YAMAHA XV Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

With its torque-rich V-twin engine, sports riding position and timeless good looks, the bold XV950 Racer brings together low rider style with cafe racer attitude to create a new kind of gutsy and light handling bike that defies convention. Because rules were made to be broken.

Now Yamaha is opening the door to the world of customisation to every rider with the new XV950R, a bobber that encapsulates the character and personality of those original back street creations in a new neo retro Japanese look with a sharp edge.

Sold in the US under the model name Star Bolt, the 2013 Yamaha XV950 is the base model on which the Bolt R-Spec was built. Proudly displaying the same classic lines but with a completely updated, modern design, this bike is the very expression of the present-day sporty bobber, a machine which is as rewarding to ride as it is good-looking and dependable.

Powered by Yamaha's long time-proven technology, the 2013 Yamaha XV950 is a great bike for newer riders but it will surely appeal more seasoned motorcyclists as well, as it is anything but dull. The revised intake and exhaust add more grunt to the under-liter v-twin, while the minimalist engineering and lightweight frame/wheel choice make the 2013 Yamaha XV950 a very nimble bike, equally suitable for daily commuting or rides around the city and for a vacation spent on two wheels.

Drawing its cues form the past but clearly already in the future, the 2013 Yamaha XV950R is a “bobberized” machine with minimal bling and max attitude. Known in the US as the Bolt R-Spec, this bike is anything but a traditional beast. Powered by a brawny yet easy to master v-twin under the liter-class mark, the 2013 Yamaha XV950R comes with upgraded intake and a beefy exhaust which add to the midrange grunt and making riding in the city a truly rewarding experience.

Suitable for both overnight trips and for daily rides to work thanks to its accessories and slender profile, respectively, the 2013 Yamaha XV950R boasts adjustable piggyback rear shocks for easy setup and more comfort. Simple yet looking great, the 2013 Yamaha XV950R is a preview of what future sporty bobbers might look like.

The 2012 XVS950A Midnight Star is a nifty entry-lever cruiser Yamaha has in store for Europe, packing the more affordable price of smaller bikes with the traditional impeccable craftsmanship the brand has been offering for so many years now. A scaled-down version of the bigger bikes in the family, the XVS950A retains the bobber attire and the lines which have made so many riders fall in love with these machines.

With a low seat, even riders with a shorter inseam will find it easy to control and balance the bike at low speed or when stopped. The long and low frame ensures great stability once the wheels are rolling and you'll be surprised how nimble the bike is in fact, despite its big cruiser looks. The cast rims and chunky 2-into-1 exhaust add even more modern DNA to this bike, making it a desirable machine for both young and seasoned riders.

If the 1854cc Midnight Star is a bit overkill for you, or if you're on a tighter budget, but would still throw a leg over some awesome Yamaha cruiser machinery, maybe you should be looking into the 2013 XVS1300A Midnight Star. Boasting the same might looks and commanding neo-streamline cruiser design, the smaller Midnight Star packs in a smaller v-twin power plant in a more maneuverable and less intimidating motorcycle.

Drawing its cues from the 30s' cruisers and proudly displaying a long and low chassis, the 2012 XVS1300A Midnight Star offers a laid back riding stance with a modern approach to power and torque deployment. For relaxed riding up mountain roads or fierce acceleration on the highway, the 2012 Yamaha XVS1300A Midnight Star has all it needs.

The 2012 Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star Casual Full Dress is the perfect treat for those who loved the might of the basic Midnight Star but are also looking for even more glorious looks and touring functionality. Bringing this already amazing cruiser into the bagger/ tourer realm, Yamaha adds a pair of generous hard case saddles and a massive fork-mounted full cowl.

The radical streamlined look of the 2012 XV1900A Midnight Star Casual Full Dress is an instant head turner and at the same time, it provides excellent protection against the elements for long hauls far beyond the state line. If big-bore Midnight Star performance and exclusive tourer looks are what you're after, then the CFD kit is the way to go.

Dramatic looks and a mighty engine, all packed in a shiny black menacing livery with blazing chromed accents, the 2012 Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star is a classic cruising machine which delivers outstanding performance and was engineered to really go the distance. The bike screams power and attitude and actually feels more compact than your off-the-mill cruiser, especially with the fat pull-back bars and the massive tank whose lines are beautifully continued with the beefy headlight.

With impressive torque available right off idle, the 2012 Yamaha XV1900A Midnight Star will surprise the rider with its nimble character and slow-speed handling, while longer hauls at highway speed are a truly easy thing for he massive v-twin.

The DragStar, also known as V-Star in North America, is a big motorcycle built by the Japanese company in two versions: the XV1100 and the XV1100A. The DragStar began as the XVS650 in 1998, and grew in 1999 to include the XVS1100 Custom. The 1100 used a reworked version of the venerable Virago 75-degree, air-cooled v-twin which had been in use since the early 1980s. The Star version offered better torque for the new mid-size cruiser bike. The Star carried over the shaft-drive layout from the Virago, but relied on a new suspension and frame, discarding the outboard dual shocks and stressed-member engine arrangement of the Virago in favor of a single-shock and twin downtubes. A single Keihin 37 mm carbuerator with throttle-position sensors is used to efficiently meter fuel to the 8.3:1, oversquare engine.

The 2009 MY Stratoliner Midnight carries on all the acclaimed features and character the base versions of the model boast, such as the massive torque and usable power of the 1854cc v-twin and premium cruising comfort backed by impeccable craftsmanship. The extra allure comes from the details of the Midnight trim, with matte black paint adorning most of the metal parts.

Sober, elegant and menacing even, the 2009 MY Stratoliner Midnight also comes with clear-lens self-canceling turn signals, ignition-integrated fork lock and a new low fuel warning light.

With easily-detachable windscreen and passenger backrest, the 2009 MY Stratoliner S can change hides in seconds. A big touring machine might be less handy in the busy city, but shedding off the non-essential accessories makes it more nimble and suitable for daily rides. Plan a longer trip with a passenger? Load these add-ons in instants and ready your luggage.

The Stratoliner S has 1854cc of air-cooled, fuel-injected might, with more power and torque than it's safe to even talk about for casual roads, premium comfort and styling that's hard to match. So you'd better make you reservations now...

If size matters when it comes to bikes, then the Stratoliner should be one of the first ones on your list. This might cruiser is powered by an 1854cc air-cooled pushrod engine, loaded into a modern frame with classic looks and neo-streamline design cues which hark back to the machines of yore.

The aluminium chassis is however all modern, just like the twin-bore injection system, high-spec brakes and craftsmanship. Ready for the long haul right from the box, the 2009 MY Stratoliner arrives with leather-clad hard saddlebags, a sculpted touring seat, passenger backrest, rider floorboards, a tall windscreen and modern, lightweight, cast wheels.

This is Yamaha’s aggressive new drag-style XV 1900 Raider custom cruiser, which will only be available in the USA. The 1854 cc air-cooled v-twin motorcycle engine powering the Yamaha Raider is from the Yamaha Midnight Star, but only the engine is carried across the chassis and bodywork is all new and unique to the Raider motorcycle. An aluminium cradle frame and swingarm is used, and a rear monoshock is hidden for a hardtail look. The 2008 XV Raider represents a turnkey custom styled to fit in with the chopper crowd, but endowed withsophisticated engineering designed to provide a level of handling and polish often missing from aftermarket bikes.

It was simply inconceivable that a premium cruiser such as the Stratoliner was left without a Midnight version, so here's the 2008 MY machine, all dressed in a sober black livery, with both glossy and matte accents beautifully contrasting with the rich chromed out parts. As if a big,and finished to perfection down to minute details bike was not enough, Yamaha ups the ante with the 2008 MY of the Stratoliner Midnight is one of the cruiser elite.

Leather clad hard cases, a generous windscreen, black covers, and tall passenger backrest are great complements for the beefy 1854cc v-twin. However, the cast wheels could have also been blackened out for an even more impressive stance.

The 2008 MY Stratoliner S epitomizes the awesome character of Yamaha's big-bore cruisers. A bike with a massive 1854cc air-cooled v-twin engine and plenty of real estate for two, this machine brings classic and modern cues together into a surprising mix. Leather clad hard cases, a tall windscreen, a generous passenger backrest, rider floorboards and plenty of chrome in all the right places are complemented by impeccable two-tone paint, lightweight cast wheels, LED lights and a top-notch EFI system.

Ready for touring straight from the box, the Stratoliner S will also turn heads on every road.

The S version of the 2008 MY XV1900 Custom Raider brings in a dash of sparkle obver the black livery of the base model. If some extra chrome and colors with your pro street-looks custom cruiser sounds good, then you'll love this machine. With an 1854cc displacement, low-end torque and passing power are never going to let you down, no matter what roads you'll be riding on, and exhilaration will be just a small twist of the throttle away.

Hassle-free belt final drive, a smooth 5-speed transmission, premium seating and impeccable looks define the 2008 MY Custom Raider.

The 2008 MY XV1900 Custom Raider is a glorious way to tell the world that custom, pro-street looks can come right out of the box, and the head turning factor is lot bigger to be gin with. A true custom-looks machine, the 2008 MY XV1900 Custom Raider packs awesome old-school chopper design cues mixed with a more modern approach to radical roadsters.

Compact yet massive, this machine comes with a raised front with a big wheel, custom machined rims, a sculpted seat and no useless bling. A bobbed rear fender, forward controls and a tank-mounted console are a great match for the dual fluid-shaped exhausts and the shorty front fender.

Small, terribly easy to ride, economical and above all - looking just like any of its bigger siblings, the 2006 Yamaha XV250 Virago is the perfect beginner bike for riders who want to check out what cruiser/chopper riding is all about. Lightweight and with decent room for two-up riding, the Virago 250 is also affordable and comes with minimal maintenance costs.

Accessories can turn this quarter-liter bike into a nifty cruiser for moderate distances. Adding a windscreen and saddlebags also increase comfort and convenience, making it a great replacement for car commuting and even for a little shopping...

With the S in its model name standing for "shiny", the 2006 Stratoliner S is a surprising presence wherever it may show up. Yamaha made liberal use of chrome for this bike, and there are only a few places which haven't been covered in a luxurious coat of shiny metal. On the tech side, this bike is all-Statoliner down to every last nut and bolt, so you know that performance will be stellar. If killer chrome looks are your thing, then the 2006 Stratoliner S should be the name of your next toy.

Just like all the cool Yamaha cruisers, the 2006 Stratoliner has received a Midnight version. All-black, sober and almost menacing, the 2006 Stratoliner Midnight retains all the features of the base model, but brings forth a glossy black livery, with a black paint job for the engine, polished fins and other matching shiny accents to go with those.

The 1854cc v-twin is the same good old beast, with so much torque it's almost silly. Passing and uphill power is a slight twist of the throttle away, and you'll be thrilled to feel the grunt of this bike as it quickly builds up speed even though you're riding with a passenger and fully-loaded.

There is something stellar about the Stratoliner, as it boasts power and low-end torque on tap, while sporting a massive head-turning factor. Classic to the bone, with plenty of chromed-out accents and equipped to ride past the state line right out of the box, the 2006 Stratoliner comes with a generous, detachable windscreen, rider floorboards, a passenger backrest and leather-clad hard saddlebags with lockable latches for increased safety.

The 2006 Stratoliner rolls with an air/ oil-cooled 1854cc v-twin, with the peak torque already available from 2500 rpm. Massive forks and a modern adjustable link-type rear shock smooth out the road unevenness and allow you to enjoy the ride, no matter how long it can get.

The classic air-cooled Twin delivery provides just what the cruiser-oriented newb is looking for, albeit in a smaller package. The diminutive size of the Yamaha cruiser is both its strength and weakness as a machine, with the Virago boasting an inviting 27-inch seat height to encourage smaller-statured men or women who would be ill-matched to ridiculous size of some of the larger cruisers available.

The 2006 Yamaha XV 1900 has a huge V-twin is the honkingly massive amount of torque available. A peak of 115 hp come in at a barely-above tickover 2500 rpm. This makes the Yamaha XV 1900 exceptionally fast off the line with no rider effort. Big V-twins are never silky smooth but the XV1900 is better than most. It’s a high tech engine, not simply a bored out antique.

One of the finest entry-point bikes around, the Virago 250 is a great way for a new rider to get used to what motorcycles are really about, Small, light and low, this bike will make even shorter riders feel reassured and hop aboard it in full confidence.

The bike packs 249ccs of air-cooled v-twin grunt, with plenty of nerve for two-up riding and this expands the versatility and useability of the bike. Whether you're a new rider taking the first steps in the motorcycle world, or you're looking for a more economical commuter with authentic cruiser looks, the 2005 Virago 250 is there for you.

If you liked the 2005 Stratoliner, then you'll love its Midnight version. It retains all the cool technological solutions making it a cruiser to die for, while adding in the sober, elegant glossy black livery with contrasting chrome accents to make a bold styling statement.

With a heap of new engine parts for this model year, the Stratoliner family is better than ever, packing punch to live up to the most demanding of expectations from connoisseur riders. For weekend rides and longer hauls alike, the 2005 Stratoliner Midnight is one of the consummate machines.

The S version of the 2005 Stratoliner gets chromed switchgear, front brake and clutch master cylinders, a detachable windscreen and passenger backrest, allowing riders to change the attire of the machine in only minutes, for short rides and longer hauls, as well. The saddlebags of the 2005 Stratoliner S are covered in leather and are lockable, too.

Despie being a rather big cruiser, the Star 2005 Stratoliner S uses a lightweight aluminium frame for exceptional road stance. The bike shares all the high-tech feats of the base Stratoliner model, with the same brawny 1853cc airhead v-twin and 5-spoeed transmission.

Classic by looks and utterly futuristic "under the hood", the 2005 Stratoliner is Yamaha's premium Star cruiser. Big, powerful and ariding like a dream, this bike is the expression of retro styling reinterpreted into shapes with a modern touch. The 1853cc air-cooled v-twin got an EFI system fro crisp and precise acceleration with improved mileage, while the cylinders received Yamaha's top-drawer ceramic coating.

The 2005 Stratoliner also gets self-canceling turn signals with clear lenses, LED tail lights, a low fuel light, a sealed battery, a fork lock ignition, extra wide brake and clutch levers, a detachable windshield. With a heap of all-new and redesigned parts, the 2005 Stratoliner is ready to turn heads.

In 2004, the Japanese manufacturer launched the Yamaha Road Star Midnight Silverado, a cruising motorcycle also known as the Wild Star in the United Kingdom market. The Midnight Silverado was a combination of the black trim featured by the Midnight model with touring capabilities delivered by the Silverado machine.

From the manufacturing plant, the bike was fitted with standard classic-looking features, including a large headlight with a chromed housing, a teardrop-style fuel tank with an integrated instrument panel, a two-piece dual studded seat, a dual chromed exhaust system, valanced fenders, and nine-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels with white-wall tires.

In addition to the standard equipment, the bike packed more touring-oriented accessories, including a large windshield for more weather and wind protection, a passenger backrest that added more comfort and side-mounted hard panniers for extra storage, enhancing its touring capabilities.

Underneath its fuel tank, the 2004 Yamaha Road Star Midnight packed a massive, stylish, and powerful 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin engine, with 75 hp on tap at 4,750 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) torque with a maximum peak at 3,500 rpm.

In the braking department, the bike was fitted with four-piston calipers and two 298 mm discs on the front wheel. The rear wheel was stopped by a four-piston caliper with a larger 320 mm disc, delivering excellent stopping power.

At the time of its release, the 2004 Yamaha Road Star Midnight had an MSRP of $13,199, while in 2023, the machine was for sale at an average price of $3,000.

Great as an economical commuter and even greater as a first bike for a new rider, thew 2004 Virago 250 is all Yamaha cruiser technology in a smaller package. Packing plenty of punch for two-up rides in the city and even for longer hauls, the air-cooled v-twin engine is light and requires minimal maintenance. The dual stacked exhausts provide a throaty sound which resembles that of bigger bikes, while the cruiser attire makes a bold statement, too.

Excellent for shorter riders, the 2004 Virago 250 comes with a low seat which provides great ground contact when stopped, boosting confidence and being a very good learning platform.

Perfect as an entry-point cruiser for new riders and equally suitable as an economical urban commuter for those who are not too fond of scooters, the 2003 Virago 250 brings out the best of both worlds. The bike offers excellent comfort for a machine of its size, with a lightweight build and low, reassuring seat, while the 249cc air-cooled v-twin provides a great punch which makes two-up riding a breeze.

Add in saddlebags and a windscreen and you're also good to ride that extra mile on overnight trips and highway hauls. City errands, small shopping lists and the like included.

The Yamaha Road Star Silverado was a touring machine manufactured by Yamaha from 1999 to 2014 when the Japanese maker decided to drop the Road Star line from its range. The bike was powered by a stylish, powerful V-twin engine and delivered excellent performance with a timeless design.

In 2003, along with the Silver Edition Silverado, Yamaha released the Midnight Silverado, a combination of the blacked-out trim of the Midnight model with the touring capabilities of the Silverado version. As its name suggests, the Midnight model came in a blacked-out livery that created a unique look among Road Star machines.

The 2003 Midnight Edition had at its core a blacked-out engine with chromed fins, black-finished fenders, a black teardrop-shaped fuel tank with an integrated instrument panel, and a black leather studded seat.

The bike delivered the same ergonomics as its siblings, with a wide, pulled-back handlebar, a low riding position, and forward-mounted floorboards, resulting in a laid-back, relaxed, and comfortable riding experience.

Underneath its fuel tank, the bike had in plain sight a stylish and powerful 1,602cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine with 63 hp on board at 4,000 rpm and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) torque at 2,250. A five-speed manual transmission took power from the engine and ran it through different gears, releasing it to the rear wheel through a final belt drive.

As for safety, the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Silverado was fitted on the front wheel with two-piston calipers and two 298 mm discs, while the rear wheel had a dual-piston caliper with a larger 320 mm disc.

In 2003, when the bike debuted, Yamaha sold the Midnight Silverado for $11,799, while in 2023, the bike was sold with an average retail price of $3,400.

Yamaha XVS 650 has a a low, comfy seat, big bike looks, ease of use and nice styling on its side. With the 40 hp, SOHC, air-cooled V-twin doof-doofing quietly beneath you you’re only ever going to be in for an unhurried ride on the Yamaha XVS 650 DragStar. Which is fine, since there’s more to life than tearing about.

The 2002 Yamaha Virago 250 is a great choice for a first bike, but it can also become the commuter of choice for people with a budget-oriented mind who still want to share the joy of riding a small chopper. Low and reassuring for skinnier or shorter riders, the 2002 Virago 250 packs plenty of punch for two-up rides and you shouldn't be afraid taking it for a couple of hundred miles trip.

Affordable, cheap to run and maintain and most of all, fun to ride, the 2002 Virago 250 can also be customized with various add-ons to match the existing chrome accents.

This Warrior version has a industry standard for V-twin excellence features 1670 cc displacement, pumping out incredible, asphalt ripping low rpm torque and acceleration. The engine of XV 1700 is a air cooled,, long stroke, OHV, 48 degree cylinders with pushrod valve actuation keeps engine height down and ensure more uniform heat dissipation due to absence of a chain case.

The Yamaha XVS 250 DragStar's handling is quite a surprise: far better than you’d expect. Suspension, brakes and gearbox are all good and, overall, the Yamaha XVS 250 DragStar's riding package is stable, easy going and relaxed.

The Drag Star 125 is a traditional bike with a traditional four-stroke, air-cooled, V-twin 124cc engine.

The Custom model has bobbed rear fender, 110 front tire, exposed forks, and many other customizations while the Classic model had longer, bigger fenders, a longer and bigger floorboard, fork covers, and a 130mm wide front tire.

The DragStar, also known as V-Star in North America, is a big motorcycle built by the Japanese company in two versions: the XV1100 and the XV1100A.

The smallest of the Yamaha cruisers, the XV250 Virago is the perfect bike for a new rider who wants to get a taste of what the two-wheeled world is about. For both boys and girls, the 1999 iteration of this mini-cruiser is most likely going to become a best friend: its low seat provides excellent ground contact at low speed or when stopped, while the bike ergonomics are comfortable and reassuring while riding.

Light and nimble, the 1999 Virago 250 is great for commuting and small rides around the town, and can easily carry saddlebags, too.

The 1999 Yamaha XV535 Virago is the perfect cruiser one could ride to hone in his or her skills prior to making a move to the big-bore machines. Light, compact and reassuring, the 535cc Virago is a bike which ladies seem to enjoy quite a lot, for its low saddle, comfy ergonomics and easy maneuverability.

This bike is perfect for swift city slicing, but adding a luggage system and a windscreen instantly turns it into a bike with serious touring potential, and if you're not looking for 100 mph highway hauls, then you're all set: a dependable, economical and fun ride for pretty much any rider.

The Yamaha XV 1600 Wild Star is a cruiser motorcycle. The 1999- 2003 models were the same 1602 cc naturally aspirated engines.

The Yamaha DragStar XVS 400 in available in the Standard and Classic versions, it´s Identical to the XVS 650 but with a smaller engine capacity. Primarily designed for the Japanese home market the XVS 400 has become a popular import into the United Kingdom and USA due to its excellent reputation and low running costs.

The 1997 Yamaha XV 125 Virago V-twin is one of the best made little motorbikes you can choose. Reliable motor, solid chassis, nice low seat and wide bars give a feeling of confident control on the machine.

The first version of this machine was introduced in 1981. The Virago even had a Softail-style suspension back then, though it was actually just Yamaha's clunky mono-cross single-shock tail, which later bowed out for a more fashionable twin-shock setup.

This is Yamaha’s aggressive new drag-style XV1900 Raider custom cruiser, which will only be available in the USA. The 1854 cc air-cooled v-twin motorcycle engine powering the Yamaha Raider is from the Yamaha Midnight Star - but only the engine is carried across - the chassis and bodywork is all-new and unique to the Raider motorcycle. An aluminium cradle frame and swingarm is used, and a rear monoshock is hidden for a hardtail look.

The XV250 Virago is a great beginners' bike, especially for those to whom cruisers appeal the most. Providing enough punch to be fun and thrilling, this bike is the perfect platform to help new riders learn more about riding, being non-intimidating while at the same time fast enough for highway use.

The bike can effortlessly carry two small saddlebags and adding a small windscreen and thus turn into a decent machine for weekend outings, picnics and even overnight trips.

The XV 535 DX Virago it was the first of their cruiser motorcycles and it certainly lasted well. The Yamaha XV DX 535 is basic, trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but enjoyable performance. The XV 535 DX Virago has a clear, analogue speedo but no fuel light or rev counter. However, the reserve switch is on the bars, which is a bonus. Good mirrors but they do vibrate at high revs.

The Virago XV 1100 is a huge cruiser with 1063 cc engine displacement, whose roots can be traced back in 1982, when the first Virago member, XV 750, was born. One year later, the 920 appeared but after two years the machine increased its engine up to 1000 cc. In 1986 the same engine grew up again and the XV 1100 was born.

The Yamaha Virago 500 was manufactured from 1983 until 1986, when it was indeed changed to the Virago 535. At this point the monoshock assembly was abandoned in favour of traditional shocks mounted on either side.

In use the engine isn’t at all like a V twin, rather more a successful mix of many engine types, feeling as grunty as a single and yet as smooth as an inline four. Only the narrowness of the engine gives the game away, a feature that, where it not for the wide bars, would enable you to sip unnoticed through the busiest of traffic jams.

In 1980 Yamaha was bound and determined to outdo Honda in sales—sort of a mano a mano engagement at both the corporate and dealership levels. And one way to do it, Yamaha figured, was to come out with a lot more models. Like a V-twin.