Yamaha Stratoliner reviews

I bought my 2008 Stratoliner S as a leftover in May 2009. As of October 2009 I have 14,000 miles on it including an 8000 mile cross country trip. This is the best bike of the 30 I have owned over the years. It handles superb, rides smooth and has plenty of power. This one is a keeper for a long time to come. 500 mile days are a breeze....actually very enjoyable. I ride it every chance I get. Now my HD sets in the garage although I did put 100 miles on it in the last 6 months. Show less

Bought an 07 Strat S new just last week overstock, still sitting on the showroom floor with 30 miles on it. I also test rode and seriously considered the Honda VTX 1800, HD Road King, Yamaha Tour Delux, and Victory's V92C, so I have a basis for comparison. Since then, exactly one week of owning the Strat, I've managed to tally up almost 1k miles, including a trip from St. Louis to Chicagoland and back. Here's what I think. First impressions: the bike is HUGE but incredibly well balanced, especially compared to the Honda. It handles better than my Honda 1300 did. It is a smooth ride, but does create some engine noise and vibrations. The air cooled engine puts off a LOT of heat during these typical Midwest summer days. Off the line performance is great, but not nearly as noticeable as the cruising speed acceleration capability. The stock seat isn't all that uncomfortable, especially compared to the Honda stock seats, and the S model comes very nicely dressed in chrome, a lot of money to add on to the Road King. Oil filter and drain bolts are easy to reach. Servicing the bike is a breeze. The windshield does create a fair amount of buffeting. A more slanted shield might have prevented this. The bike feels exceptionally stable on the interstate and is pretty nimble for getting around town on as well. I would have liked a larger fuel tank, but I'm usually ready to get off and stretch after 120 to 150 miles anyway. My best MPG so far was 47 riding solo with a great tail wind on a state route going 60mph and my worst was 36 riding 2up coming South out of Chicago with a strong headwind on I55 in heavy traffic. The side bags are a little deceptive. When you open them up, you'll find yourself saying, Huh, I thought they'd be bigger, based on how they look from the outside. So far I'm very happy with my purchase. No motorcycle is perfect, but this one will suit me just fine for a few years, until I get the itch again. 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

I have a 2008 Yamaha Stratoliner Midnight with 6000 miles on it. I am 72 years of age and I can handle the Stratoliner under any conditions with the greatest of ease. I live in New York City so I have to manuever the Straoliner through the heaviest traffic to get out of the city. It has the torque and power to handle the city traffic flawlessly. When I have to stop at a stop light the aluminum frame and low center of gravity makes the Stratoliner move with incredible balance and controlled power. I can turn it in tight corners and tight traffic with the ease of a gazelle. When I ride on the highways, byways, upstate New York mountains, I have never found a riding condition that the Stratoliner could not handle with tremendous agility, control, power and balance. At the age of 72 the Stratoliner makes me feel like a young man who can Trust this Trusty Steed to take him anywhere with comfort, reliability, controlled power and safety. Show less

The Strat is a very strong bike. At speed it handles very well. Like all heavy bikes at slow speed it is a bit cumbersome. For almost 5,000 miles my '07 (bought new in '08) has never failed to start on the first push of the starter button. No breakdown or issue of any kind. No backfires no nothing. The bike throws off too much heat to be called comfortable in the summer in FL. But that may be an issue regardless of your ride. The seat is the reson I gave this bike a four instead of a five for comfort. The padding/foam is not top notch. My old Honda VTX was much more comfortable. The quality issues are small, the windshiled bracket and fasteners are showing some rust (this on a garage kept bike that has only seen rain twice in a year). that's why I gave four stars for quality not five. All in all it is a very quick, strong bike that serves the Two-up larger riders well. The bike is worth the money they ask for it (compared to what else is out there). I however might have gone another route if I had the chance to test it for a few hundred miles before buying. My next bike if there is one might be a Sport Touring Bike. I looked closely at the BMW 1200RT That can be set up to be closer to what I want, the issue is it would cost over $20,000 & that to be fair to the Strat, is far more than I paid it. If you like cruisers. If you demand power. You will like this bike... Show less

I bought an 07 midnight last year and have put 7,000 miles on her. The bike performs well and is smooth at any speed. I love the rumble and the room. I sit very comfortably except for stock seat. Too hard for long rides. I use a sheep skin gel pad. Plenty of power and turns heads as well. Gas mileage is poor and could use a 6th gear. Tank too small as well for the big beast. A head gasket was replaced at 7,000 miles and Yamaha would not cover under warranty because it had just expired 4 months earlier. Show less

This is the best bike I've ever been on. The power all the way through is awesome in every way. The ride smooth, the saddle is great for long or short rides. The looks speak for itself this is one mean machine. Show less

I must say that this is one of the most comfortable and easy handling motorcycle that I have driven. For being over 750 lbs, this bike feels like half its size. It is so well-balanced, you would not think that it weighs this much. It handles like a dream and you feel like you have total control of it. I feel so confident on this bike that it has made me a better rider. This is truly the Cadillac of the Cruisers! Show less

Recently I made a trip of about 5000 km in 10 days with my Stratoliner. Everyday I spent approx. 5 hours in the saddle. I came into snow and heavy storms. The bike just works and works. Riding was comfortable, there is enough space to move around or change the position. By riding normally with 100 - 120 kmh the fuel consumption was okay. The saddlebags could take all of my luggage. And everybody admires your bike. Show less

I have been thoroughly impressed by the Stratoliner S. The quality, fit, finish, attention to detail and beauty of this motorcycle is second to none. I've compared it to other and it always stands above the rest. The power, handling and comfort while riding, sets the standard of what cruising on a large bike should feel like. Yamaha's Star division has truly set the standard for cruisers. Show less