Reviews: YAMAHA XV1300A MIDNIGHT STAR 2010

The Midnight Star 1300 knows which rules of the cruiser bible to break and which to obey. The 60-degree V-twin has the fins of an air-cooled cruiser, but is in fact a hi-tech, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected eight-valve engine. This unique machine fuses classic cruiser character with cutting-edge technology and class-defining performance to deliver an addictive kick of excitement out on the open road or just parked up on the street.

This 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 top-end power.

But its power that comes with control and comfort. Twin balancers tune out all the unwanted vibrations that can make long journeys wearing, but allow the feel-good power pulses that you ride for in the first place.

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.

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, V-type 2-cylinder, 4-valves, OHC
Displacement: 1,304 cc
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 83.0 mm
Compression ratio: 9.5 : 1
Maximum power: 53.5 kW (72.8 HP) @ 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 106 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
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 L
Oil tank capacity: 3.7 L
Chassis: Double cradle
Front suspension system: Telescopic forks
Front travel: 135 mm
Rear suspension system: Swingarm