Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner - a touring modification of the famous 1900 series of cruisers

Appearance

Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner is very different from other representatives of the series and most representatives of the class. Firstly, there is a high backrest behind the passenger seat. This will be a good travel insurance. Secondly, there is a high windshield.

Moreover, unlike many other bikes, even touring enduros, the glass here is so high that it will most likely protect both the driver and the passenger. Thirdly, at the back and on the sides there are containers for things.

The driver and passenger seats, as usual, are finished in matte black. Most of the containers are also black. However, the frame and fenders are silver, while the handlebars and parts of the bike are chrome. Unlike other motorcycles in the series, the headlight here is small in size. And yet, both in terms of dimensions and technical characteristics, it is obvious that this is a cruiser.

Comfort

There is no doubt that this modification is the most comfortable motorcycle in the series. You can store quite a lot of things in containers. The main thing is not to carry gasoline either there or anywhere else on the motorcycle, since in the event of an accident it will ignite. The only competent way to refuel while traveling is at a gas station, and nothing else.

The windshield, of course, protects from the wind, but both the driver and the passenger need glasses. Dust can get in from the side and around the glass. Perhaps among all the cruisers, this one is best suited for riding with a passenger. The back protects the person from behind, and the containers act as a kind of rear insurance for the legs.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of this model are felt. However, they are not as noticeable as other representatives of this series. The motorcycle appears visually shorter due to the less elongated headlight, high overall height (including the windshield and seat back), and also due to the presence of containers at the rear.

Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner has the following dimensions:

• curb weight – 364 kg;
• seat height – 705 mm;
• ground clearance - 158 mm;
• wheelbase – 1715 mm;
• height – 1515 mm;
• width – 1100 mm;
• length – 2580 mm;
• tank volume – 17 l.

The car does not have a large gas tank, despite the fact that it is a touring modification. This is natural for cruisers. So it's important to understand that you should stay close to gas stations when traveling. Then it will be possible to avoid a situation where the fuel runs out halfway. And it will be difficult to drive this bike with your hands.

Yamaha XV 1900

Information on the Yamaha XV 1900 motorcycle (M >

Yamaha XV 1900 cruiser model

was first introduced in 2006 and is currently the largest motorcycle in the Yamaha line-up.
In Europe, the model is sold under the name Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star
, in the USA -
Yamaha Roadliner
,
Yamaha Stratoliner
and
Yamaha Raider
. Despite the difference in names in the USA, these are all XV1900 models in different modifications.

The Yamaha XV 1900 was based on a 2-cylinder V-twin air-cooled engine with a volume of 1854 cc. see, producing from 90 hp. in European versions up to 100 hp. in American and approximately 155 Nm of torque. The engine is equipped with 4-valve cylinder heads, forged pistons and has an EXUP valve in the exhaust system (the diameter of the exhaust changes its cross-section depending on engine speed, thereby increasing torque at low and medium speeds).

Other features of the Yamaha XV 1900 include an aluminum frame, hydraulic clutch, 5-speed gearbox, belt drive, simple suspension in the form of a 46 mm telescopic fork and monoshock absorber, powerful combined brakes (since 2011), a 16-liter fuel tank and 347 kg curb weight.

Main modifications of the Yamaha XV 1900:

• Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star
  (in the USA -
  Roadliner
  ) - the standard version of the motorcycle.
• Yamaha Stratoliner
  - a touring version with a windshield, side panniers and a passenger backrest. There is also a Stratoliner Deluxe version with a front fairing like the HD Electra Glide.
• Yamaha Raider
  is a custom version of the motorcycle (similar to Yamaha Stryker and Honda VT1300 Fury).
• Yamaha Raider S
  – completely similar to Raider + chrome package.
• Yamaha Raider Bullet Cowl
  – completely similar to Raider + windshield and original coloring.

The main competitors of the Yamaha XV 1900 in the class:

• Honda VTX 1800
• Kawasaki VN2000 Vulcan
• Suzuki Intruder C1800R (Boulevard C109R)

Brief history of the model

• 2006 – start of production and sales of the Yamaha XV 1900 model.
• 2011 – European motorcycles are equipped with a combined braking system (UBS).
• 2013 – motorcycles are equipped with a slipper clutch.
• 2016 – As of 2016, only Ra versions are available on the US market >Specifications

Technical characteristics of Yamaha XV 1900:

Fuel consumption

The officially declared fuel consumption on Yamaha XV1900 series motorcycles is 5.6 liters per 100 km. Actual consumption, according to reviews from owners, is 7.5-8 liters per 100 km in the city and 6-6.5 liters when driving on the highway. The exact value depends on your riding style.

The price for Yamaha XV 1900 models with mileage in the Russian Federation starts from 450,000 rubles and can be up to 1,500,000 for new motorcycles.

Video

• Yamaha XV1900 Ra motorcycle review >

Every motorcycle line has a flagship model, and some even have two. Yamaha XV 1900 Raider

- this is exactly the case, it is one of the two top cruisers in the modern line of motorcycles of this class from Yamaha, along with the XV 1900 Stratoliner model. This is a consequence of the manufacturer’s habit of making several different motorcycles based on the same engine, styling one of them as a chopper and the other as a cruiser, as was the case, for example, with the Classic and Custom versions of the famous Yamaha Drag Star 1100 and 400/650. More recent examples include the Yamaha Stryker and Yamaha Midnight Star 1300.

Be that as it may, the subject of our article is related to the Stratoliner by the engine, injector and part of the light-alloy frame (it is collapsible on the XV 1900). The name Yamaha Raider is translated from English as “Raider”, and it fully reflects the character of this motorcycle. A huge, powerful, evil chopper, charged with a hundred horsepower, it seems to look down on all other road users, knowing that one turn of the gas handle will be enough to leave them all behind, announcing the surrounding area with the hellish roar of an almost two-liter engine.

Speaking of the engine, this air-cooled V-twin was inherited from the aforementioned Stratoliner, but was slightly retuned. It feels great in the lower and middle speed range, inferior, however, in the abundance of “lower end” to the model standing slightly lower on the Yamaha hierarchical ladder - the Yamaha XV1700 Road Star. In total, the Yamaha Raider engine is capable of producing 98 horsepower and 167 Nm of torque, and the wide rear wheel will ensure that all this power is put to the best use. It is better to be careful if you open the gas suddenly on the XV 1900 - this is fraught with skidding.

The Raider engine is powered by an injector, thanks to which consumption at a speed of 120 km/h does not exceed 5-5.5 liters, which is very beneficial for it, since for an unknown reason its creators decided to install only a 15-liter gas tank on their brainchild. However, this does not prevent many Raider owners from traveling on their steel horse not only throughout Russia, but also abroad. The rear wheel drive of the motorcycle is belt driven, and the instrument panel located on the gas tank is laconic and informative. The only thing that is not clear is the designers’ decision to deprive the Raider of the small oil cooler that was installed on the same engine on the Stratoliner - without it, the engine began to heat up a little more.

The entire appearance of the Yamaha Raider suggests that this is not a heavy cruiser, but a lean chopper, or at least a motorcycle that really wants to seem like one. The seating position on it is very comfortable for adherents of this class - the legs and arms are extended forward, so you can relax. The metal trim on the gas tank looks unusual, but it is another stylish highlight of the XV 1900 Raider’s appearance, along with the standard mufflers, which follow the curve of the motorcycle frame in their shape. By the way, this is one of the few cases when standard exhaust pipes look better on a bike than any tuning ones.

The Yamaha XV 1900 Raider refutes the stereotype that a chopper is a heavy, clumsy, completely archaic design. No, this bike weighs a lot, no doubt about it, but thanks to the thoughtful arrangement of internal components, the center of mass is shifted down. The technologically advanced and phenomenally reliable engine cannot be called archaic either, although it is structurally quite simple, and the Raider’s chassis is very good. The conventional telescopic fork and rear monoshock absorber work like a charm, and this motorcycle shakes much less when riding on bad roads than on previous generations of cruisers.

The brakes are also good - two discs with powerful calipers at the front and a disc at the rear, so this whole design is quite enough to effectively slow down. Vibrations also do not bother the motorcyclist - unlike the Yamaha Road Star, the Raider has balancer shafts that successfully dampen these same vibrations. So this motorcycle has, perhaps, only one drawback - it is too powerful for a beginner. But an experienced biker will undoubtedly appreciate this combination of reliability, power and beauty, embodied in metal.

Specifications

In terms of its parameters, this is an interesting and dynamic motorcycle, but the maximum speed can only be tested on the race track. However, acceleration will make itself felt in everyday driving, and it is important to be prepared for the fact that this clumsy and clumsy bike can take off, as if it were some kind of light sports bike or even a motocross motorcycle.

The suspension travel, as well as the ground clearance, is small, which indicates that the motorcycle is completely unsuitable for off-road use. But it is important to note here that even cruisers with a relatively high minimum ground clearance are still unsuitable for plowing through rough terrain. This is a characteristic property of the class - due to the dimensions of the machines, landing characteristics and many other technical reasons..

Video

• Test drive of the Yamaha XV1700 Warrior motorcycle.
• A quick look and sound of the Yamaha XV1700A Road Star motorcycle.

Yamaha XV 1700 Road Star

— a Japanese motorcycle in the cruiser class, built according to the canons of the American school of motorcycle building. Actually, it was initially aimed at the American market, like its predecessor - the Yamaha Road Star 1600, and was also developed by the American division - Star Motorcycles. Based on its 1600 cc predecessor, the XV 1700 is, however, quite different from it. As, indeed, from another motorcycle with which it is often confused, and with which it has very little in common - the XV 1700 Warrior.

Having replaced its predecessor on the assembly line in 2005, the new motorcycle received many minor improvements. Thus, the volume of its V-shaped air-cooled twin increased by 100 cubic meters. cm, and power increased to 75 hp. At the same time, the torque also increased, and it is best characterized by the expression “traction, like a locomotive.” The torque on the Yamaha Road Star 1700 is available from the very start, compensating for the lack of top end, so this massive motorcycle does not take up the dynamics. The only thing that is sorely missing is sixth gear in the gearbox - without it, at speeds above 140 km/h, vibrations caused by high speeds begin to annoy.

The XV 1700 Road Star has a top speed of 180 km/h, the same as its predecessor, but at that speed you're unlikely to get much driving pleasure. After reaching approximately 150 km/h, the heavy cruiser begins to handle significantly worse, and even its generally quite good brakes do not add confidence. The optimal speed for him is 120-130 km/h, although, of course, if necessary, he is capable of much more. But is it really pleasant to “twist” a low-speed engine, causing it to strain? It’s unlikely, but it’s very pleasant to ride the Road Star 1700, growling with mufflers.

The first versions of this model were equipped with a carburetor, although it was different from the one installed on the XV 1600, but after a couple of years of production it was replaced with an injector. The rear wheel drive of the motorcycle is belt driven, which greatly contributes to a smooth ride; the frame is steel. One of the features of the Yamaha Road Star 1700 is the absence of balancer shafts in the engine, which creates strong vibrations at idle, just like on a Harley-Davidson. This was done specifically to please the Americans, who like vibrations.

However, once you get going, the vibrations practically disappear, so you don't have to worry about them bothering you during the trip. Heavy and massive, on the move the XV 1700 is quite easy to control, and its enormous weight is not felt. Maneuvers are also easy for him, even rare ones - it all depends on the skills of the motorcyclist piloting him. Soft and energy-intensive suspensions perfectly absorb road irregularities, and work no worse than on any XV 1900 Stratoliner, and forward driving platforms, a wide seat and a steering wheel curved towards the rider provide a comfortable and relaxed fit.

This motorcycle is not without some “childhood ailments”, although they are not very common and not too serious. The first is the rear fender, which sometimes cracks on older motorcycles, and the reason for this is vibration. By the way, the XV 1600 suffers from the same problem. The second is rubber manifolds that supply air to the pipes. They are located behind the rear cylinder, and they are not difficult to find, after which their condition should be inspected. Heavy manifolds, screwed onto steel pipes with clamps, shake mercilessly from engine vibrations, and sometimes they are torn in the place where they are secured by clamps.

Yamaha XV 1700 Road Star is an excellent heavy cruiser for lovers of such equipment. Huge, heavy, comfortable, with monstrous low-end traction, good suspension and good brakes, it is capable of both regularly cruising around the city and taking its owner even to the ends of the earth. The 20-liter gas tank was transferred directly from the XV 1600, and fuel consumption decreased thanks to the injector, so the bike can travel 300-350 kilometers without refueling. And we can safely recommend it to fans of the old school - they will be satisfied.

What do the owners say?

For those who are used to regular cruisers, this bike seems strange. However, according to reviews from people who have driven both cruisers and touring motorcycles, this option resembles a successful combination of these classes. The model is distinguished by the practicality of a tourist, but does not lose the excellent dynamic performance characteristic of its class.

The car is pleasant to drive, but there are no fundamental differences from other representatives of the 1900 series. This is a heavy cruiser, which, naturally, will not provide the same dynamics on the track as road motorcycles. When looking at the photo, it may seem that this car is incredibly clumsy. However, one video is enough to be convinced of the heavy grace with which the equipment moves. This is the grace of a whale.

It is convenient to travel on such a vehicle, because it is equipped with everything you need. Many people are especially pleased with the high windshield with good visibility and inexpensive maintenance. According to the description of the owners, it is not difficult to get spare parts, and they cost little. So, if you want to buy a reliable and comfortable bike for traveling, and also like cruisers, you should pay attention to this machine.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that this is a bright and original bike. The Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner is one of those cruisers that will not soon be forgotten. And even if they forget this particular model, the trends that were laid down by the 1900 series in principle are unlikely to leave the world of the motorcycle industry.

Flaws

Since the models turned out to be too different, their reviews are sometimes radically opposite.

The stock muffler nozzle of the American (pictured on the left) is larger in diameter than that of the European (right). Therefore, the exhaust sound on the American version is more loud, not like with forward flow, but it is quite enough to indicate in a traffic jam.

For the Raider line, the disadvantages include excessive engine power, due to which, when starting sharply from a standstill, the motorcycle tends to “goat”, which, with a net weight of more than 300 kg, can lead to unpredictable consequences.

For the Stratoliner line, insufficient brake power , especially when a sudden stop is necessary. Mechanics recommend replacing the entire front brake drive.

This is roughly what replacing a rear tire looks like, but in reality it’s not all that scary - the rear part can be easily removed if you unscrew 5 bolts on each side.

The second disadvantage is the standard seat, which is not intended for serious and long trips . The possibilities for tuning the Stratoliner are almost endless. The quality of the parts depends on the wallet and imagination of the owner.

and dignity

The advantages include:

• power , ability to pull well at any speed;
• a strict and at the same time beautiful appearance , whether a chopper or a cruiser;
• good reliability, maintainability;
• unlimited tuning possibilities.