The XVS was Yamaha’s successful tilt at the cruiser market, its 1304cc twin displacing 80cu in, the traditional capacity for these bikes in America. The bike’s useful 72.5bhp, long, low design and Yamaha’s strong reputation for reliability made it popular throughout its 10 year production run.
The low mileage and careful maintenance of this 2008 XVS are good reasons consider it, but it’s the looks that make it really stand out. The unmarked custom black paintwork, Cobra tail pipe, black painted wheels and rear seat delete – with professionally recrafted guard and steel pegs – enhance the Midnight Star’s purposeful lines to create a bike with real presence, even when standing still.
The fastidious Seller is only letting the bike go because he has recently had a knee operation and is prioritising safety over his love of the bike.
The History And Paperwork
Same owner since 2013
Resprayed within last 12 months
Last serviced March 2022
Three owners from new
MOT to June 2023 with no advisories
Serviced annually
The Condition
Professionally resprayed black
Unmarked black paintwork
Chrome in excellent condition reflecting dry weather use
Underside indicates summer, dry use only
Wheels painted black and unmarked
Seat in unmarked condition
The XVS is a good-looking bike, but clever tweaks have given this example extra road presence. The Seller has owned this bike since 2012 and his care and attention is evident in the photographs. The bike’s low mileage is down to it only ever being used in the spring and summer on dry days for pleasure rides – at other times it is garaged. This approach is evident from the bike’s condition, in particular the underside as shown in the photographs. This is a 15 year old bike but one that looks much younger.
The bike was originally red and sold new as a Tourer, with saddle bags and screen. The Seller removed these to improve its aesthetics and had it professionally painted black. As an indication of his attention to detail, the paintwork was resprayed again in 2022 and the photographs show that it is unmarked. The black painted wheels also appear unblemished.
The rear seat has been removed and replaced with a wheel guard, the work professionally done and including handmade stainless steel pegs and covers.
The bike is fitted with a Cobra exhaust. The photographs show that this and the rest of the extensive chrome work on the bike are in very good condition, indicative of its dry-weather regime. Only a mark on the headlight chrome cowl detracts.
There are two keys and a complete factory toolkit with the bike.
The Mechanics
1304cc V-Twin developing 72.5bhp
5spd manual gearbox
MOT to June 2023 with no advisories
Standard factory specification
Last serviced in March 2022
19,000 miles from new
Yamaha specified the XVS with its 1304cc V-Twin so that it would match the 80cuin output that is traditionally associated with American cruiser bikes. This stylish bike is clearly designed to match and the aesthetics tweaks made by the Seller play into the relaxed cruising vibe. A five speed manual gearbox completes the picture.
The bike is factory standard except for the Cobra exhaust. A remap is fitted but is not connected, so the bike runs its factory correct specification. A new battery was fitted recently, its condition managed by a trickle charger when the bike is garaged and off the road.
The bike has been serviced annually by the Seller – most recently in March 2022 - but unfortunately there is no paperwork to back this up. He states that he intended to keep the bike and therefore didn’t retain the invoices. However, annual MOTs during his 10 year ownership verify the mileage. The MOT runs to June 2023 with no advisories.
Summary
If you’re looking for a cruiser bike then there are many good reasons to want a XVS Midnight Star – the looks, the reliability and the performance.
This bike tastefully dials things up a notch with some clever, subtle tweaks to the aesthetics that give it real road presence, as the photographs show. The low mileage, regular maintenance and careful use further add to the appeal of this desirable bike.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
