Cruisers
1983Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special
19 fields on record
The 1983 Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible V-twin performance with understated style. Its air-cooled 981cc engine delivers smooth power ideal for relaxed highway cruising and city riding. Best known for reliable shaft drive mechanics and minimalist aesthetics, this model appeals to traditionalists valuing simplicity and practicality.
- Capacity
- 981.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 240.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 68.0 HP (50.0 kW) @ 6500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for relaxed, stylish boulevard cruising and easy shaft-driven highway miles rather than outright speed or agility.
- Built for
- A laid-back, classic-styled 1980s custom cruiser with a torquey air-cooled V-twin, shaft drive, and a relaxed, unhurried personality.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or genuine sport-bike performance.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 981.0 ccm
- Power
- 68.0 HP (50.0 kW) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2833 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 95.0 x 69.2 mm
- Compression
- 8.3:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 172.0 km/h (106.9 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.50-19
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1983 | 1984 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 981.00 ccm (59.86 cubic inches) | 981.00 ccm (59.86 cubic inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 13.00 litres (3.43 gallons) | 13.00 litres (3.43 gallons) |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special?
The 1983 Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special has a Capacity of 981.0 ccm (59.86 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special have?
The 1983 Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special has a Power of 68.0 HP (50.0 kW) @ 6500 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special have?
The 1983 Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special weigh?
The 1983 Yamaha XV 1000 SE Midnight Special has a Wet weight of 240.0 kg (529.1 pounds).
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