YAMAHA XVS950 MIDNIGHT STAR (2009 - 2013) Review

Having entered and dominated every category of motorbike from small capacity commuters to prototype racers, the Japanese manufacturers set their focus on the custom cruiser scene.

You’d never guess this XVS950 was an entry level model from Yamaha, at only £6500 when it was new, it offered a hell of a lot of bike for the money. It's such good value that it makes you question whether you need a larger bike, as this 950cc machine does everything a 1200cc or more cruiser does and is considerably cheaper.

It feels large, like a proper custom bike should and it's comfortable, too. The strong engine is more than enough for two up touring, yet is still easy to ride and rider friendly.

You have to remember the Yamaha XVS950 is a custom cruiser and obviously aimed at very different audience to a sportsbike. However, for me the foot boards still scrape far too early and ground clearance is limited.

But I’m told most custom buyers aren’t bothered about a lack of ground clearance. Stability is excellent and the brakes aren’t half bad either, better than the competition from the US. Comfort wise it’s near perfect.

At the heart of any cruiser worth its salt you'll find a thumping V-twin engine and so to give riders an authentic experience, that's what they've fitted to the XSV.

The 90 degree V-Twin in this bike is an entirely new engine and not a bored out version of the old model. It actually produces more torque than bhp which is ideal for this market.

It’s not arm-ripping torque like a large capacity Harley-Davidson but more than enough for this bike. The fuel injection is faultlessly controlled by Mikuni.

If heritage and authenticity isn't the reason you'd turn to Yamaha for your cruiser, build quality and reliability could be. While modern Harley-Davidsons have come a long way, back in the noughties they had a shakey reputation.

Some of the plastic chrome on the XVS does let the bike down in places, for me it’s a little too much. It doesn’t pass the quality tap test, however you have to remember the very low price tag.

On the whole the finish is high, the exhaust looks quality. Reliability wise the low revving motor should be bullet proof and the belt drive reduces running costs.

This is where the new Yamaha XVS950A Midnight Star really scores its points. It feels quality, rides and looks far better than the low price tag suggests. An entry level custom that does everything its larger brothers do but considerably cheaper and easier to live with and ride.

Modern equivalents in the entry-level cruiser market include the Harley-Davidson Nightster, Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

Find a Yamaha Midnight Star for sale

The Yamaha XVS950A Midnight Star is straightforward as it’s a custom cruiser, however the rear still has 8 way preload adjustment for taking a pillion and luggage. Just a single disc brake up at the front, which is asking a lot, stopping a hefty 279kg. Analogue speedo is incorporated into the tank in true custom style. Compare and buy products for the Yamaha XVS950A Midnight Star in the MCN Shop.