The Yamaha XV1900A is a large cruiser with a 1,854 cc V-twin engine. While it was in production it was the largest Yamaha motorcycle, sold in the United States through the Star Motorcycles division and known in Europe as the Midnight Star.
Yamaha XV1900A at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | Large cruiser |
| Engine | 1,854 cc air-cooled 48° V-twin |
| Bore and stroke | 100 × 118 mm |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
| Valves | four pushrod valves per cylinder, twin spark plugs |
| Peak torque | at 2,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | wide-ratio five-speed |
| Final drive | belt on the Midnight Star |
| Frame | aluminium die-cast double cradle, 1,715 mm wheelbase |
| EXUP | first Yamaha cruiser with the exhaust power valve |
| Raider version | 2008–2018 |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha XV1900A
Yamaha developed the XV1900A to exploit the large-displacement end of the cruiser market. Its existing Star cruisers went up to the Wild Star 1600, but Yamaha needed to redesign the engine for anticipated exhaust emissions rules and took the chance to update styling that had remained largely unchanged for a decade.
The engine is a 1,854 cc air-cooled 48-degree V-twin purpose-built for maximum torque at 2,500 rpm, in the 55–75 mph cruising range. Each cylinder has four pushrod-operated valves and twin spark plugs. The forged pistons have an Alumite coating and run in ceramic-composite-coated bores to reduce friction. With an undersquare 100 by 118 mm bore and stroke and a 9.5:1 compression ratio, it was the first Yamaha cruiser to use the compact EXUP exhaust power valve previously found only on the company’s sports bikes. A pent-roof combustion chamber improves gas flow, and counter-rotating balancers at both ends of the crankshaft reduce vibration.
Power goes through a wide-ratio five-speed gearbox and a compact transfer case, with a hydraulic clutch; the Midnight Star uses belt drive. The lightweight long-wheelbase frame is an aluminium die casting with a double-cradle design, matched to a die-cast aluminium swingarm, a hidden horizontal rear shock and large-diameter front forks. From 2008 Yamaha also built a limited Raider version with a lowered seat, lengthened forks, a 210 mm rear tyre, the widest on any Yamaha, a black engine finish and custom fittings; the Raider was discontinued for 2018.
Design and features
- Big V-twin: 1,854 cc with four pushrod valves per cylinder and twin spark plugs.
- EXUP on a cruiser: the first Yamaha cruiser to use the exhaust power valve.
- Aluminium frame: a die-cast double cradle with a 1,715 mm wheelbase.
- Raider: a limited custom version with a 210 mm rear tyre.
Yamaha XV1900A versions
- XV1900A Midnight Star: the European cruiser version with belt drive.
- Roadliner: the American cruiser version.
- Stratoliner: touring version of the same platform.
- Raider (2008–2018): limited custom version with a lowered seat and 210 mm rear tyre.
The XV1900A replaced the Road Star at the top of Yamaha’s cruiser range. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha XV1900A, English Wikipedia: development, engine, transmission, frame, Raider version
