YAMAHA Royal Star Midnight Venture (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2005, alongside the standard model, the Japanese motorcycle maker released the Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture, the same cruising motorcycle with a blacked-out appearance complemented by several chromed elements.

The bike was fitted with standard features right from the factory, including a stylish front cowl with a round headlight, a tall windscreen, a two-piece dual studded seat, a top case with an integrated pillion backrest, side-mounted panniers, a dual exhaust system, and seven-spoke aluminum wheels shod with fat tires.

Compared to the base model, the Midnight Venture model packed black-finished elements, such as the front cowl, fenders, radiator cowl, fuel tank, top case, panniers, and engine, complemented by chromed parts, such as engine cases, exhaust, fork legs, and several bits and pieces.

It packed the same suspension system as the base model, including an air-assisted telescopic fork on the front, providing 142 mm of travel, and a link-type air-assisted shock absorber on the rear, delivering 104 mm wheel travel.

The braking power was handled by two 298 mm discs coupled to four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 320 mm disc tied to a single-piston caliper, delivering excellent stopping power.

The 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture had its soul brought to life by a 1,294cc four-stroke V-4 liquid-cooled engine fed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering 98 hp and 121 Nm (89 lb-ft) torque at 4,750 rpm.