In 2008, the Japanese motorcycle maker launched the Yamaha Roadliner Midnight, a cruiser machine identical to the base model, sharing the same technical and performance specifications but with a darkened and sober appearance.
The bike had standard features, such as a round headlight, a wide, pulled-back handlebar, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a comfortable two-piece dual seat, a two-into-one exhaust system, and 12-spoke lightweight wheels.
As opposed to the base and S versions, which came with lots of shiny chromed elements, the Midnight version had a blacked-out look enhanced by a small amount of chromed components.
It packed blacked-out components, such as the headlight housing, front fork, fenders, fuel tank, frame, engine, cylinder heads, and several chromed elements, such as the exhaust system, turn signal housings, and more.
In the performance department, the 2008 Yamaha Roadliner Midnight had installed a 1,854cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of 99 hp with maximum strength at 4,250 rpm and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque at 2,250 rpm.
Suspension-wise, the motorcycle packed a 46 mm telescopic fork with 135 mm wheel travel on the front and a link-type shock absorber on the rear with 105 mm wheel travel, delivering excellent suspension performance and handling.
As for the braking performance, it packed two 298 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 320 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear wheel, providing excellent stopping power.