The Yamaha cruiser family stretches all the way from 125 to a massive 1700cc with the XVS1100 Drag Star being one of the more affordable big bore V-twins.
A long wheelbase - we're talking 1640mm - accentuates the low cruiser look. With its pull-back handlebars and rigid-look rear end the big Drag Star looks every inch the power cruiser, ready to take on the best from Milwaukee - and at a fraction of the cost.
The Drag Star look comes with footboards and deeply valanced mudguards. Those twin discs up front are well able to haul down the bike from silly cruising speeds even though the Yam tips the scales at 260kg. And if you think that sounds a lot, check out Harley's Softail Standard - that weighs in at 292kg while the Fat Boy needs to go on a diet to shed some of its 307kg.
The Drag Star's air-cooled engine dates back to the Vigaro, so it has been around the block a few times. But at least you know it is going to be reliable.
Maximum torque comes in at 2500rpm, which is just a tad past tick-over for most bikes. Power output peaks at 5700rpm with 62 ponies.
The double cradle frame features a rigid-style rear end to give a clean-looking back section. Similar to the system so successfully debuted on the Royal Star, this innovative rigid-style rear end accentuates the Drag Star's cruiser image, yet at the same time offers a smooth, comfortable ride and makes for easy adjustment.
Shaft drive means this is a bike that should spend most of its time on the road, not in the workshop. But you'll be stopping at petrol stations more often than you really want to because the gas tank only holds 17 litres.
