Yamaha Stratoliner reviews

This bike has it all. Comfort (once you swap the stock seat for a Mustang), power, speed, handling, style and fit and finish are top notch. I fell in love with the Road/Stratoliner bikes when I first saw them, and bought my Strato Midnight in its introductory year. I now have over 14,000 miles on it and have no intention of stopping. The bike produces more horsepower and more torque in its STOCK setup than a Screaming Eagle Harley for less than half the price. Plus, the fit and finish of the Strato is impeccable. The bike's design is well thought out and refined. It is classy and retro without looking old and tired. There is no other bike on the market that can compare. Period. All you have to do is take one test ride and you will buy one. The only drawbacks to this bike line is the limited aftermarket parts for it and the stock seat (on the '06 models anyway). The seat is okay for short rides (1-3 hours), but any longer than three hours in the saddle will make you wish for more cushion. A simple fix to the seat problem is a quality aftermarket seat (I highly recommend the Mustang). No need to add highway bars if you are close to my size because the floorboards offer plenty of space to stretch out on. Show less

I had a Yamaha 350 back in my 20s, then with kids and work, just gave up riding. When I decided to buy a bike and start riding again everyone told me to get a Harley, but after test driving Harleys, Hondas and Kawasaki's I settled on the Stratoliner S. After the first 50 miles of riding, I knew I had made the right choice. It has great power, smooth ride and handling. I've rode 400 miles in 3 weeks just taking weekend short trips in the early mornings when it is cool. I'm sold on this bike as the best cruiser on the market. Show less

I have owned a Yamaha since 1972. This is the best riding and handling bike I have ever ridden, period. It is so well balanced that the 800 lbs.+ is not a problem to handle. Now, it will surprise you with its 100 hp and massive torque. It just doesn't have a top end. As you can see above, I am not a small fellow and this bike is still pulling at 135 mph. Try that on another bike. Show less

I have put over 3500 miles on the Strat with no problems to date. I ride the curvy roads in Ventura County and the power is always there. The floor boards have scraped a few times. My gas mileage varies from 43 to 49. The only complaint is the poor factory seat. I purchased an Airhawk which helps quit a bit. I am considering a custom seat. Overall this is the best bike I have owned even better than my Gold Wing. Show less

I had owned a V-Star 1100 Silverado and it was a great bike to return to riding. But I was ready for more power, room, etc. This bike handles well. It surprises you that it doesn't feel its weight. The power is awesome and I love the stability. The larger footboards really help. I bought a new 2007 in 2008 and saved a good amount of money. Show less

I have owned the Strat for 3 months and put over 1,200 miles on the motorcycle through most of the different type of roads here in Southern California. I am pleased with the ride, handling, and performance. The torque is the best features allowing instant acceleration up any grade. I have several other motorcycles, but this is my favorite. Show less

I owned a Road Star previously and wanted more power for passing and cornering clearance for the mountains. I certainly got it with the Roadliner. It will corner better than most cruisers including the Harleys I frequently ride with but of course not like a sport bike. On the interstates it is solid and stable. The only place I have misgivings is in the dirt where its awesome power sometimes has difficulty getting to the ground and it is a bit higher off the ground in slow speed maneuvers. For passing, it gives me a new level of confidence on those small back roads and guys I ride with cannot believe the way I can blast off. My first rear tire lasted about 7500 mi which is not real good but okay. Another aspect I should mention is 2-up riding where my wife finds this bike the best yet. The suspension is far better than the Road Star's and we both enjoy the sound of the exhaust. Show less

This bike is awesome to ride. The balance is so good that it makes it easy to ride. I am happy with the bike in all aspects. Excellent styling makes this machine a head turner and generates many inquiries about it. As big as this motorcycle is and as powerful as it is, it's a tame and smooth machine giving me a boost of confidence during my rides. The fit and finish is top notch. If you have not seen this bike up close, then go take a look and test drive. You will be hooked on this bike. I have had no problems to date. I very much recommend the Stratoliner. Show less

I researched all different kinds of motorcycles for about 1 year before I purchased the Stratoliner. I almost went with the Road Star, but am very glad I didn't. One reason I changed my mind is, I found out the Stratoliner is longer and you have more leg room. And reason two - the motor. The torque and power this bike has to offer is remarkable; just twist the throttle and hold on. It doesn't matter what speed you are at - 30 mph or 80 mph - you twist the throttle you get nothing but pure acceleration. You don't stop accelerating until about 125 mph, but if you wanted to push it, it would probably touch 130, but that is winding it up tight, and if you need to go faster than that get a sport bike. Like I said this is my first road bike and I would not be happy with anything less. People say this is not a good starter bike, but I disagree, as long as you respect the bike and the power it wouldn't matter what size you got. In my opinion if you are going to spend money on a bike you might as well spend the extra money and get something that you will get your money out of, because once you ride this bike you will not want anything else. I get tons of compliments and when people hear the deep throaty exhaust they think it's a Harley. The bags have lots of room and can be removed very easily along with the windshield and the sissy bar. I am a younger guy (23) so I love the idea that you can take the windshield on and off in less than 30 sec. because I rarely ride with the windshield unless I'm going on a road trip or if it's really cold. But other than that, no windshield. TONS of CHROME, that's all I need to say about that. Can't forget about the handling. It handles like a bike that weighs 200 to 300 lbs. less. I had an Ultimate seat put on and it is so comfortable, I could ride all day and still be ready for more. My wife is also very comfortable on the back, plenty of leg room for her as well (considering my wife is only 5'1 I guess she doesn't need a lot of leg room). But seriously, there is plenty of leg room for the passenger. Well if there is any thing I didn't like about the bike it is whenever you shift gears, sometimes it makes a noise like a backfire (but that is on all Stratoliners). And the glare on the windshield. Those are the only two things I could think of. Show less

When I went to the dealer, I had no plans on purchasing anything. I work at a Harley dealership part time so naturally my preference was to get a H-D Road King Classic. If you want the mystique, sound, and name then that's your bike. However, if you want unbelievable handling, power and value for your buck, then the Stratoliner S is your bike. The dealer simply gave me a deal that I could not pass up. So I bought it without ever riding it, since apparently there is a rescission period (they said I could take it out for a spin and if I didn't like it I could bring it back and rip up the paperwork). But when I took it out of the dealer, there was no way I was going back (and they knew that). I've only put 300 miles on it but could not wait to post a review because the bike is simply awesome. It handles like a dream. When I lean it it's like it becomes an extension of me on curves and turns. The torque is unreal, even at a mere 2,000 RPM. I haven't opened it up on the highway yet since I'm still well within the break in period, but when I roll that throttle to get another quick 15 miles per hour, it responds amazingly, again, even at low RPM. If you get this bike, you won't be regretting it. See you in another 300 miles! Show less