New Yamaha XV950s set for UK

This new bobber-style Yamaha custom, the XV950, is coming to the UK this September priced from £7199 to £7499.
 
The new V-twin debuted earlier this year in the US where it’s called the ‘Star Bolt’ and is targeted firmly at Harley’s popular entry-level range of 883 and 1200cc Sportsters.
 
In the UK it’ll be available in two forms: the basic £7199 XV950 and the sportier £7499 XV950R which comes with Ohlins ‘piggyback’ twin shocks, a buckskin seat cover and a racing stripe paint job.
 
Both are powered by the same belt drive, 942cc, air-cooled, V-twin carried in a steel tube double cradle frame.
 
Yamaha call the newcomers ‘Sport Heritage’ machines, or “performance bobbers that are inspired by the past yet built for the future”.
 
Either way, with their good looks, novice-friendly proportions, likely decent handling and competitive prices the XVs should have enough to have Harley looking over their shoulder…
 
First test in MCN soon.