Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star 2015 — Specifications

Can a Japanese custom really make you forget a Harley? That's the question that arises when you sit on this Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star. With its 304 kg when fully fueled and its 1304 cm3 V2 engine, it clearly establishes itself in the realm of large cruisers, at the table with the Sportster 1200 and the Honda VTX 1300. But Yamaha isn't playing the imitation game. Beneath its "Streamline" lines, which borrow codes from the 1900, a resolutely modern mechanism works.

The 60° twin, water-cooled and with 4 valves per cylinder, turns its back on old air-cooled V-Twins. It delivers 73 horsepower at 5500 rpm and, above all, 106 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Figures that speak more of flexibility than madness, with contained power but a torque available very early on, ideal for leisurely rides. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive ensure smoothness, while a double balance shaft works quietly to limit vibrations. It's far from the characteristic trembling of some competitors; it's more civilized, perhaps even too much so for purists of the genre.

The riding experience is in line with its dimensions: relaxed. The wheelbase of 1690 mm and the 69 cm seat offer a low and relaxed seating position, perfect for the rider seeking comfort on long, straight roads. The braking system, with its single disc at the front and rear, has been assisted since 2011 by the UBS system, which links the two brakes. It's effective, but given the weight of the machine, a dual front disc would have been appreciated for more bite. The 19-liter tank promises good range, but with a top speed announced at 180 km/h, the Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star is clearly not a speed demon. It's a motorcycle for showing off, for riding cool, not for scratching up hills in tight corners.

So, who is it for? The custom tourer who wants volume and comfort without the mechanical hassles of an antique. At €9999, it positions itself as a serious and reliable alternative to American productions, with careful finishing and a look that embraces its own identity. It doesn't have the raw soul of a Harley, nor the excessive character of a Rocket III. The Midnight Star is a refined, modern custom, almost too tame. It will appeal to those who want a presence on the road without surprises, a machine where technology serves above all serenity. For the deep sound and the pulsations of the V2, it will be necessary to verify in use, the standards having unfortunately often prevailed over the most beautiful sounds.