2006 Yamaha reviews

I've got over 2,000 miles on my '07 Strat and can confirm that the reviews in this forum are an accurate description of the Star Stratoliner S. Yamaha put a huge amount of research and development into creating the Roadliner/Stratoliner and no significant improvements have been necessary since it's introduction in '06. Even though it's air cooled, the dry sump, oil cooler, and other internal innovations reduce heat so that the huge engine runs much cooler than one might expect. My dealer said you should get over 200,000 miles before needing any major engine work! One concept that hasn't been mentioned is that the Stratoliner could be viewed as two bikes in one. It's got huge amounts of torque for a very satisfying bottom end and that classic cruiser feel...cruising along at 2,000-3,500 rpm is a very relaxed, comfortable experience. However, if you want to hit the throttle, the bike wakes up and becomes a monster...extremely fast and agile for a bike this big/heavy! The adrenalin rush from 2,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm is immediate and significant...more like a high rpm sports bike than a cruiser. There may be faster motorcycles out there, but the Roadliner/Stratoliner has more power/speed than any sane person would ever want. For the rest of us...it's got just what we need! Show less

Great bike. Fit and finish is top notch. Gobs of power. Very well engineered. The seat is pretty darn firm and the reach to the handle bars is pretty long and I have long arms to begin with. Other than the seat and the reach, this is the perfect bike. The removable windshield and back rest come off and go on very easy and stay put when attached. Head light is bright and the chrome and attention to detail is fantastic. The gas mileage is comparable to the other bikes this size which is 33 mpg around town (would be better but I can't stop twisting the throttle wide open) and 42 highway. It would be great if the gas tank was 1 gal bigger so fuel stops would fall in-line with the rest of the pack but it is what it is. The windshield does a great job of blocking most of the wind. If I compare this to other comparable bike and rate on scale of 1 - 10 it would go like this. HD - 6, suzuki boulevard - 7, honda vtx 1800 - 8, victory - 7, Stratoliner - 9, no bike is a 10 so don't get your hopes up to see one listed here. They all have their faults. Show less

Sweet powerband, awesome suspension, and extremely lightweeight compared to the four strokes. Great job Yamaha! Show less

I chose the '06 V-Star, 1100cc for my first bike. I just bought it last week and it is awesome! Great from a stop, handles very well. I know I will enjoy years of riding on this bike!!! I have looked at many bikes in the past month and this was my ultimate choice. Show less

The day I bought my Morph I knew it was a different kind of scooter. The lowhand waves from those on REAL bikes makes me chuckle. I also had to get used to the what the heck is that you're riding comments. Great bike quiet and smooth just wish I could find someone in Wisconsin that has one. Over all it gets 6 stars in my book!! Show less

I've owned my Road Star for 2 1/2 years and had not one issue with it. It is very comfortable, plenty of power and even though is over three years old, it is still more powerful than the newest Harley's out there; they are still trying to catch up with Yamaha! Definitely a must have for long trips as it is very forgiving and looks great on the road! Show less

Traded my midweight (900vn) in for the 06 Strat last Nov. Had 6,000 mi on it at purchase. Just completed 5,000 mi RT from Houston to Tacoma, WA via midwest, Montana, Idaho, etc. On some interstates I cruised at 85 to 90 for 2-3 hr stretches. The Yami performed flawlessly. I can't begin to explain what an incredible performer this bike is. Over mtn. passes (11,000 ft. Monarch in CO, for example) on twisties, in 100 degree plus heat, never a miss. I will add fairing when I can afford it, but for now, I'll keep enjoying every pulse of the strats powerhouse twin, its balance and smoothness. A big TX 'hats off' to Yamaha for making the best cruiser you can ride. Show less

No issues, has been a complete pleasure just wish the seat was a little more cushy for the tushy on the long runs. Show less

I am 33 years old and never had a bike growing up. I always knew I wanted one so this is the one I got! Love it, rides good and has enough power for a new driver like myself. What I like best is the balance it seems effortless to move around. Vibration on the highway is noticeable at 120km/hr but does not wreck the experience for me. New riders this is the bike for you! Show less

This is the most comfortable and fun motorcycle that I have ever had the opportunity to ride. My last bike was a Suzuki and I find the difference to be like going from a VW Bug to a Cadillac. I look forward to riding my Road Star each and every day. Show less