MOTORCYCLE TRADER 115
2003 YAMAHA XV1600
“Imitation is the sincerest form of
flattery” is an oft-repeated Oscar
Wilde witticism, but the end of the
sentence, “that mediocrity can pay
to greatness” is seldom mentioned.
Perhaps Yamaha’s engineers had
their own ideas on what was needed
in a big cruiser and set about
designing their vision. They were
successful in that, but with its low
seat,cruiserfrontend,pull-back
handlebars, footboards and valanced
mudguards, the XV1600 was bound
to be compared to Harley-Davidsons.
One point of difference was
the 48-degree angle on Yamaha’s
1602cc V-twin, whereas H-D uses 45
degrees. The XV’s air-cooled engine
had a bore and stroke of 95 x 113mm,
four valves per cylinder and the
SOHC was activated via pushrods –
the shiny tubes were an eye-catchingfeature. Maximum power appears
modest with 63hp developed at
4000rpm – the limiter kicks in at
4200rpm – but the XV is notable
for its enormous torque of 134Nm
at 2250rpm. Twin 296mm discs with
two-piston calipers and a single
200mm with one-piston caliper at
the rear were adequate to bring the
319kg to a halt. Final drive was via a
Kevlar belt.In North America the model
was marketed as the Road Star
and as the Wild Star in Europe.
Like many Japanese cruisers, the
manufacturer’s name did not appear
on the fuel tank.
The vendor purchased this lot
new from a Yamaha dealership in
Nänikon, Switzerland, then had
it customised. Changes included
abbreviated mudguards; flatter
handlebars; removal of the pillion
perch; aftermarket mufflers;
modified footrests and application
of an op-art paint job. This bike had
been displayed at the motorcycle
trade show Swiss-Moto.
Sold at the Bonmont Sale in
Cheserex, Switzerland.Sold
$A14,559
BONHAMSSold
$A10,236
BONHMAS