The Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star->ke301 has been described as a laid-back cruiser, but make no mistake about it, there's nothing 'laid back' about its performance.

That's because the XVS1300A Midnight Star is powered by a 1,304cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 40valves, V-type 2-cylinder OHC engine, one that's capable of unleashing a world of power and performance that riders ultimately crave. At the heart of this bike, you’ll find the engine features forged pistons, 4-valve heads and shortstroke con-rods, so that every time you hit the throttle you feel a knockout, low-down punch, that turns into great power.

The bike's engine make-up has also been added with twin balancers that tune out the unwanted vibrations. It also has an intelligent Unified Braking System that provides an independent or combined wheel braking for total control.

As far as its design characteristics are concerned, the XVS1300A Midnight Star takes the classic 1930s-inspired styling, with a tight body and low silhouette that's old-school and adds a radical new twist.

Combine the engine, the chromed-up style, the throbbing torque, and the very best of 21st century bike technology, and you have a bike that you can proudly say is far more aggressive than it's laid back looks suggest.

Find out more about the Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star after the jump.

2012 Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star
  • Horsepower: 39 @ 5500
  • Torque: 78 @ 4000
  • Transmission: Constant Mesh, 5-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star

Hop on an XVS1300A Midnight Star, and you'll see that laid-back, cruiser style doesn't have to mean laid-back horsepower. Its engine features forged pistons, 4-valve heads and shortstroke con-rods, so every time you hit the throttle you feel a knockout, low-down punch, that turns into serious power.

Twin balancers tune out the unwanted vibrations that can make long journeys wearing, without losing those feel-good power pulses. And an intelligent Unified Brake System offers independent or combined wheel braking for total control.

And it all comes in a package of classic 1930s-inspired styling, with a tight body and low silhouette that's old-school with a radical new twist.

Get out and explore the open road with Yamaha's stunning range of cruisers. You'll find throbbing torque, chromed-up style and the very best of 21st century bike technology - it's the ultimate blend of cutting-edge engineering and cool cruiser lifestyle.

The Midnight Star range is a powerful mix of substance and style. From the easy-riding of the XVS950A to the classic styling and exhilaration of the XV1900A, the range combines high-powered engines and menacing looks with the ultimate in rider comfort and control.

So climb aboard and do whatever you've got to do, whether that's a cross country hike or a gentle cruise, our bikes are ready.

'Air-cooling design' fins

When you drive a big cruiser, you're buying into something special - a love of the open road, the spirit of adventure, and an appreciation of carefully crafted machinery. With the XVS1300A you get all of the above, and the 'air-cooling design' fins make this one the most stylish and beautifully finished designs in the cruiser class.

Big torque for big roads

You want your cruiser to respond to every turn of the throttle, and the XVS1300A's short-stroke configuration ensures that it does. The 60 degree V-twin engine offers big performance whether you're riding around the city or on the highway with a passenger. Its instant acceleration means it can cruise quickly, hour after hour.

Tuned muffler note

Twist the throttle on the XVS1300A, and you'll hear the kind of growl that reminds you you're alive. After extensive testing, we have been able to minimise mechanical noise and high frequency sound. The result is accentuated deeper tones that give this big V-twin such a pleasing, low exhaust note.

Handlebar-mounted instruments

You'll notice that the XVS1300A is a streamlined machine. To maintain an uninterrupted flow from the headlight through to the tip of the flared rear fender, the instruments are mounted on the handlebars rather that on the fuel tank. The unobtrusive one-piece includes an analogue speedometer and warning lights.

'Wild streamline' styling

Borrowing from a variety of streamlined American designs of the 1930s, the beautifully flowing bodywork seen on this new Yamaha takes cruiser design into new territory. Viewed from any angle, the 'wild streamline' styling flows seamlessly from the top of the headlight through to the low tail of the steel rear fender.

Left and right side balancers

When you're on a road trip, and cruising cross country for hours of uninterrupted riding pleasure, comfort is important. The XVS1300A has been designed to cut out vibration, with balancers on both sides of the engine, while allowing the sensual pulse that lets the rider feel the engine working.

Specifications

Engine type

liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valves, V-type 2-cylinder, OHC

Displacement

1,304cc

Bore x stroke

100.0 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression ratio

9.5 : 1

Maximum Power

53.5 kW (73.0PS) @ 5,500 rpm

Maximum Torque

106.0 Nm (10.8 kg-m) @ 4,000 rpm

Lubrication system

Wet sump

Carburettor

Fuel Injection

Clutch Type

Wet, multiple-disc coil spring

Ignition system

TCI

Starter system

Electric

Transmission system

Constant Mesh, 5-speed

Final transmission

Belt

Frame

double cradle

Front suspension system

Telescopic forks, Ø 41 mm

Front travel

135 mm

Caster Angle

32º

Trail

145 mm

Rear suspension system

Swingarm

Rear Travel

110 mm

Front brake

Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 298 mm

Rear brake

Single Disc, Ø 298 mm

Front tyre

130/90-16M/C 67H

Rear tyre

170/70B-16M/C 75H

Overall length

2,490 mm

Overall width

995 mm

Overall height

1,145 mm

Seat height

690 mm

Wheel base

1,690 mm

Minimum ground clearance

145 mm

Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)

304 kg

Fuel tank capacity

19 litres

Oil tank capacity

3.7 litres


Quotes

Bikez ---- "Twin balancers tune out the unwanted vibrations that can make long journeys wearing, without losing those feel-good power pulses"

Metropolismotorcycles ---- "Hop on an XVS1300A Midnight Star and you’ll see that laid-back, cruiser style doesn’t have to mean laid-back horsepower"

Visordown ---- "Cruiser engines are getting so huge these days that Yamaha's new Midnight Star is billed as a middleweight even though its V-twin motor displaces 1304cc, the traditional American 80 cubic inches"