Yamaha Stratoliner S reviews

Man I can go on and on, but I won't, I'll keep it simple. This bike has great retro style, a beautiful shiny big engine, and has the kind of power that would satisfy any cruiser owner! I got exactly what I wanted: a big, beautiful bike that feels small to operate and that has almost endless power when operating on interstates. Gas mileage is about 35-36 average, although I did get about 50 once or twice, flaw? Gas tank a tad bit small, it would be nice if it had a 5+ gallon to push it to about 200 miles+ per tank full, but you can't have everything otherwise it would be 100% perfect, but I will take it as is! I promise, you will not be disappointed! Show less

This is my first cruiser. I've had 35 motorcycles since 1974. I have ridden many cruisers, but this has got to be the smoothest and most comfortable with the most power and agile handling for a long wheel-base! Thank you Yamaha for showing the rest how it should be done. Show less

I absolutely love my Yamaha Stratoliner. This baby handles like a dream. I have worn out 3 sets of tires and 3 sets of grind pins on the floorboards. This baby handles! I haven't found a Harley yet that will run with it. (see you on Floyd hill) I did call the service manager, complaining about the clock adjustment(daylight savings time). It took him 30 seconds over the phone to fix while he laughed at me for not reading my manual. I will definitely buy another from the dealerhship, but this one stays. I rode the crap out of this bike and I have never had one single problem. I'd like to say that I put the bike together, but except for the seat, it's exactly the way I found it on the showroom. This baby pulls like a locomotive and I'm a big guy who rides year round. When you own a biker bar and you ride Yamaha, it better be a good one. The echos of their HD laughter go away after the first stop light and since then, I sure see a lot more Road Liners and a ton of Raiders. One ride and you'll be just like me. Show less

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

This is the first Yamaha I have owned in my 30+ years of riding and I must say it has proven to be the best I have ever owned. Show less

Bought my new 08 blue Road Star after several years of searching, comparing and debating different bikes and maufacturers. Bought it as a left over 08 and saved a lot of money. Had ridden almost everything else from everyone else except the Road Star but one ride told me that this was what I was looking for. Ride is very close to the Roadliner which is still the best handling big bike I have ever been on. The only thing missing from this bike compared to the Roadliner is the extra stong motor of the Roadliner but still mine has plenty of smooth torquey power that is easy to use. If the rest of my time is as good as the first 600 miles I know I have a keeper. Would reccomend anyone looking for a big crusier to give a Road Star a test ride. 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

The Raider is the most impressive bike when it comes down to it. No other cruiser can compare to the bike in any aspect of the ride. It simply blows any cruiser out of the water especially Harleys. Smooth ride with the wide rear tire and amazing torque combines to make it the best. I traded my 2007 Honda vtx in for the Raider and that was the best decision I have made. 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