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It marked the end of the Dragstar, Wildstar and Royalstar epic. Since then, the entire range (3 models from 950 to 1900 cm3) has been called Midnight Star. A name with the scent of Hollywood Boulevard for customs where the fluidity of the design takes on all its importance.
Latest arrival, the “small” 950 allows Yamaha to regain a foothold in the medium-displacement custom sector. The brand had left it fallow since the discontinuation of the 650 Dragstar in 2005.
More discreet but still tinged with elegance, “imposing” and classicism (with this NeoStreamline line inaugurated by the big 1900), the 950 fits perfectly into the Midnight line alongside its big brothers 1300 and 1900. Same profile all round and voluptuous, no lack of taste. Expressing its full length, the latest addition to the Stars is flattering to its driver.
Yamaha gave him a new engine. A twin of course, modern in the guts and nostalgic in the spotlight. Classically air-cooled (attention to detail is reflected even in the polished finish of the fins), this 942 cm3 with 4 valves per cylinder, set at 60 °, single ACT and 35 mm injection, displays almost square dimensions: 85 x 83 mm. If the stroke is shorter, each cylinder announces the same bore of 83 mm as the engine of the 1300. Resumption of the latter, the twin cylinder resumes an architecture on 3 axes (crankshaft / front camshaft / rear camshaft) but in bending the balance shaft – which changes the power curve quite markedly.
The internals are much more modern than the conventional eye might imagine, such as the lightweight forged pistons, ceramic coated cylinders, 4-valve cylinder head and the many newly designed parts: cams, valves, injection bodies. , oil pump, crankshaft, connecting rods, clutch, gearbox gears, crankcase cover and exhaust.
The vibrations and the rhythm of the engine are defined by a cocktail of rather interesting technical solutions: the hammering of the engine is due to asynchronous ignition sequences: the combustion is stalled at 300º and 420º. Removing the balance shaft improves the punch, reduces transmission noise, lightens the engine…. and causes more vibrations. Fortunately, the use of forged pistons and connecting rods, as well as the handlebars and running boards mounted on silent blocks, reduce their spread..
With all this technology, the engine puts out a nice 54 hp and almost 8 mkg of torque. We are far from the big potato of the power cruiser, but the very low speed (3000 rpm) where maximum torque peaks should offer a nice response.
Technically far from the famous Deltabox of the R1, the classic double-cradle steel frame has nevertheless received a lot of attention. Although sport is not part of the specifications of the 950 Midnight Star, the engineers show their concern for road holding and driving pleasure by modulating the rigidity of the structure according to the zones. Very rigid around the steering column, more or less flexible in torsion depending on the location.
Yamaha presents its new custom as lighter and more dynamic than the majority of its competitors in the sector. Certainly, but with a wheelbase typical of this kind of beast (1685 mm, 5 less than the 1300), a caster angle of 32.1 °, a front tire of 130 and almost 280 kg on the scale, the 950 Midnight Star will be easy to handle but not really nervous when driving.
Either way, he’s there to cruiser; not for sintering with an MT-03. With its saddle height flush with the daisies (675mm), its imposing saddle, its wide running boards and its tapered water drop tank, the XVS takes care of its welcome. Hopefully the suspensions (the fork is 27% softer than on the 1300) work flexibly to ensure comfort on our increasingly bumpy roads..
The power of the 950 being sufficient without being formidable, the braking is entrusted to a single disc at the front of 320 mm bitten by 2 pistons. The rear is provided by a 298 mm slab.
Once in the saddle, all you have to do is look down to discover the redesigned instrument console attached to the top of the tank. Small nice detail, it is possible to adjust the lighting of the instrumentation via a button on the left of the handlebars.
This XVS 950 concludes Yamaha’s custom offer with its Midnight Star. Especially since the machine is beautiful and should offer a good introduction to cruising. The finish and qualities of this medium cruiser should make the difference.
Technical specifications of the engine
• 942 cm V-twin³ air-cooled, 4-valve and single ACT
• Bore x stroke: 85 mm x 83 mm
• Compression ratio: 9.0: 1
• Compact V-twin set at 60º
• Asynchronous ignition sequences set at 300º and 420º
• “Roof” combustion chamber
• High torque at low and medium revs
• No balance shaft to lighten the engine and strengthen its beats
• Triangular-shaped cooling fins, emphasizing the classicism of the V-twin
• Right side air intake and turbulence modulation
• Large capacity air filter housing: 3 liters
• Efficient injection, for instant throttle response and lower emissions
• Optimization of the squish zone design, for better combustion efficiency
• Forged aluminum pistons and ceramic composite coated cylinders
• Roller rocker, for a smoother engine
• 2-in-1 muffler on the right and 3-way catalytic converter
• 5-speed gearbox with straight cut-out dogs
Technical specificities of the chassis
• Newly designed double cradle frame in tubular steel
• 1685mm wheelbase chassis
• Reduced seat height: 675mm
• Large 18-inch front wheel, offering light steering
• Front tire 130 / 70-18
• 8 spoke front and rear aluminum rims
• Front wheel: 18 x MT3.50; rear wheel: 16 x MT4.50.
• Classic steel mudguards front and rear
• 17 liter tank in the shape of a drop of water
• Long and low silhouette in “neoclassical” style
• 41mm tube fork with 135mm travel
• 110mm travel Monocross swingarm rear suspension
• 320mm front disc, 298mm rear
• Cast aluminum upper triple clamp
• Large redesigned multifunction instrument cluster
• Final belt drive
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Replaces
XVS 950 Midnight Star 2013
Model marketed in
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Performances
-
Max speed:
about 170 km / h
The technical aspect
Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2014
- Frame
- Frame: double steel cradle
- Tank: 17 liters
- Seat height: 675 mm
- Length: 2,435 mm
- Width: 1000 mm
- Height: 1,080 mm
- Wheelbase: 1685 mm
- Weight in running order: 278 kg
- Train before
- Telehydraulic fork Ø 41 mm, deb: 135 mm
- Single disc Ø 320 mm, dual piston caliper
- Front wheel:
130/70
– 18
- Transmission
- 5 speed gearbox
- final belt drive
- Rear axle
- swing arm, deb: 110 mm
- Single disc Ø 298 mm
- Rear wheel:
170/70
– 16
- Motor
- Twin cylinder
NS
, 4 stroke - Cooling: Liquid cooling
- Injection
- simple ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
-
942 cc
(85 x 83 mm) -
54
ch
at 6,000 rpm -
7.80 mkg
at 3000 rpm - Crit’air:
Detached pieces
exhaust
motor
fluid
electricity
filtration
braking
chain kit
Competitors
Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2014
Kawasaki VN 900 Classic 2014
Suzuki C 1500 T INTRUDER 2014
Triumph 865 AMERICA 2014
Gallery
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