Yamaha XVS 1300 A Midnight Star CFD 2015 — Specifications

What does an affordable cruiser look like according to Yamaha? In 2015, the Japanese firm answered with this Midnight Star 1300 CFD, a proposition that attempts to democratize the bagger spirit without compromising on presence. This is far from a timid little brother. With its 1304 cm3 V-twin, its Streamliner fairing that devours the kilometers, and its generous windscreen, it displays a build that only asks to assert itself on the vacation road.

Under this look of a grand touring machine, we find the proven base of the XVS 1300, but dressed for adventure. The engine, a four-valve liquid-cooled twin, is not a fury. Its 73 horsepower at 5500 rpm and its 105.9 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm speak more of suppleness than of rage. Yamaha has done everything to polish this character, with a double balance shaft that limits vibrations and careful injection. It is an engine that breathes tranquility, designed to swallow horizons without ever getting upset, coupled with a belt transmission as silent as it is smooth. Compared to the 1900 CFD behemoth, it loses a little punch, but it gains especially in accessibility, with a price under the 13,000 € mark at the time. A substantial argument for those who dream of the open road without emptying their account.

The handling is in the image of this philosophy. The double cradle frame, stiffened by the engine block, offers reassuring stability. The 41 mm fork and the single shock absorber manage the weight correctly, even if you feel the limits on very rough roads. The strength lies in its braking system, equipped with UBS which intelligently links the rear brake to a front caliper as soon as the pedal is activated. With three 298 mm discs, the stop is progressive and powerful, a real plus for this type of heavy motorcycle. The 715 mm seat and the arms-out position are typical of cruising, comfortable for long hours, but a little static in tight turns.

So, who rides this Midnight Star? Clearly for the globetrotter looking for a distinctive machine, capable of carrying luggage in rigid panniers and doing so with a certain style, without breaking the bank. It doesn't have the excess or unbridled power of a Harley-Davidson Street Glide, but it offers a reliable and better-finished Japanese alternative than some entry-level American competitors. It is an intelligent compromise motorcycle: powerful enough for the highway, supple enough for the city, and well-equipped for travel. Its flaw? Perhaps this lack of raw personality, this excessive politeness that can tire purists of the V-Twin. But for those who primarily want road, comfort, and reliability at a reasonable price, this Yamaha remains a serious and charismatic candidate.