Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star, the new generation cruiser

The XVS1300A Midnight Star will be available in three colours, Lava Red, Silver Tech y Midnight Black. © Yamaha. For 2007 Yamaha launch the all-new XVS1300A Midnight Star, a remarkably stylish new-generation liquid-cooled V-twin which takes the cruiser concept into a whole new league.

When Yamaha's design team set out to develop this new machine, their goal was to create a leading middleweight cruiser that would offer sensual high-torque performance and easy handling.

This has been achieved by creating an all-new 1300cc V-twin engine, housing it in a new long-wheelbase chassis, and finishing it off with some of the most evocative cruiser styling ever seen on a mainstream motorcycle.

In many ways the new Midnight Star is traditional, and yet at the same time it is also very advanced. It can also be described as a classic looking motorcycle, whilst also being avant-garde but what is certain is that this is no ordinary machine.
The XVS1300A represents a dynamic fusion of all of the very best elements of timeless cruiser design combined with the most sophisticated engine and chassis technology, and for this reason it can justifiably be described as a new generation cruiser.

High performance, short stroke, liquid cooled V-twin

Unlike traditional V-twins, the new XVS1300A Midnight Star runs with unconventional engine architecture for a bike in this class. Features like the short stroke configuration and liquid-cooling may seem to go against the flow of mainstream cruiser engine design, but they give the new XVS engine a unique, sensual feel and very special character.

Long and low chassis with stable handling performance

A new double cradle frame follows the proven long-and-low layout first seen on our Star models, but this is no ordinary cruiser chassis. Developed using computer simulation backed up by thousands of hours of real-world testing, this new frame benefits from Yamaha's expertise in the art of balanced rigidity.

And unlike many other cruisers, the XVS1300A Midnight Star benefits from a front/rear weight distribution that would not look out of place on a sports bike. The result is a very special package that combines cruiser looks with strong handling performance. With its class-leading engine and chassis performance, this machine is ready to shake up the cruiser category.

‘Wild Streamline' styling

Borrowing from by a variety of streamlined American designs from the 1930s, the beautifully flowing bodywork seen on this new Yamaha really does take cruiser design into new territory.
Viewed from any angle, the ‘Wild Streamline' styling of this evocative new cruiser flows seamlessly from the top of the headlight through to the low tail of the steel rear fender. Compared with the ‘Neo Streamline' bodywork seen on the Midnight Star 1900, the new XVS1300A Midnight Star has a much lower rear end, emphasising the traction of the fat rear tyre. This makes for a sportier look that has been inspired by the classic American chopped top custom car.

Engine
Short stroke configuration for instant performance

This new 60 degree V-twin engine has been designed to offer high levels of sensual performance right across its wide operating range. Whether the XVS1300A Midnight Star is ridden around the city streets or on the highway with a passenger, it is designed to offer instant acceleration, and is built to cruise quickly, hour after hour.

To achieve these goals our engineers opted for bore x stroke measurements of 100mm x 83mm, and it is this relatively short stroke layout (for a V-twin cruiser) that helps to give the engine its strong performance, instant response and pulsing power output.

Plated cylinders and forged pistons running with a 9.5:1 compression ratio ensure efficient operation at all engine speeds, and the fuel-injected 4-valve cylinder head makes for smooth intake and exhaust gas flows.

Compact 60 degree V angle and irregular firing interval

The 60 degree V angle has been chosen because it offers a number of advantages. Primarily, this layout generates a strong engine pulse, and features an irregular firing interval between 300 degrees and 420 degrees. This uneven firing pulse ensures a wide spread of strong torque, and allows the XVS1300A Midnight Star rider to feel the machine's irregular beat through their whole body.

In addition to its torque boosting benefits and emission of sensual pulses, the compact 60 degree V-twin layout ensures a good centralisation of mass, and this plays a critical role in helping to enhance handling performance, which is covered in detail in the chassis section.

Concealed liquid cooling system

Although this new engine has the external appearance of a classic air cooled design, it benefits from a highly efficient liquid cooling system which has been cleverly concealed.
The advantages of liquid cooling are clear: it allows the engine to run much finer tolerances with relation to the valves, tappets, camshafts and pistons, and finer tolerances meaner higher power output.

By increasing engine efficiency, the XVS1300A Midnight Star's liquid cooling system delivers increased performance, and crucially, reduces mechanical noise. This noise reduction actually enhances the sensual pulse feel of the big V-twin engine, because the rider can hear more of the specially tuned exhaust note rather than be distracted by background mechanical noise that may be experienced on some big air-cooled V-twins.

With its internal water pump, concealed coolant hoses and finned cylinders – as well as the fact that the radiator is tucked away inconspicuously between the frame's downtubes – the liquid cooled XVS1300A Midnight Star has the timeless appearance of a conventional air cooled engine.

By combining tradition with technology, this new generation cruiser is designed to appeal to those riders who want good performance but yearn for the classic air-cooled look.

Optimised squish area and long-reach spark plugs

With its relatively big bore dimension of 100mm, the XVS1300A Midnight Star cylinder head has a wide combustion chamber. For improved combustion processes the outer edge – or ‘squish' band – features a special design that increases the swirling motion of the incoming fuel/air mix, and forces it towards the centre of the combustion chamber.

To aid the whole combustion process the 4-valve head is equipped with long-reach 26.5mm spark plugs which, together with the squish band, ensure highly efficient combustion for stronger performance and instant throttle response.

Low maintenance belt drive

To handle the strong, irregular power pulses, the XVS1300A Midnight Star is equipped with a belt drive system similar to that used on the Midnight Star 1900. This clean and quiet final drive system is ideally suited to a big V-twin's high-torque power delivery, and it also offers the advantage of requiring little routine maintenance.

Whereas a shaft drive transmission would require four axes, the belt drive system has enabled our engineers to use a lighter three axis design for the crank, main and drive axles, keeping the overall dimensions of new 60 degree V-twin engine as compact as possible.

Engine Technical Highlights

· High performance liquid-cooled 1304cc V-twin
· SOHC 4-valve cylinder head
· 9.5:1 compression ratio
· Compact 60 degree V-twin configuration
· Cylinders with stylish fluted fins
· Fuel injection
· Wide spread of instant power
· Belt drive
· Beautifully styled components
· Optimised crankshaft mass
· Massive pulse feeling for sensual performance
· Single axis double crankshaft balancer (left and right side)
· Evocative exhaust note
· Radiator located between frame front down tubes
· Hidden coolant pipes
· Roller rocker arm design

Chasis
Newly designed double cradle frame

An all-new double cradle steel frame utilises the compact 60 degree V-twin engine as a fully stressed member for increased rigidity and higher levels of handling performance. The engine itself is mounted at the cylinder head and at three points on the crankcase.
The long swingarm operates a hidden rear shock, and features pointed tips that match the bike's classic cruiser design.

Optimised front/rear weight distribution

One of the most significant specifications on the new XVS1300A Midnight Star may not be evident to the naked eye, but it soon becomes obvious once the rider is on the move. Unlike many other cruisers, this new Yamaha benefits from a front/rear weight distribution of 48/52, which is not unlike that featured on a typical sports bike.

This front wheel weight distribution on this new cruiser is 5% greater than on the XVS1100, and this greater weight bias at the front end has been made possible by extending the wheelbase by 40mm compared to the 1100, as well as by shifting the centre of gravity of the new V-twin engine closer to the front of the machine.

Out on the highway this 48% front wheel weight distribution makes for more responsive handling and turning characteristics, which underline the XVS1300A Midnight Star's all round abilities in the city and on the highway. The extra front bias also enhances stability levels at higher speeds, and sets new standards in the cruiser class.

41mm front forks and Monocross rear suspension

For a smooth, firm and comfortable ride, the suspension system features 41mm diameter front forks, while at the rear there is a link-type Monocross suspension system that ensures excellent rider and passenger comfort.

High performance braking system

To match the bike's high performance potential it runs with dual 298mm front discs which are gripped by 2-pot calipers for reliable braking power – while at the rear there is a 298mm disc with a low-mounted Midnight Star 1900-type caliper.

Spacious seat

A spacious new rider's seat with a flat profile allows the rider plenty of freedom of movement. Combined with the relaxing handlebar position, this new seat makes for excellent comfort and reduced fatigue.

New design cast rear wheel

To accentuate its high performance cruiser image, the XVS1300A Midnight Star is equipped with a seven spoke cast aluminium rear wheel that is fitted with a wide 170/70-16 tyre. Not only does this give the big V-twin plenty of traction, it also ensures a luxurious ride. The seven spoke cast aluminium front wheel is the same design as the design used on the XVS1100.

Wild Streamline bodywork

The XVS1300A Midnight Star features our ‘Wild Streamline' style bodywork, which has been developed from the Neo Streamline design seen on the Midnight Star 1900. This gives an ultra-smooth body shape in which the bike's lines flow seamlessly from the top of the new headlight, across the fuel tank and seat, and through to the tip of the extended rear fender.

This bold new form characterises the machine's speed and power, and the organic contours of the machine express the flow of the wind. As well as successfully projecting an image of speed and power, the long and low profile of this new Yamaha cruiser accentuates the bike's inherent dynamic power, and shows off its mechanical beauty in an understated, timeless fashion.

Stretched 19-litre fuel tank

A major contributor to the ‘Wild Streamline' image is the 19-litre fuel tank, which has a long ‘stretched' appearance that complements the long and low chassis. Despite its generous 19-litre capacity, the teardrop shape has a much flatter profile than other cruisers, and this was made possible by fitting the fuel pump mechanism in a separate sub tank. The streamlined appearance of the tank is also enhanced by the use of an aircraft style flush-fitting fuel cap, and an understated paint finish with no pinstripes further underlines the bike's smooth and clean lines.

Steel front and rear fenders

The steel front and rear fenders play an integral role in the Wild Streamline image, and their flared lower rear sections emphasise the bike's powerful yet graceful form. In particular, the extended flare of the rear fender acts as a focal point for the imaginary wave flowing over the bike's bodywork.

Handlebar mounted instruments

In order to maintain the 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 meter assembly incorporates an analogue speedometer and a range of warning lights.

The XVS1300A Midnight Star will be available in three colours: Lava Red, Silver Tech and Midnight Black.
(Yamaha Motor Europe)

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