Yamaha XVS1300 CFD 2014 — Specifications

What’s the point of having only one bagger in your lineup when you can have two? Yamaha seems to have answered this question with typically Japanese logic in 2014, making the XVS1300 CFD the "little" brother of the 1900 CFD. Little is a misleading term, as this newcomer deploys a displacement of 1304 cm3 and a Streamliner silhouette that asserts its presence with a fork width worthy of a boulevard.

This machine finds its roots in the XVS 1300 Midnight Star, but it stands out with the addition of colored rigid saddlebags and more generous protection. The tall windscreen offers more convincing ventilation than that of the 1900 model. For cruising pleasure, the compromise is interesting: you sacrifice approximately fifteen horsepower and five meter-kilograms of torque, but you save nearly €5000 on the ticket price, which settles below €13,000. For a traveler seeking autonomy without ultimate prestige, the calculation is worth considering.

The heart of this custom lies in its four-valve V2, water-cooled and fed by injection. Its square architecture, with forged pistons, aims for robustness and regularity. The power, 73 horsepower at 5500 rpm, is not the most telling figure; it is its torque, available from 3000 rpm with 103 Nm, that sets the tone. Yamaha has cleverly integrated a double rocker arm system to filter vibrations, a proven technology on the larger Midnight Star. This engine also plays a structural role, stiffening the double cradle frame in a classic but effective approach.

The cycle part remains faithful to the cruiser spirit, with a low seat at 690 mm and a long wheelbase of 1690 mm for stability. The triple 298 mm disc braking system is assisted by the Unified Brake System, which coordinates the action of the front and rear brakes when using the foot pedal. It is an appreciable safety feature, even if custom purists often prefer a more separate control. The tires, in 130/90 at the front and 170/70 at the rear, complete the massive and poised appearance.

Ultimately, the XVS1300 CFD positions itself as a pragmatic alternative to the flagship bagger. It sacrifices a bit of performance for substantial savings, but retains the essentials: an imposing physical presence, a torquey engine, and integrated saddlebags for long journeys. Its audience? The cruiser rider who wants to travel without breaking the bank, or the novice attracted to the custom but intimidated by the price and size of the 1900. It is neither the most nimble nor the lightest, but it offers a coherent package for those who prioritize style and autonomy on the road.