Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star
The Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star has a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer did not officially publish a top speed figure), produces 63 hp and weighs 308 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star was introduced in 2007 as a successor to the XVS1100A V-Star Classic, featuring a larger 1304cc V-twin engine with a more refined cruiser styling aimed at the touring and custom cruiser market. It offered a blend of classic American cruiser aesthetics with Japanese engineering reliability, competing directly against Harley-Davidson's mid-size cruisers. The model was notable for its fuel injection, shaft drive, and comfortable ergonomics, remaining in production through the mid-2010s before being phased out.
63 hp
Power
108 Nm
Torque
308 kg
Weight
175 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer did not officially publish a top speed figure)
Top Speed
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Rock-Solid Reliability
The XVS1300A shares its engine architecture with the proven V-Star lineup, giving it an excellent long-term reliability record with minimal major mechanical failures reported even beyond 50,000 miles.
Watch the Fuel Pump
A known weak point is the fuel pump, which can fail prematurely and cause stalling or hard starts — inspect service records and budget around $150-$300 for a replacement if buying used.
Strong Resale Value
The Midnight Star holds its value better than many cruisers in its class due to its attractive blacked-out styling and broad appeal, making it a smart buy that's also easy to sell later.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 1304cc V-twin, fuel injection, cast wheels, classic cruiser styling, single rear shock suspension.
"Smooth, handsome cruiser that plays it safe."
The 1304cc pulls with genuine authority from around 2,500 rpm — that 110 Nm torque figure isn't marketing fluff, it's what makes highway overtakes feel effortless and lazy throttle rolls genuinely satisfying. Fuel injection is seamless, starting is instant, and the low 690mm seat height means most riders plant both feet without drama, which builds confidence fast. That said, 317kg is not a small number — slow-speed U-turns in a car park will humble you, and the single rear shock feels budget for a bike in this price bracket, turning choppy mid-corner roads into a negotiation. Styling is honest retro rather than trying to out-Harley Harley, and Yamaha's reliability record means you're unlikely to be stranded, but this bike won't excite you; it'll simply work, look good doing it, and make you comfortable enough to ride further than you planned.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A refined, underrated cruiser that rewards patient used buyers handsomely."
$5,500-$8,500 usedThe Midnight Star is Yamaha's answer to the cruiser question nobody was really asking — but damn if they didn't nail it anyway. That 1304cc V-twin pulls hard from basically nothing, with a fat midrange torque curve that makes highway overtaking genuinely satisfying rather than a white-knuckle gamble. The Star-branded bikes were built to last, and most examples you'll find have been babied by weekend warriors who bought them for the look and barely scraped past 10,000 miles. Used examples typically show up in good shape, but check the front forks for seal weeping and inspect the shaft drive output for any play — it's rare but expensive to fix. The riding position suits average-height riders perfectly, though anyone over six feet will feel cramped within an hour. Stock exhaust is aggressively quiet for a cruiser, so most used bikes have aftermarket pipes already fitted, which usually improves the soundtrack considerably without killing reliability.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALCheck battery voltage at idle, look for dimming lights
Inspect forks for oil residue or staining
Test for rough idle or hesitation at low RPM
Inspect belt for cracks, fraying, or glazing
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, maintain charging system and belt
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star
Yamaha Royal Star 1300
Honda Stateline 1300
Yamaha V-star 1100
Yamaha V-star 1300
Honda Vtx1300
Compare Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star vs Yamaha Royal Star 1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star vs Honda Stateline 1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star vs Yamaha V-star 1100
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star vs Yamaha V-star 1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star vs Honda Vtx1300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star? +
Stator failure causes charging/electrical issues: Check battery voltage at idle, look for dimming lights (serious) | Fork seal leaks on older units: Inspect forks for oil residue or staining (moderate) | Carb pilot jet clogging from ethanol fuel: Test for rough idle or hesitation at low RPM (moderate)
Is the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star a good motorcycle? +
A refined, underrated cruiser that rewards patient used buyers handsomely. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Average-height riders wanting effortless highway cruising. Avoid if: You prefer sporty handling or stand tall.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star? +
The Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star produces 63 hp @ 5,000 rpm (estimated; Yamaha did not officially publish power output for this model), with 108 Nm @ 2,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer did not officially publish a top speed figure).
Is the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star good for beginners? +
Yes — the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star is a reasonable choice for new riders (63 hp is manageable), weighing 308 kg. Average-height riders wanting effortless highway cruising
Is the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star, notably: Stator failure causes charging/electrical issues (Check battery voltage at idle, look for dimming lights). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star good for daily use? +
Average-height riders wanting effortless highway cruising Fuel: 5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star? +
The Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star reaches a top speed of 175 km/h (estimated; note: manufacturer did not officially publish a top speed figure), producing 63 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 Xvs1300a Midnight Star? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Xvs1300a Midnight Star, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/xvs1300a-midnight-star/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
