Yamaha V-star 1300
The Yamaha V-star 1300 has a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated), produces 68 hp and weighs 308 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Yamaha V-Star 1300 (known as the XVS1300A Midnight Star in some markets) was introduced in 2007 as the flagship of Yamaha's V-Star cruiser lineup, featuring a larger 1304cc V-twin engine to compete with Harley-Davidson's touring cruisers. It offered a more powerful and refined option over the existing V-Star 1100, with fuel injection and a shaft drive system for low maintenance. The model was notable for blending classic American cruiser styling with Japanese reliability, and spawned variants including the V-Star 1300 Tourer with added touring accessories.
68 hp
Power
109 Nm
Torque
308 kg
Weight
175 km/h (estimated)
Top Speed
6.0–7.0 L/100km (approx. 14–17 km/L)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Shaft Drive Advantage
The V-Star 1300 uses a shaft drive instead of a chain, eliminating chain maintenance and replacement costs. This makes it significantly cheaper and easier to own long-term.
Watch the Fuel Petcock
A known weak point is the fuel petcock, which can develop leaks or fail over time — a relatively inexpensive fix but worth inspecting on used models. Also check for stator issues on higher-mileage bikes.
Strong Resale Value
The V-Star 1300 holds its value well compared to many cruisers in its class, thanks to Yamaha's reliability reputation and steady demand. Well-maintained examples often sell for 70-80% of original MSRP after a few years.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 1304cc V-twin, fuel injection, belt drive, tourer and base variants offered throughout production run.
"Smooth, refined cruiser that plays it safe."
The 1304cc pulls with genuine authority from around 2,500 rpm — that 108 Nm torque figure is real, and overtaking on the highway rarely requires a downshift. Fuel injection cleaned up the old carb stumble completely, and the belt drive is genuinely maintenance-free in a way chain riders don't appreciate until they've lived with one. That said, at 302 kg you feel every kilo in slow parking lot maneuvers, and the suspension is tuned so soft it wallows mid-corner if you push past a relaxed pace. It's not a bike that rewards aggression — it rewards patience, long miles, and two-up touring with someone who actually likes riding with you.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Reliable, underrated shaft-drive cruiser offering genuine bang for used-bike money."
$3,500-$6,500 usedThe V-Star 1300 is Yamaha's answer to the mid-size cruiser crowd, and honestly, it delivers more than people give it credit for. That 1304cc V-twin punches harder than the displacement suggests — highway passing is effortless, and the torque curve is friendly enough that newer riders won't get caught out. Shaft drive means zero maintenance headaches, which on a used bike is worth serious money in saved headaches. Where it stumbles is comfort on longer hauls. The stock seat turns punishing around the 90-minute mark, and the riding position crowds taller riders. Budget for an aftermarket seat immediately. Also check the front fork seals on anything over 20,000 miles — they weep early and previous owners often ignore them. Cooling fins accumulate gunk, so inspect carefully. Used prices are genuinely fair right now. You can find clean examples for well under five grand that'll run forever with basic maintenance. It's not the most exciting cruiser on the market, but reliability and value-for-money are legitimately hard to argue with.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha V-star 1300 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCheck voltage at idle and revs with multimeter
Rough idle, hesitation, uneven throttle response
Oil residue around rear drive housing area
Hard cold starts, rough running, long storage history
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, maintain charging system diligently
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha V-star 1300
Triumph Bonneville America
Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Honda Stateline 1300
Yamaha V-star 1100
Honda Vtx1300
Compare Yamaha V-star 1300 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha V-star 1300 vs Triumph Bonneville America
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha V-star 1300 vs Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha V-star 1300 vs Honda Stateline 1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha V-star 1300 vs Yamaha V-star 1100
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha V-star 1300 vs Honda Vtx1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Yamaha V-star 1300 Guides
More from Yamaha
View all Yamaha models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha V-star 1300? +
Stator failure causing charging system issues: Check voltage at idle and revs with multimeter (serious) | Fuel injection throttle body sync drift: Rough idle, hesitation, uneven throttle response (moderate) | Final drive shaft seal leaks: Oil residue around rear drive housing area (moderate)
Is the Yamaha V-star 1300 a good motorcycle? +
Reliable, underrated shaft-drive cruiser offering genuine bang for used-bike money. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Commuters and weekend riders wanting fuss-free reliability. Avoid if: You want sportier performance or tall-rider ergonomics.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha V-star 1300? +
The Yamaha V-star 1300 produces 68 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated), with 109 Nm @ 3,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h (estimated).
Is the Yamaha V-star 1300 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha V-star 1300 is a reasonable choice for new riders (68 hp is manageable), weighing 308 kg. Commuters and weekend riders wanting fuss-free reliability
Is the Yamaha V-star 1300 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Yamaha V-star 1300, notably: Stator failure causing charging system issues (Check voltage at idle and revs with multimeter). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha V-star 1300 good for daily use? +
Commuters and weekend riders wanting fuss-free reliability Fuel: 6.0–7.0 L/100km (approx. 14–17 km/L).
How fast is the Yamaha V-star 1300? +
The Yamaha V-star 1300 reaches a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated), producing 68 hp at 308 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha V-star 1300? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha V-star 1300, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/v-star-1300/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
