Yamaha Corporation as we know it today was created more than a hundred years ago. The primary activity was production of musical instruments, small organ,piano…
Nippon Gakki Co., later called Yamaha, was founded in 1980 by Torakusu Yamaha. As stated in introduction, the company since establishment was involved in the manufacture of musical instruments. They started with a small organ and piano, and today they are one of the largest manufacturers of equipment for musicians in the world. Logo on Yamaha gas tanks represents 3 crossed tuning forks. Just thanks to the production of these forks and pianos, craftsmen at Yamaha have gained a lot of experience in working with metals and various alloys. This experience combined with those acquired in the World War II, as well as the high demand for cheap means of transport ( which was discussed in previous histories ), led to the fact that Yamaha began production of motorcycles.
First Yamaha came out from the factory back in 1955. It is a model YA-1. Unlike the first-born of other Japanese manufacturers, this motorcycle was very serious, probably because it was a copy of the DKW. It was powered by two-stroke engine with 123 ccm, whole 5,6 HP and 9,4 Nm of torque. It is important to note that this was a real motorcycle that did not use the frame of a bicycle. Of course, such a good motorcycle was accompanied with “good” price: at a time when the wages of university-educated men was just under 11.000 yen, the YA-1 cost entire 138.000 yen. His successor, YC-1 was a bit better: thanks to the engine of his 174 ccm, power is increased to as much as 10,3 HP. In addition to higher power, the motorcycle was exceptionally looking and the price jumped to 145.000 yen. YD-1 which appeared the following year, was also a remarkable motorcycle during that time. His biggest asset was also the engine….the first of the twin-cylinder Yamaha with 247 ccm and 14,7 HP. The first copies were sold in America in 1958.
Yamaha’s first production facility outside the borders of Japan, was opened in 1966 in Siam when it launched the first model from the super-sport class. It is a model YDS-3 that developed 26 HP and a complete novelty on this model was adjusting the rear suspension. The first Yamaha enduro, DT-1, was in the production in 1968, with 246 ccm and largest front fork gap among all Japanese motorcycles. Just a year later, Yamaha has built its own race track.
The first large-volume engine, powered by four-stroke parallel twin engine with 653 ccm and 53 HP, was launched in 1970 and carried the label XS1.
Yamaha as other large motorcycle corporations, followed the trend of cruiser production. In 1981. “XV 750 Special” was produced, adorned by the first Yamaha V-twin with 748ccm, cylinders at an angle of 75 ⁰, shaft drive and attractive appearance.
Previous story has been told because we have found and bought the 2006 model of Yamaha XV 1900 Roadliner.
Absolutely the leading motorcycle in the Yamaha Star cruiser line, the „Roadliner“ has been designed and manufactured with performance like no other before. With great power and excellent handling, the all-new V-twin is air-cooled and has great torque in all gears. Double-pass electronic fuel injection ensures optimal motorcycle efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range. The “neo-streamline” design, including the first seamless fuel tank, gives the “Roadliner” a completely recognizable look. Also a brand new, long and low aluminum frame provides a great look and excellent handling, thanks to a weight distribution of almost 50:50 on the front and rear wheel.
This cruiser (with a special name “Roadliner”) was specially produced for the USA market. For us, as big fans of motorcycles, an ordinary „Midnight Star“ is a very nice motorcycle, but the “Roadliner” with its almost 100 hp is something that is basically a powerful motorcycle for travel.
It is very important to note that with its 320 kg (dry weight), this motorcycle is not light, but in relation to its competition, it certainly belongs to the “feather-light” category in terms of weight, which is fantastic. The aluminum frame and fork ( by the way, unique in the cruiser class ) significantly contribute to reducing weight and ease of handling. Even at low speeds, this Yamaha is easy to steer, which is usually the weak point of all other competing cruisers.
As for the power itself, it is brought to the rear wheel by huge pistons that make incredible noise through the beautiful 2in1 exhaust system. Transferring 90 HP to the asphalt, it is one of the most powerful cruiser motorcycles. According to us, this motorcycle represents a “double personality”, ie. You can drive the „Roadliner“ in two ways. One is the mode of full and complete cruising (which is the mission of this motorcycle). The other is …. just give the throttle hard and You will see what this motorcycle can do. You will get to know its limitless power ( uncharacteristic for a cruiser ) and its other side of the personality mentioned above.
After all, what is certain is that with this model, Yamaha has produced a top cruiser with decent suspension, much less weight than the competition and a set of brakes that can withstand / restrain all that extra power. This “Roadliner” is a courageous step forward for Yamaha because it continues to make a real step towards individuality and uniqueness in the increasingly developed and competitive world of cruisers.
We will conclude our “Yamaha XV 1900 Roadliner” story with the assessment that there is no competitor who has formed such a good power-to-weight ratio as well as a price-quality ratio ( which is, by the way, not a new thing for Yamaha). Therefore, we are pleased to introduce Yamaha 1900 Roadliner. Produced in 2006. Through pictures and specifications, enjoy the offered model.

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