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Yamaha XV1900 motorcycle review - Riding

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Yamaha XV1900 (2006-current)

View all Yamaha XV1900 MIDNIGHT STARs for sale (10)

Detail	Value
New price	£9,999
Engine size	1854cc
Power	89bhp
Top speed	120mph
Insurance group	14

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Called 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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

At 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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

No 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.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 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 Yamaha XV1900 motorcycles for sale.

Insurance group: 14

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2006: Original Yamaha XV1900 launched.

Yamaha XV1900 Stratoliner: Some import models come with panniers and screen from American version.

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Specifications

Top speed	120mph
1/4-mile acceleration	12.8 secs
Power	89bhp
Torque	115ftlb
Weight	329kg
Seat height	735mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	41mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Insurance group	14

Engine size	1854cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Aluminium double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	Twin 298mm discs
Front tyre size	130/70 x 18
Rear tyre size	190/60 x 17

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

Yamaha
XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR

0 miles

£10,499

Yamaha
XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR

0 miles

£9,699

Yamaha
XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR

0 miles

£9,999

Yamaha
XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR

2034 miles

£7,995

Yamaha
XV1900 MIDNIGHT STAR

1100 miles

£9,500

Owners' Overall Rating (4 reviews)

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mega

andytdm

Average rating

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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

04 December 2008
Stratoliner

StuartX11

Average rating

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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.

09 February 2008
xv1900

janolszewski

Average rating

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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

11 November 2007
The Beast

Mapeiman

Average rating

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Engine

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.

11 March 2007

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patreeko says

xvs1900

Bought the bike in march an have just completed 6000 on it. Just back from a 3000 tour of europe an found it superb on both motorway an twistys. Obviously not a sports bike but handled hairpins without any problems at all. Nice an easy to get the boards down tho!!! Finish is good so far but we,ll see what winter brings! Tryes held up surprisingly well too. Have Dunlops fitted as standard but would be interested to hear if anyone prefers Bridgestones.

17 July 2007 11:13

nairb1957says

xv1900

any vibe's on this bike are more like a heart beat having come from a 04 R1 this is the other end of biking a layed back relaxation.I love the R1 120mph quicker than you can say it but one must think of your licence when you drive HGV'S for a living.Is the XV better than a harley? techno yes soul if they make it for the next ten years maybe.

20 March 2007 19:51