seat, not to shave seconds in curves. At 12999 euros, it's a tempting entry ticket into the world of complete baggers, but you have to accept its placid character and considerable weight. An ideal option for the confirmed cruiser who wants storage space without the financial excess of the 1900, but which may disappoint those who hope for lively sensations under the elbow.