It’s not just my hair which is going grey for 2016. The 2016 Yamaha XVS1300 Custom isn’t getting much of an update, but the standard colour will change to Matt Grey. Previously it’s been available in Black.
It looks like it might have been a bit dark in the studio for Yamaha press shots that day, but the action photos show how much lighter the Matt Grey finish really is.
Although if you’re in the UK, then it’s probably better to get used to seeing your bike in low light anyway, given the typical riding conditions.
What doesn’t change is the long and low chassis, which means a low seat height, and a need for the pull-back handlebars with raked-out front forks. You still get a 1304cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, belt drive, and 320mm front/310 rear disc brakes.
The lightweight 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels include a 210 inch front, and there’s a 210-section low profile rear tyre.
The good news about a model staying the same for another year is that you can choose from the wide range of existing accessories and replacement parts to customise your Yamaha chopper. So there’s a range of windshields, saddlebags, billet custom wheels, luggage racks, seats, passenger backrests and various chrome covers to add if that’s your fancy.
It looks decent enough as it is, besides the slightly phallic cubic inch boast on the tank. Ditch the inches and it looks pretty good in the new grey colourscheme, providing a bit of contrast with the matt black exhausts. The only thing that does look a little strange – Matt Grey and Matt Black on the bike, but then they have Gloss Black wheels?
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