Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star

Change of direction for me, px'd my ZX10r for a new XVS950A last year, good bike but woeful ground clearance. Went for new XVS1300 in June and already put 2000 miles on it, mostly 2 up.

High points.

100% reliable

Excellent mpg - 57 mpg to 59mpg all the time ( tank range 200+ miles)

Comfort

Good ground clearance

Low maint belt drive

Looks good in two tone silver/grey

Handles well

Reasonable performance ( 120mph indicated 2 up)

Low points.

Brakes at best average

Rear disc gets hot even if not used ( dealer to look at it)

Gearing not quite right for UK.

Does'nt like top gear until 45mph plus

Quiet standard exhaust.

Mods.

K&N air filter

Air box modified to pull in cool air rather that hot

Exhaust drilled to improve sound

Genuine back rest fitted

Small fly sceen

Ordered Vance and Hines big shot full exhause ( still waiting!)

I used to have an R1 so when i first rode this bike it was a bit of shock.I had always had sportsbikes, but decided i needed comfort. The bike has this and is also superb for pillions especially if you have the backrest fitted. The backrest was expensive at just over £300 but it does make a difference. The bike is great to ride and encourages you to ride at sensible speeds, so your limbs and licence will be safer. I was surprised that i cant seem to find anywhere online the top speed of this bike, but since riding it i now know why. It doesnt matter about top speed cos you wont want to travel at top speed. One thing that slightly annoys is that the bike wont tolerate being in the wrong gear at any time. The R1 would just go in any gear at any time , but this has to be in the correct gear otherwise it wont go. Also you have to plan well ahead to make sure you are doing the correct speed for bends, because it wont allow you to do anything last minute like you can on a sportsbike. All in all it's a real comfy bike that looks great and pillions feel safe on. I cant wait to get a screen and some saddlebags, and then do some touring. Just wish the accessories weren't so expensive.

Excellent handling, feels very light for a big bike, very quick off the mark, looks amazing turns a lot of heads, also sounds great with a roadhouse 2 into 1 Exhaust all in all very impressed.

I would recommend this bike to anybody, I had a racing bike before, after riding the Yamaha XVS1300A I can say I dont miss the racing bike what so ever.

I have had VN1600, XVS250, XVS650, XVS1100 and now the XVS1300, and I am a very happy camper. Moving from the 1100 to the 1300 you wouldn't think there would be much difference but it was like night and day. I really loved this bike, and now there are plenty of extras for it too. Unless you are a power freak this bike is more than enough for all kinds of riding. This bike loves it on the motorway and will happilt do 8-mph all day long. I have since upgraded with new cobra exhausts and FI2000r fuel management system and it has given it that great deep rumble sound and an extra boost in the low end torque dept, so now it truly is the perfect bike.