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Indian Chief Classic, Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom, Triumph Thunderbird Storm and Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star

Cruiser in comparison test

You don’t want to travel big. You don’t want to heat either. What you want is to draw strength from a large displacement. Then Indian Chief Classic, Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom, Triumph Thunderbird Storm and Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star might appeal to you.

It doesn’t always have to be Harley-Davidson when it comes to cruisers. There are alternatives. I.ndian Chief Classic, for example, is the name of a new star in the cruiser sky that shines with chrome and elegance. Its clutch cover proudly reports that the brand was founded in 1901, two years older than Harley-Davidson, ADAC and MOTORRAD.

Indian Chief Classic, Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom, Triumph Thunderbird Storm and Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star

Cruiser in comparison test

Thunderbird Storm represents a brand that is only a year younger. Of course, it is powered by an in-line two-cylinder, which skilfully hides its water cooling and with a displacement of 1699 cm³ is the largest two-cylinder in Europe. With its 270 degree crank pin offset, it should also sound like a V2 engine.

Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star largest bike in the starting field

The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom moves into the spotlight as the third party, if we take into account the company’s founding in 1921. As always with a Guzzi, the air-cooled cylinders stretch into the wind at a 90-degree angle across the direction of travel. And in addition to the significantly smaller displacement of 1380 cm³, this largest European V2 also has only two camshafts, but these are overhead.

The last to appear is the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star because it is the largest. At least in terms of volume. It offers 1854 cm3 in two cylinders spread at a 48-degree angle. Yamaha has only been building motorcycles since 1955, and musical instruments since 1887.

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Get up and start

Since none of the four motorcycles weighs less than 320 kilograms, it takes real guys to maneuver them. You would never believe that the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star and the Indian Chief Classic are held together by aluminum frames. But that’s how it is. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom is the hardest to get off the stand, although it is the least heavy. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm is the lightest because it’s so nicely balanced. At 370 kilos, the Indian is scary at first, but this quickly turns out to be unfounded. And the flat Yamaha makes it easy for you.

Who can start first? The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom. The starter crashes onto the flywheel and starts the V2 rumbling. What’s this? Kappuzzi, kapuzzi? No, the Guzzi trembles irregularly in the frame, which is due to the rubber mounting of the drive unit. It sounds like marine diesel under full load, even though the throttle is not even touched. Anyone who does that tilts the Guzzi to the right with every throttle – nice. The twin of the Triumph Thunderbird Storm seems to start even before you press the start button. He suspects what the driver wants from him: feel his beat. Sounds like an oversized Yamaha Super Tenere, mimics the 90-degree V2. The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star also crashes hard, the Indian Chief Classic gently takes off. Bubbling at low 950 revolutions, leisurely calm exudes.

The first meters

When standing, all four look like monsters. But they eat out of your hand. Above all, the Indian Chief Classic takes the gas gently, almost tenderly. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom is the marker. Hop forward with minimal throttle. So quickly switch the mapping from Veloce to Tourismo and things will work better. The other two fit perfectly, we’re ready to go. When the four colossi storm away at the traffic lights, the earth shakes. Not because they are roaring loud. No, it’s the vibrations that emanate from the thick pistons. Every combustion cycle can be felt, sometimes softer like the Indian, sometimes coarser like the Triumph Thunderbird Storm.

When the traffic light spurts, it is still possible to shift to second gear at the intersection, the first gear is actually only needed for a short taxi. The Indian Chief Classic does this best. A powerful arm pushes you forward even when the crankshaft almost stops. You can hardly stall the engine – like a Lanz Bulldog. The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star and the Triumph Thunderbird Storm also master this. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom wants more speed, around 1800 rpm, more like a more modern tractor.

Curves

Who said cruisers can’t take turns? These four can do that. In fact, quite well given the enormous masses that you move there. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm delivers the most dynamism. It is the only one with footrests instead of running boards, has the most active ergonomics, and it has the stiffest chassis, provides the best feedback. The Indian Chief Classic looks heavier, but it runs surprisingly neutral and completely easy through curves of all radii. That also makes a lot of fun.

The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star does this equally well, perhaps a bit more cumbersome to handle. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom needs more concentration and work on the handlebars, it looks more wobbly in an inclined position. But you can get used to that too. However, proper movement is a prerequisite for all curve fun. Those who do not understand these machines or bend them too violently are immediately rewarded with scratching running boards.

Glide straight ahead

The main discipline of such huge heavyweights: just let it roll, the horizon in front of your eyes. It’s not about speed, only about enjoyment. So, for example, to bubble comfortably through the landscape on comfortable seats. All four are great and mighty. They therefore also offer good technical conditions for stoic straight-line stability. The longest is the Indian Chief Classic, which stretches its wheel axles a full 1.73 meters apart. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm is also over 1.60 meters. You don’t have to worry if you drive over 150 km / h on the motorway. But then you hang on the wide sail pole like a spider monkey. The speed quickly levels off around 120 km / h, everything else costs unnecessarily strength.

Then the beat of the Big Twins is also right. What is great fun: All four of them compete enormously from the lowest speeds. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm is downright angry, not only stomping off at under 2000 rpm, but also gaining speed at double the speed. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom, the “smallest” machine in this comparison, is naturally not quite as powerful at the bottom, but turns even higher: up to 7000 rpm. For a 1400 this is not little, compared to the thicker cronies almost a high-speed concept. The biggest engine in the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star hits the fattest beat. For number freaks: at 2000 rpm it delivers over 150 Nm. The Indian Chief Classic stomps off in a similarly powerful way, but doesn’t like higher speeds at all.

Comfort

It’s all about the mass: weight brings comfort. You can feel that when you’re on the move with so much heavy metal. Their mass gives the cruisers a grave calm on bumps. They cushion some of the things that cause a lot of buzzing on lighter machines – practically all others. The Indian Chief Classic has the greatest effect here, who’s any surprise? Your fork and the hidden Fox Racing shock absorber respond cleanly. The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star does this well too. It helps to preload the strut under the engine a little.

The other two cruisers each have two spring struts at the rear and are a little tighter. They appear more binding on uneven ground, but less comfortable on the other hand. In addition, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm comes with a thinly padded seat cushion, while the Indian Chief Classic offers extremely comfortable seating. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom and the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star are in between when it comes to seating comfort.

At the limit

Maybe it should go a little faster, or it will be surprisingly tight. Where are the limits of the big buzzers, are there reserves? We have already talked about the slight lean angle, but what about the stability in curves, the gear shiftability, the brakes? The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom and the Triumph Thunderbird Storm are the most active. The British girl likes the interplay of engine power, transmission, chassis and brakes best. The 100 kilograms more weight compared to a "normal" motorcycle is less noticeable.

The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom can also be moved with enthusiasm. Good brakes, a firm chassis, the buttery smooth gearbox and a wide speed range give the driving style freedom. Even traction control, ABS and various driving modes are on board. You notice the cardan drive when you close the gas, then the machine collapses. The Indian Chief Classic and the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star can’t keep up in terms of dynamics. Crashing gears, weakly damped suspensions, doughy brakes, with the Yamaha with composite braking system, but without ABS.

aesthetics

We come to the end. The engines of the large volume cool down with a crackle. Time for the eye to admire the lines of these four cruisers. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom looks like a bison. Thick body, brawny cylinders peeking out from under the tank, independent, original. The Triumph Thunderbird Storm is completely itself. With real sheet metal fenders, a very thick twin and a tall tank. The Indian Chief Classic revels in glittering chrome, while the Indian head shines on the front fender.

And then these incredibly elegantly curved sheet metal fenders, whitewall tires and wire-spoke wheels. Consist: the Yamaha Streamliner. The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star is set to the wind from head to toe, every component, from the indicators to the drop-shaped arm, submitted to the streamline dictation. The speedometer, designed in Art Deco style, also worked perfectly – a coherent 1930s style.

Technical data Indian Chief Classic

Gargolov

Its clutch cover proudly reports that the brand was founded in 1901, two years older than Harley-Davidson, ADAC and MOTORRAD.

engine

type design
 Two-cylinder-
Four-stroke 49-degree engine
coupling
 Multi-panes-
Oil bath clutch
Boron x stroke  101.0 x 113.0 mm
Displacement 1811 cc
compression 9.5: 1
power
 62.0 kW (84 PS)
at 4500 rpm
Torque
 139 Nm
at 2600 rpm

landing gear

frame
 Backbone frame made of aluminum
fork
 Telescopic fork, Ø 46 mm
Brakes front / rear 
Ø 300/300 mm
Systems assistance
 SECTION
bikes 3.50 x 16; 5.00 x 16
tires

 130/90 B 16;
180/65 B 16
Tires
 Dunlop American Elite

mass and weight

wheelbase
 1730 mm
Steering head angle
 61.0 degrees
trailing
 155 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 
119/94 mm
Seat height *
 730 mm
Weight with full tank * 370 kg
Payload *
 203 kg
Tank capacity 20.8 liters
Service intervals 8000 km
price 23,690 euros
Price test motorcycle 23,690 euros
Additional costs k. AT..
* MOTORCYCLE measurements

MOTORCYCLE readings

Top speed ** 193 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h		 5.9 sec
11.4 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 6.4 sec
7.4 sec
18.2 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km  5.4 liters
Reach country road 385 km
** Manufacturer information

Technical data Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom

Gargolov

As always with a Guzzi, the air-cooled cylinders stretch into the wind at a 90-degree angle across the direction of travel.

engine

type design

 Two-cylinder-
Four-stroke 90 degrees-
V engine
coupling

 Single slices-
Dry clutch
Boron x stroke 
104.0 x 81.2 mm
Displacement
 1380 cc
compression
 10.5: 1
power

 71.0 kW (97 hp)
at 6500 rpm
Torque

 120 Nm
at 2750 rpm

landing gear

frame
 Double loop frame made of steel
fork
 Telescopic fork, Ø 46 mm
Brakes front / rear 
Ø 320/282 mm
Systems assistance
 ABS, traction control
bikes 3.50 x 18; 6.00 x 16
tires

 130/70 R 18;
200/60 R 16
Tires
 Dunlop D251

mass and weight

wheelbase
 1685 mm
Steering head angle
 58.0 degrees
trailing
 155 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 
120/110 mm
Seat height *
 755 mm
Weight with full tank * 322 kg
Payload *
 225 kg
Tank capacity
 20.5 liters
Service intervals
 10,000 km
price
 17,730 euros
Price test motorcycle
 18,830 euros²
Additional costs
 260 euros
* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ²incl. Lafranconi rear silencer (1100 euros)

MOTORCYCLE readings

Top speed ** 195 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h		 4.4 sec
8.5 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 4.7 sec
6.7 sec
11.7 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km 
5.8 liters
Reach country road
 353 km
** Manufacturer information

Technical data Triumph Thunderbird Storm

Gargolov

Of course, it is powered by an in-line two-cylinder, which skilfully hides its water cooling and with a displacement of 1699 cm³ is the largest two-cylinder in Europe.

engine

type design

 Two-cylinder-
Four-stroke lines-
engine
coupling

 Multi-panes-
Oil bath clutch
Boron x stroke 
107.1 x 94.3 mm
Displacement
 1699 cc
compression
 9.7: 1
power

 72.0 kW (98 PS)
at 5200 rpm
Torque

 156 Nm at
2950 rpm

landing gear

frame
 Double loop frame made of steel
fork
 Telescopic fork, Ø 47 mm
Brakes front / rear 
Ø 310/310 mm
Systems assistance
 SECTION
bikes 3.50 x 19; 6.00 x 17
tires

 120/70 R 19;
200/50 R 17
Tires
 Metzeler ME 880 marathon

mass and weight

wheelbase
 1615 mm
Steering head angle
 58.0 degrees
trailing
 151 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 
120/95 mm
Seat height *
 700 mm
Weight with full tank * 342 kg
Payload *
 228 kg
Tank capacity
 22.0 liters
Service intervals
 10,000 km
price
 16,040 euros
Price test motorcycle
 16,040 euros
Additional costs
 450 euros
* MOTORCYCLE measurements

MOTORCYCLE readings

Top speed ** 185 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h		 4.9 sec
8.7 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 5.3 sec
6.1 sec
10.7 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km 
5.6 liters
Reach country road
 393 km
** Manufacturer information

Technical data Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star

Gargolov

The Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star is the largest of the four.

engine

type design

 Two-cylinder-
Four-stroke 48 degrees-
V engine
coupling

 Multi-panes-
Oil bath clutch (anti-hopping)
Boron x stroke 
100.0 x 118.0 mm
Displacement
 1854 cc
compression
 9.5: 1
power

 66.4 kW (90 PS)
at 4750 rpm
Torque

 155 Nm
at 2500 rpm

landing gear

frame

 Double loop frame
aluminum
fork
 Telescopic fork, Ø 46 mm
Brakes front / rear 
Ø 298/320 mm
Systems assistance
 –
bikes 4.00 x 18; 5.50 x 17
tires

 130/70 R 18;
190/60 R 17
Tires
 Dunlop D251, front "L"

mass and weight

wheelbase
 1715 mm
Steering head angle
 60.0 degrees
trailing
 152 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 
130/152 mm
Seat height *
 725 mm
Weight with full tank * 346 kg
Payload *
 204 kg
Tank capacity
 16.0 liters
Service intervals
 10,000 km
price
 14,995 euros³
Price test motorcycle
 14,995 euros
Additional costs
 170 euros
* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ³Action price until the end of October

MOTORCYCLE readings

Top speed ** 190 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h
0-140 km / h		 4.6 sec
8.7 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h
100-140 km / h
140-180 km / h		 4.8 sec
6.2 sec
10.7 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km 
5.6 liters
Reach country road
 286 km
** Manufacturer information

Performance metrics

TRILLION

The performance metrics.

Four performance curves that would look good on some automobiles. The 90-degree V2 of the Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom is a bit out of the ordinary with its significantly smaller displacement, but offers the widest speed range. The in-line twin cylinder of the Triumph Thunderbird Storm inspires with a full punch in all positions. The Thunderbird is the strongest in peak performance, it also turns higher than the two V2s from the Indian Chief Classic and the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star. Their perfectly coordinated, 1854 cm3 V2 offers the highest peak performance up to 4600 rpm. There is no substitute for displacement here either. The reason why the Indian does not achieve a higher output despite 1811 cm3 is said to be due to the strictter noise regulations in good old Europe.

When driving, however, the engine never seems weak. The torque curves show the superiority of the V2 of the Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star more clearly. Over 150 Nm from 2000 rpm are worthy of all honor. In comparison with the Indian Chief Classic, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm shows that with a more modern engine concept, namely four valves and water cooling, you can get a lot of torque despite the smaller displacement. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom offers a largely linear course over a wide area, but at a much lower level because of the smaller displacement.

MOTORCYCLE conclusion

Gargolov

The engines of the large volume cool down with a crackle. Time for the eye to admire the lines of these four cruisers.

Indian Chief Classic
None of them deliver their power so softly and yet emphatically. Best ride comfort, great workmanship, illuminated Indian head: the most expensive in the test also delivers something for the money. American way of drive in the best sense of the word.

Moto Guzzi California Custom
A buffalo on wheels with a lot of character and modern electronics. Fun at the traffic lights, fun on the country road. Not quite as comfortably tuned as the other three, but the fastest and the second most expensive.

Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Fits best on European roads, offers fat punch from the very bottom and still turns up angrily: The British are really good at many things, but could still improve in terms of aesthetics and equipment. Some details lack a little love.

Yamaha XV 1900 A Midnight Star
The strongest and largest engine, consistent styling – the Yamaha inspires fans of the Streamliner style. Japanese motorcycle construction with well-known precision in detail. Thanks to the current price reduction, it is by far the cheapest offer in this test.

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