Motorcycle specifications YamahaXVS 1300 A MIDNIGHT STAR 2009 Custom makes a comeback

a page is being turned, a generation is disappearing, and a new era is dawning for Yamaha custom bikes. The Dragstar family is slowly disappearing, to be replaced by a new family with a warm, deep name: the Midnight Star. The imposing XV 1900 laid the foundations and is now supported by the more accessible but equally interesting XVS 1300 Midnight Star.

new generation, new engine. The 1300 does away with the traditional air motor - its twin is a water-cooled 4-valve per cylinder, with fuel injection and variable ignition. Forged pistons churn in super-square cylinders. A mill delivering its 73 hp at 5,500 rpm, backed up by almost 11 mkg of torque at 4,000 rpm.
As with the 1900, Yam has filtered vibrations and uses the same type of double balancer as on the big Midnight Star. Each balancer is positioned on either side of the crankshaft, ensuring compactness. The XVS 1300 engine is also equipped with roller rockers for valve actuation - this is the second of the manufacturer's models to be fitted with this technology (theXT 660 was the investigator). The system is said to deliver better engine performance at low speeds, as well as a "greater feeling of pulsation".
With the mechanical look in mind, the engineers set out to conceal the liquid-cooling components as well as possible. So, with this concealed design and its fins, the 60° twin plays the modern card in a stylish old-fashioned outfit.
According to the manufacturer, "the silencer has been developed to produce a deep sound that perfectly complements the character of this bike". It's true that Yam made a name for itself with the original sound of the last-generation R1; but with today's noise standards, Euro 3 pollution, and other castrato tricks, we'll have to rely more on the twin-cylinder's character than on its vocals. Check it out on a road test.

new double cradle frame using the engine as a stiffening element, shock absorber hidden under the chassis, 298 mm diameter triple brake disc.... there's no shortage of technical arguments, but it's the "Streamline" plastic that will catch the eye. Its refined headlamp optics invite us to discover a machine that takes up the elegant aesthetic canons unveiled by the 1900 Midnight Star. Mounted on the handlebars, the softly lit instrument panel provides you with the essentials, without burdening you with a rev counter (not really useful on this kind of machine).

dragstars have had their day - Midnights have taken up the torch. After its offensive in the sports bike segment(new R6, R1 SP), the big hairy roadsters(MT-01, FZ1) and the finally fun and quirky ( 250 Tricker, MT-03), Yamaha is positioning a new generation of good-looking customs on the market.

M.B - manufacturer's photos