Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star 2016 — Specifications

Within the Midnight Star family, the imposing XV1900A laid the initial foundations and is supported by the more accessible but equally interesting XVS 1300 Midnight Star.

The 1300 does away with traditional air-cooling – its twin is a 4-valve per cylinder water-cooled engine equipped with injection and variable ignition. Forged pistons move within cylinders with an over-square bore, delivering 73 horsepower at 5500 rpm, supported by nearly 11 mkg of torque at 4000 rpm. As with the 1900, Yam has worked to filter vibrations and uses the same type of double balance shaft as on the larger Midnight Star. Each balance shaft is placed on either side of the crankshaft, guaranteeing compactness. The engine of the XVS 1300 is also equipped with roller bearing valve lifters – it is the second model from the manufacturer to be equipped with this technology (the XT 660 was the investigator). This system would allow for better engine performance at low speeds as well as a "more pronounced pulsation feel." Concerned with mechanical appearance, the engineers worked to best conceal the elements of liquid cooling. Thus, with this work of concealment and its fins, the 60° twin plays the card of modernity in a stylishly old-fashioned habit. According to the manufacturer, "the silencer was developed to produce a deep sound that perfectly complements the character of this motorcycle." It is true that Yam knows how to distinguish itself with the original sound since the R1 2004; but with current noise standards, Euro pollution, and other castrating tweaks, you will have to rely more on the character of the twin than on its vocalizations.

Double cradle frame using the engine as a stiffening element, shock absorber hidden under the chassis, triple 298 mm diameter brake disc... The technical argumentation is not lacking but it is on its "Streamline" aesthetics that viewers will cast their gaze. Its refined headlight optics invites you to discover a machine that reprises the elegant aesthetic canons revealed by the 1900 Midnight Star. Mounted on the handlebar, the softly lit dashboard provides the essentials without burdening you with a tachometer (not really useful on this type of machine). In 2011, Yam introduced its U.B.S (Unified Brake System) on the 1300 Midnight Star (as well as on the 1900). This system improves braking through a simultaneous braking force on the front and rear wheels when the rider actuates the rear brake.

M.B - photos manufacturer