Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star (V-Star 950) is a modern cruiser

Appearance

The Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star looks bright. This is achieved through a combination of chrome elements, black and light gray colors. There is a pattern on the gas tank and rear fender. The headlight is elongated and small in diameter. In addition, it is straight in shape, and not increasing anteriorly, as is usually customary.

The wheels are alloy, but have a specific, rare shape. The pattern is different on the front and back. The light colors of the frame make it visually even more massive than it actually is. That's why this motorcycle is perhaps one of the largest looking cruisers. Although physically he is smaller than many.

Yamaha XVS950A

Largest volume and air cooling. Further - even better: there are hard cases and the option of a quick-release windshield (although original accessories sell for crazy money). It would seem difficult to get closer to the ideal. And the blue version, sparkling in the sun, is generally difficult to ignore :).

The main disadvantage is the very low ground clearance, as a result of which everyone complains about “scratching” the footpegs on the asphalt. In principle, nothing terrible, especially since the legs have replaceable “scratchers” for “particularly gifted active” drivers, but still the moment remains unpleasant. By the way, by the way, I liked the 950 even more than the 1300 (the steering wheel is not so bent).

One of the neutral points is the belt. This may be the “right choice,” but it still confuses me.

Purely outwardly, at some point I was touched by a clearly defined frame, which in front juts out too obviously like a triangle. But here you either like it or not. There is no third. After I noticed it constantly hurts.

For absolutely subjective reasons like “Yamaha again” ;), it is placed in second place on the list of preferences.

Comfort

The saddle is comfortable. In the front part it rises smoothly, and in the rear part it rises sharply. However, no pronounced angle is formed. If a person is already accustomed to such seats, he will be comfortable. But if you like smooth, straight saddles, you may encounter inconveniences at first.

The mirrors are average in size, but comfortable to look at. There is no backrest behind the passenger seat. So, if you ride with a passenger, then only at low speed. It is important to consider that the car accelerates quickly for a cruiser. Do not forget that, unlike the same road motorcycles, not to mention a motocross motorcycle or a sportbike, this model has an impressive mass.

Evening beer

The chassis of the Yamaha XV950 is unpretentious and absolutely within the genre: a new steel duplex frame developed specifically for this model, a non-adjustable telescopic fork with feathers with a diameter of 41 mm and a pendulum rear suspension with two simple shock absorbers. With all the primitivism of the chassis, the Japanese bobber does not seem like an uncontrollable torpedo, but quite the opposite - it has surprisingly good maneuverability.

This, of course, is not a supermoto or even a “liter” naked, but if you want, you can drive the XV950 quickly - and many kilometers of traffic jams will not be a problem for the compact Yamaha Bolt. The format of a leisurely contemplative motorcycle trip across the United States did not imply testing equipment in extreme conditions, and therefore the story about the bobber's handling at high speed will have to be postponed until the motorcycle is tested in Russia.

However, riding the Yamaha XV950 through the winding serpentines of California and Arizona at a comfortable 90 km/h was as pleasant and peaceful as a glass of cold beer savored on the open-air terrace of a bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I think that a significant contribution to the excellent maneuverability for a vehicle of this class was made by the relatively narrow rear 16-inch wheel (150/80-R16), balanced weight distribution along the axles and a adjusted center of gravity, the correct location of which the Japanese engineers worked hard on.

Another pleasant discovery of this motorcycle is the surprisingly effective braking system, which is not at all typical for serial choppers, cruisers and other bobbers. For example, the front 2-piston caliper, which gently hugs the 298 mm petal-type disc, is sufficient in most typical driving situations.

This is not as little as we would like, but also not at all much when compared with its American competitor, especially considering the high quality of the XV950's workmanship and its decent driving characteristics. I repeat that there is no real alternative to Yamaha’s new product, at least among its Japanese competitors. Despite the fact that bobbers as a class are a niche product, the Bolt model has a good chance of becoming especially popular.

Dimensions and weight

This is a large and heavy cruiser that only an experienced and fairly strong biker can handle. However, the seat height here is quite low, so if a person is of average height, this car will most likely suit him.

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star has the following dimensions:

• curb weight – 278 kg;
• seat height – 675 mm;
• ground clearance - 155 mm;
• wheelbase – 1685 mm;
• height – 1080 mm;
• width – 1000 mm;
• length – 2435 mm;
• tank volume – 16.7 l.

It is important to remember that, despite the good tank volume, the fuel consumption is quite high. The car moves awkwardly, but in the right hands it is capable of doing what is expected of a cruiser - gliding smoothly along the highway, like an ocean liner on the waves.

Engine

The Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star model has a V-shaped 2-cylinder engine equipped with an air cooling system. Its volume is 942 cubic meters. cm, and the power is 54 liters. With. Maximum performance – from 3000 to 6000 rpm.

This is a really worthy unit. In the era of Japanese cruisers, most of which are simply “refined”, the famous concern was not afraid to create a real “aircraft” motor.

And the lack of liquid cooling is not the only outstanding quality of the engine

Fans note the “clicking” of cooling metal, which is so important for a true motorcyclist, heard in those moments when after riding you put your “iron horse” in the box. They say that even the smell from the engine is different, not similar to the aroma from water-cooled units

Specifications

The engine is average. By modern standards, it is weak, but many do not consider this a minus, since for a cruiser, even for such a massive one, more is not needed. These bikes are not designed for high speeds; their element is to plow the asphalt expanses at a measured pace.

The good thing is that there is no longer a drum brake at the rear, but a disc one. This increases safety and reduces the likelihood of repairs. However, you still need to check the functionality of the brakes and other parts of the car. It is also worth noting that there is a belt drive here. Thanks to this circumstance, there will be no unpleasant sounds that are inevitable with other transmission options.

Warm atmosphere

The new product received a time-tested 942 cc “air” V-twin with a cylinder angle of 60°, which is equipped with the XVS950 cruiser, sold in the USA under the name V-Star 950. In the version of the Bolt model, the power plant was slightly updated, although the main characteristics of the engine remained the same the same: Japanese engineers limited themselves to reconfiguring the intake and exhaust systems, and also changed the “firmware” of the control unit.

The result of all the manipulations was a slight increase in engine performance - mainly in the low and medium speed zone, where true bobber lovers “live”. As befits a motor of this class, the power plant of the new Yamaha product has excellent traction characteristics, which are expressed in the absolute indifference of the engine in which gear and what speed to accelerate the motorcycle.

Traditionally, for derated V-twins, the maximum engine power is one and a half times less than the torque: 52 hp. With. and 80 Nm. In general, the bobber engine does not stand out in any way.

The Yamaha engine is a rare and pleasant exception to the rule: it is clear that not only engineers, but also designers worked on this power plant! The only foreign element in the harmonious appearance of the model is a large and unsightly muffler, which also probably weighs as much as half the engine...

I was pleasantly surprised by the operation of the gearbox: Japanese engineers improved the clutch mechanism, which increased the clarity of the gearbox compared to how the transmission functions on the XVS950 cruiser. The gears are engaged precisely in German style, the “neutral” position is unmistakable - even when the motorcycle is standing still and you have to click through all five gearbox stages to reach neutral gear.

I would characterize the well-chosen gear ratios with the word “urban”: the first three stages of the transmission are short and help the not very large and productive engine to easily “drag” an almost 250-kilogram device at a low speed under pressure, which is especially in demand when driving around a metropolis.

And fourth and fifth gears are for highway driving, where the Bolt easily maintains cruising and most comfortable 120 km/h without the need to increase engine speed. Despite the fact that the engine of the new Yamaha is cooled exclusively by air flow and is not even equipped with an oil cooler, during the entire trip across the United States, the V-twin bobber, bristling with developed cylinder fins, never gave reason to complain about a particularly “warm atmosphere” behind the wheel.

At the same time, on the endless plains of Arizona, the air temperature rose above 30 ° C, and on the approach to Los Angeles our group had to weave for about an hour in a sluggish stream of cars, stopping at countless traffic lights every 100 m...

It is impossible not to write a couple of lines about the sound of the engine and the level of vibration of the 942 cc V-twin, since for fans of this type of technology this topic is sacred. To my taste, the Yamaha engine, devoid of balance shafts and rigidly fixed in the frame, equipped with a 2-in-1 exhaust system, has complete order with both, although orthodox fans of “vibration stands” may think that “it won’t be enough.”

However, these characters are unlikely to pay attention to the XV950 at all, since they traditionally deify exclusively American-made equipment from the times when John Kennedy won the US presidential election

Production

The Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star has been produced from 2009 to the present day. The modernity of the motorcycle is felt. However, taking into account how much this bike costs, they prefer to buy used models. Such a car is sometimes no worse than a new copy. Especially if the motorcycle was purchased recently and was used extremely competently.

But it is important to understand that even if the car was purchased recently, but it was used in inappropriate conditions, it may already be in poor condition. And this is not always noticeable externally.

Brief history of the model

2009 - start of production and sales of the Yamaha Midnight Star 950 (V-Star 950). Model: Yamaha Midnight Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: 26P1, 26S3, 49B1, 49B2, 49B3, 49C1, 49C2, 49C3, 5S73.

2010 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Midnight Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: 26P2, 26S6, 49B6, 49C4, 49C5, 49C6, 5S74, 5S75, 5S76.

2011 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Midnight Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: 26P3, 26S7, 26S8, 26S9, 5S77, 5S78, 5S79.

2012 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Midnight Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: P4, 26SA, 26SB, 26SC, 5S7A, 5S7B, 5S7C.

2013 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: 26SD, 26SE, 26SF, 5S7D, 5S7E, 5S7F.

2014 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (Europe, North America). Factory designation: 26SG, 26SH, 26SJ, 5S7G, 5S7H, 5S7J.

2015 - no significant changes. The model is only available in the North American market. Model: Yamaha V-Star 950, Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (North America). Factory designation: 26SK, 26SL, 5S7K, 5S7L.

2016 - no significant changes. Only a touring version of the motorcycle is available - Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer. Model: Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (North America).

2017 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha V-Star 950 Tourer (North America).

What do the owners say?

According to the description of those who have been driving such a car for a long time, it is reliable, convenient and unpretentious in maintenance. It’s easy to get spare parts, and such a need arises infrequently. You can repair it yourself, but if you don’t have confidence in your own skills, it’s easy to find a professional to repair such bikes.

Reviews about the dynamics are generally positive. Almost none of the owners consider the model to be too weak or too powerful. And this is perhaps the best compliment for a representative of the cruiser class. Many people recommend this bike as a car for traveling, including from one locality to another.

In various reviews, in video and photo format, the style in which this technique is made is noted. The design appeals to everyone who prefers modern cruisers. On the other hand, those who are accustomed to representatives of this class of the old era sometimes express displeasure with the appearance of the motorcycle, as well as with today's trends in general.

They note that the car, like other classmates, is not capable of moving off-road. Or rather, she is able to do it, but the consequences will be critical. For those who want to purchase heavy equipment for rough terrain, enduro and touring enduro are unanimously recommended.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star will be of interest to cruiser connoisseurs for a long time. This is a modern motorcycle that has not yet lost those properties for which many people fell in love with representatives of the class of a bygone era. That's why perhaps this model will one day be called a classic.

General description of the motorcycle

The 21st century is becoming less and less diverse every day.

Cars, gadgets, social networks - everything becomes the same and banal.

Back in the 2000s, the motorcycle industry was constantly riveting similar models that were so similar to each other that only a true fan could tell them apart. Is it really still going on like this? No!

The Yamaha Bolt Star XV 950 is something special. The model was developed by professionals from Yamaha's American subsidiary, Star Motorcycles.

First of all, the creators set out to create a bike that was susceptible to changes and tuning, and only then worked on the idea of ​​a bobber.

First of all, what we see is an urban-type bobber, with a compact and short body.

The motorcycle is equipped with wavy brake discs and a new instrument panel that allows you to view the data even in bright sunlight.

Star Motorcycles has created a catalog with parts and other elements of the bike, from which everyone can build something of their own.

Price

Prices for the Yamaha XVS 950 start at approximately 300,000 rubles. For this amount you can buy a motorcycle in good condition.

But there are also new models that have been mothballed. They are, of course, much more expensive. A new Yamaha in perfect condition without mileage, released about 2 years ago, will cost 950,000 rubles.

What can you say about consumables? Here are selected examples with approximate costs:

• Transparent, quickly removable windshield - 9-10 thousand rubles.
• Add. deflectors for butwing - 3-4 thousand rubles.
• Branded high windshield with fasteners – 22-23 thousand rubles.
• Diode turn signals – 7-8 thousand rubles.
• LED brake light – 11-12 thousand rubles.
• Tire pressure sensor with display – 20-21 thousand rubles.
• Inertial boost – 22-23 thousand rubles.
• Drink holder – 5-6 thousand rubles.
• Transforming backrest with folding trunk - 16-17 thousand rubles.

The important fact is that you can actually find a lot of things in large motorcycle centers. But some owners prefer to order parts from the USA or Japan. Here it’s more convenient for anyone.

Brake system

The Yamaha XVS 950 is not very powerful. Most motorcyclists complain - it feels like the cruiser is deprived in this regard. The developers installed weak hydraulic brakes on this 250-kilogram device.

It is recommended to immediately change the front caliper. The rear one can be left, but used exclusively in intensive acceleration mode.

But judging objectively, the brakes are standard for motorcycles of this class. It’s just that the vast majority of connoisseurs expect more from Yamaha.

The Yamaha XVS 950, unlike many of its competitors, does not tend to roll over and does not break. This gives the motorcycle owner the feeling that he is driving a heavy “classic” rather than a cruiser.

Black and white

One of the features of the XV950 Bolt model is the highest quality of workmanship and assembly, almost at the level of hand-made products, which distinguishes Yamaha’s new product from its famous competitor, which is frankly crooked in places and requires finishing with a file.

The motorcycle leaves the impression of a complete machine, surprising with the elaboration of the smallest details, which, however, is typical not only for the XV950, but also for the newest naked MT-07 as well. As usual, Yamaha artists paid a lot of attention to the design of the engine - and this is already a stone in the garden of Japanese competitors, some of whom are not too worried about the unprepossessing power plants, simply covering them with decorative plastic shields on all sides.

The only disappointment is the paucity of color options for the XV950 Bolt, which is available only in black and white colors in both the Russian and American markets. True, at the same time, residents of North America have the opportunity to buy a motorcycle in the R-Spec version, which differs from the base model in original colors (Matte Gray and Camo Green), more advanced rear shock absorbers with expansion chambers, a seat and mirrors.

The top modification of the XV950 model will not be officially supplied to Russia. The motorcycle is very compact: the Bolt is only 15 cm longer than the naked FZ-8! The seat height is “children’s” 690 mm, which removes all restrictions on the minimum height of the rider. However, tall pilots will feel a bit cramped behind the wheel of the new Yamaha, and all colleagues “over 180 cm tall” complained about the inconvenience.

The compact and quite informative dashboard fits perfectly into the motorcycle’s surroundings, however, difficulties arise with the readability of the dim LCD display in bright daylight...

Also, don't expect the XV950 to be much fun as a travel device. After all, this is a city motorcycle, and its reasonable “limit” for daily use is 400–450 km. Already after 100 km of continuous driving, an irresistible desire arises to stop and perform several spectacular movements from the morning exercise program.

So, for example, while crossing the Mojave Desert along the American highway CA-62, at the end of the first hour of driving, I really regretted that that day I had chosen the Bolt and not the Stryker (the motorcycle fleet in the USA consisted of motorcycles of these two models)…

Photo gallery

Round headlight.

Steering.

Separate seats.

Digital speedometer.

Rear lighting.

Telescopic fork.

Spun

2014 model year, 942 cm3, 52 l. s., 247 kg (curb weight), RUB 890,000 (2017)

text: Anton Vlasov photo: Roman Romanishin

In the photo: Anton Vlasov

Until recently, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers ignored the serial bobber segment, preferring cruisers and rare choppers. At the same time, the concept of a city motorcycle, made in this undeservedly forgotten “form factor”, a compact, comfortable and stylish device equipped with an “airy” V-twin, is in demand today more than ever - which is confirmed by the growing popularity of Harley-Davidson Sportster family machines in all its impressive variety.

Last year, the Yamaha Motor concern presented its vision of a serial bobber, the XV950 model, which in the United States is simply and succinctly called Bolt. And, apparently, we have a 100% hit.

The popularity of the Harley-Davidson Sportster is a consequence not only of the low cost of motorcycles from this prolific family, but also of their versatility. On the one hand, it is an exclusively American product, with a distinctive style and typical design.

On the other hand, maneuverable, easy to operate and relatively economical Sportster series vehicles fit harmoniously into the cramped streets of cities of the Old World. Europeans appreciated the driving performance of these compact cars and, of course, the endless possibilities for their individualization. Oddly enough, over the last decade there has not been a single worthy alternative to the Harley-Davidson Sportster from Japanese manufacturers!.. The appearance of the Yamaha XV950 Bolt corrected this situation.

Conceptually, the XV950 model is almost identical to the American bestseller. Motorcycles of this rare type today are usually called serial bobbers, although such a phrase, of course, sounds as ridiculous as “serial custom” or “mass exclusive”.

In the generally accepted understanding of the word, a bobber is a radically lightweight cruiser, from which everything unnecessary and even a little more has been removed, in which such devices are similar to the canonical choppers. The fundamental differences begin in the steering geometry and in general in the design of the chassis, since a modern bobber is designed for everyday city driving, which primarily implies good maneuverability at low speeds.

With the return of classic fashion, bobbers have become one of the attributes of hipsters, metrosexuals and other strange individuals wearing square sunglasses, old-fashioned sneakers and untucked plaid shirts. Because a bobber is first and foremost about style, and only then about driving performance, technical characteristics and other insignificant little things.

From this position, the Yamaha XV950 Bolt hits the target: the motorcycle has a harmonious and simple appearance, in which there is no desire to change a single element... Although no, I would still retire the large muffler located on the right side of the device - here a “2 in 2” exhaust system would look much more appropriate!

General impressions

In the reviews left about the Yamaha XVS 950 you can find a variety of impressions. To summarize, it is worth highlighting the most common positive comments:

The motorcycle is reliable; breakdowns are rare even on models with impressive mileage. You don’t need a lot of money for consumables and operation, so this is a fairly budget option. The Yamaha XVS 950 belt gives excellent dynamics at the speeds that are basic for this motorcycle, as well as a smooth start. It lasts a long time and requires almost no maintenance. The motorcycle has a pleasant bass exhaust

This is important for connoisseurs. The low center of gravity ensures easy steering. Installed alloy wheels are much more practical than spokes. And the individual drawing is pleasing to the eye. There is a lot of supposedly “chrome” in appearance

For the most part, it's all plastic, but the motorcycle weighs less and is easier to care for. Chrome is more of a hassle. The equipment is decent - a windshield, panniers, a passenger backrest... everything is included in the basic version. But many recommend installing arches. It's practical and safe. The programs are quite long, including the first one. This will take some time to get used to. And when driving around the city, in acceleration and deceleration mode, you need to choose the gear wisely in order to maintain smooth dynamics. Shifts are accompanied by the characteristic Yamaha sound, and neutral is easily caught in any direction. Although the brakes are weak, and there is no ABS, the motorcyclists found a way out. You can block the wheels by sending the Yamaha sliding.

And, of course, no one ignores the appearance of this motorcycle in their reviews. Connoisseurs describe it as follows: modern trends in style, strung on a traditional cruiser base

However, there are also disadvantages

There are not very many of them, but motorcycle owners note:

• The injector does not like low-quality gasoline. The engine starts to “sneeze” and the motorcycle starts to run poorly. So it is not recommended to save on fuel.
• There is no emergency light. There are only turn signals. There is also no usual “blinker”.
• There is no sensor showing the fuel level indicator. There is only a light that blinks when there are 3 liters left in the tank.
• The mirror settings are very confusing. We have to remove them in the winter so that the device does not take up much space in the garage. But in the spring it’s difficult to set them up after this.
• The footrests, although comfortable, are located low. Many motorcyclists complain that they get caught on everything.
• The seating position is also comfortable. But if you don’t notice a pothole or bump on the road, it will immediately be felt on your back. Plus air resistance at speed. So installing a driver's backrest suggests itself.