Yamaha XVS 1300 A Tour Classic 2015 — Specifications

Who would have thought that Yamaha, this Japanese brand accustomed to high-performance machines, could offer us such a well-balanced cruiser? The 2015 XVS 1300 A Tour Classic is that proposition, an animal that knows how to play on two levels. With its 1304 cm3 V-twin engine, it delivers 73 horsepower and 106 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm. These figures are not those of a monster, but they are sufficient to provide character without ever becoming intimidating. It is accessible power, which tickles the Harley Davidson mid-size engines without requiring the same initial investment or maintenance.

The Tour Classic kit radically transforms the experience. This large fixed windscreen, the sissy-bar, and the rigid leather saddlebags are not cosmetic accessories. They are the standard equipment for considering real distances. The 19-liter tank and this protection mean that the machine, already heavy at 323 kg fully fueled, becomes a viable road companion. You lose a little agility, but on this type of motorcycle, the gain in comfort is obvious. It is precisely this proposition that distinguishes it from its more static competitors, offering a credible alternative to American touring customs without crossing the 1900 cm3 threshold.

The braking system, with its two 298 mm front discs, is honest but requires firm pressure, especially with this weight. The suspension, a 41 mm fork and a single shock absorber, is configured for stability on the highway rather than for liveliness. The seat height of 715 mm is a major asset for starting and maneuvering it, making this mass more accessible. It is a motorcycle that appeals to road warriors seeking a custom aesthetic, but who do not want to commit to the mechanical and financial extravagance of large-displacement American motorcycles.

Ultimately, the XVS 1300 A Tour Classic finds its audience among those who desire the look and feel of a cruiser, with the practicality of a tourer. Its price of 11999 euros at the time clearly positioned this offering. It was not the most radical, nor the most powerful, but it was one of the most consistent in its category. Yamaha has succeeded here in a balancing act, creating a machine that remembers it is a motorcycle, before being a mere symbol.