YAMAHA XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR (2006 - on) Review
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At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Power: | 89 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (28.9 in / 735 mm) |
Weight: | High (725 lbs / 329 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesCalled the Midnight Star in the UK but overseas known as the Stratoliner – a name that conjures up images of a big motorcycle. And it’s spot-on. The Yamaha XV1900 is typical of Japanese cruisers which have been getting larger and larger both physically and in terms of engine displacement in the last few years. Like all big Japanese customs, when you're on the Yamaha XV1900 non-bikers will think you’re the coolest person alive, Harley owners will sneer and sports bike riders won’t wave.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAt 329kg the Yamaha XV1900 is not light – but compared to many rivals it’s a featherweight. The aluminium frame and swingarm (unique in the megacruiser class) help keep the weight down and this makes it more nimble than most competitors. Even at low speed the Yamaha XV1900 is manageable – a weak point for most leviathans.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe overriding characteristic of the Yamaha XV1900's huge V-twin is the honkingly massive amount of torque available. A peak of 115bhp come in at a barely-above tickover 2500rpm. This makes the Yamaha XV1900 exceptionally fast off the line with no rider effort. Big V-twins are never silky smooth but the Yamaha XV1900 is better than most. It’s a high tech engine, not simply a bored out antique.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueNo real problems. Like so many modern motorcycles the Yamaha XV1900 has few recurring mechanical nightmares, unlike machines of the 80s and 90s. The finish, while better than older machines is still not perfect. Even a few days winter use without a lot of care can scar the Yamaha XV1900's metal surfaces.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Yamaha XV1900 was competitively priced when new and looking to be reasonable value on the used market too. The Yamaha Star family have the strongest following of Japanese cruisers so resale prices are fairly strong. There’s no shortage of competition from bikes like Kawasaki’s VN2000 and Honda’s VTX1800 but the Yamaha XV1900’s a match for any of them. Find a Yamaha XV1900 Midnight Star for sale
Equipment
The standard Yamaha XV1900 comes with all the basic equipment and it’s all top quality stuff. Panniers and a screen will be high on many Yamaha XV1900 riders' wish lists and you can get them from Yamaha or after market suppliers. Louder exhausts are a popular mod but they’re a little harder to find – but availability is increasing.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1854cc |
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Engine type | 4v V-twin, 5 gears |
Frame type | Aluminium double cradle |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 735mm |
Bike weight | 329kg |
Front suspension | None |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Twin 298mm discs |
Rear brake | Twin 298mm discs |
Front tyre size | 130/70 x 18 |
Rear tyre size | 190/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £320 |
New price | £13,499 |
Used price | £6,000 - £6,300 |
Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 89 bhp |
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Max torque | 115 ft-lb |
Top speed | 120 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 12.8 secs |
Tank range | 150 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2006: Original Yamaha XV1900 launched.
Other versions
Yamaha XV1900 Stratoliner: Some import models come with panniers and screen from American version.
2011: Model name changed to XV1900A Midnight Star
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR (2006 - on)
6 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR (2006 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR (2006 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £325
This is a generally a well built, easy to handle bike. Looks good, sounds great and like riding a sofa.
For 115bhp this tanker can stop on a six pence. Handles like a dream.
I bought a 2007 model and found out to my cost that this bike, models 06 to 09 have a well known common 3rd gear failure. Check for a rattle on test drive as engine needs stripping out. Over 2k bill minimum and Yamaha will not help you.
Let's hope your drive belt or engine does not need taking apart.
Had this bike new from the dealer at the beginning of April done 850 miles so far and loved every one of them. I have tried loads of machines in the last few years from adventure style to tourers and cruiser style. Being 6'3" this is the first one that fits me with room to spare. I can cruise quite happily at the national limit with no need to go faster and the handling for a bike of this size is nothing short of amazing, it is particularly good at low speeds carrying it's weight down low with exceptional balance. The motor has plenty of grunt when needed, it red lines at 5000 so never feels stressed. Gearbox is a peach and economy works out about 45 mpg so far. Brakes are powerful with good control. The styling is not everyone's cup of tea but I like it in a retro/futuristic kind of way. When I was looking for a large cruiser I considered all the options from around the World but just kept coming back to this one for one reason or another and so far I'm very happy with my choice.
Never planned on having a cruiser,then i saw the xv in the local bike shop ,this bike looks so much better in the metal than in photos,a quick test ride and a bit of hagling (down to £9200,intrest free !)and it's in the garage.this is a huge but very quick bike that handles.everytime you go out it just brings a big smile to yer face,if you want a big cruiser that works get the xv,if you just want a name get a harley
I bought this after looking at a Harley and deciding I preferred the Japanese quality. It's eye-catching,easy to ride and i think it looks great. There are so many nice details on the bike. Quality is excellent and the engine is a beauty. Low revving, sweet sounding and with heaps of torque providing instant get up and go for what is a heavy machine. I think it's a great cruiser.
what a mechine, attracts many as to what it is..., I can sit in my garage and admire it, this bike will be a winner for yamaha
This really is the dogs -awesome power and handles really well. The exhaust sets off car alarms in std trim, and a handfull of throttle will rip your arms clean out of their sockets. Plenty of high quality chrome to polish. An all round beast of a two wheeler.