2006–2017 · Cruiser · Buyer's Guide
Torque Before The Throttle Asks
The XV1900A, sold in the US as the Roadliner, is built around one idea: a cruiser should have more V-twin than it strictly needs. It has 1854 cc of air-cooled pushrod V-twin, with twin-plug heads and an EXUP valve, making 100 hp and 123 lb-ft at just 2,250 rpm. That torque is there almost from idle, so the bike never has to work for its speed. Around it sit a double-cradle frame, a 67.5 in (1715 mm) wheelbase and a long, low streamliner body. It's a pure cruiser in every line, and nobody will mistake it for anything else.
On the road it does what a big cruiser should. It settles in and pulls. The 5-speed gearbox and belt drive keep things simple and clean. The rear shock takes preload, and the fork has no adjustment at all. This bike is for riders who care about sound, stance and relaxed highway pace more than gadgets, because it has none: no ABS, no traction control, no cruise control. The honest caveats come with age. On 2006 and 2007 bikes, listen for a rattle or howl from third gear. Check the plastic fuel pump housing in the lower auxiliary tank for cracks. And at 725 lb (329 kg), parking lots demand respect.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 100 hp (74 kW) @ 4,400 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) @ 2,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 1854 cc |
| Engine | 60° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 130/70-18 |
| Rear tire | 190/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 67.5 in (1715 mm) |
| Seat height | 27.8 in (705 mm) |
| Wet weight | 725 lb (329 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 34 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Third gear failure on early models (2006-2007)
A number of 2006 and 2007 models experienced third gear failures due to improperly heat-treated teeth, causing a rattling or howling noise and eventual gear destruction. Repairs require complete engine disassembly.
Fuel pump housing crack
The fuel pump, located in a lower auxiliary tank, can develop cracks in its plastic housing, leading to fuel leaks and pump failure. This is often attributed to thermal shock from adding cold fuel to a nearly empty hot tank.
Where this Yamaha XV 1900 A pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the XV 1900 A is actually built for.
If your year revolves around Sturgis or Daytona, this bike speaks your language. The sound, the stance and 123 lb-ft all deliver, and you'll ride in with a badge the crowd doesn't expect.
Made for Black Hills / Sturgis Rally Hub · A1A — Florida Atlantic Coast · Daytona Main Street / Bike Week
For slow miles on the Kancamagus or around Maggie Valley, the easy torque and classic lines fit the rhythm. Just know it's a big, heavy cruiser, not a light retro roadster.
Made for Acadia National Park · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show · Blue Ridge Parkway
It's calm at highway speed, but with no luggage, no cruise control and a 4.5 gal tank, this trim suits long day rides. For big park loops, look at the Stratoliner touring trim.
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
