Roadliner / Stratoliner Owners?

[Edbo1960]

Hey, I have my 2014 ST ES, farkled and ready to go, love it but the engine sound (I do have a yosh slip on). Also have a 2005 SV 650, but being 6'4" is a bit small. Always liked the looks of a cruiser, been thinking about trading out the SV for an older Strat/roadliner. I'm pretty Yamaha loyal and wouldn't fit in with the HD crowd (I'll stop there)....any thoughts?

On one hand I like the 420 lb bikes, but on the other, a 750lb monster might be fun.....just never polished chrome before, or scraped hard parts much.

Thanks, Edbo

 

[bigbob]

I had the original Stratoliner Deluxe. It was the Yamaha test bike used to fit all their custom parts and chrome. It had a pre-release audio system that was reworked before the 2010 production release. When the bags changed in 12 that bike got them. All the chrome they had and a custom paint job.

Anyway I had that Stratoliner when I bought my Ténéré. The Strat was my favorite ever bike until the Ténéré but they are different. I love to carve twisties on a cruiser, scrape the boards, and pour on the power at the apex. Just a rush to me and the torque of that 113 ci motor makes it better. Same corner and speed on the 10 and sort of “was there a curve there?”

Have since sold the Stratoliner and replaced with a 2018 Venture Transcontinental since my wife will not ride the Ténéré. the venture is now almost my preferred bike. Best I have ever had. Takes curves better and still a 113 motor, although slightly detuned. Same crank it on rush in the twisties.

If all pavement I take the 113. If any dirt or gravel the Ténéré.

Both great bikes but since I am senile I forgot your question. Guess I need to go ride in the hail and tornado warnings outside now!

 

[bigbob]

Guess I need to go ride in the hail and tornado warnings outside now!

The Des Moines airport about 5 straight miles away had over 2” hail. We got lucky with just rain.

 

[Edbo1960]

I had the original Stratoliner Deluxe. It was the Yamaha test bike used to fit all their custom parts and chrome. It had a pre-release audio system that was reworked before the 2010 production release. When the bags changed in 12 that bike got them. All the chrome they had and a custom paint job.

Anyway I had that Stratoliner when I bought my Ténéré. The Strat was my favorite ever bike until the Ténéré but they are different. I love to carve twisties on a cruiser, scrape the boards, and pour on the power at the apex. Just a rush to me and the torque of that 113 ci motor makes it better. Same corner and speed on the 10 and sort of “was there a curve there?”

Have since sold the Stratoliner and replaced with a 2018 Venture Transcontinental since my wife will not ride the Ténéré. the venture is now almost my preferred bike. Best I have ever had. Takes curves better and still a 113 motor, although slightly detuned. Same crank it on rush in the twisties.

If all pavement I take the 113. If any dirt or gravel the Ténéré.

Both great bikes but since I am senile I forgot your question. Guess I need to go ride in the hail and tornado warnings outside now!

Thanks bigbob, sounds like you really enjoyed that Strat, fond memories!

 

[Steve Neal]

I am a Yam man through & through, I have my S10 and a 96 Royalstar, the latter is a fantastic cruiser . It has the 1300 cc liquid cooled finned V4 that sounds like a small block Chev, not the fastest bike out there but that’s not what cruising is all about and nothing sounds better , getting a bit rare nowadays but you can pick up a clean one at a reasonable price if you look around.

 

[Scoop47501]

I am a Yam man through & through, I have my S10 and a 96 Royalstar, the latter is a fantastic cruiser . It has the 1300 cc liquid cooled finned V4 that sounds like a small block Chev, not the fastest bike out there but that’s not what cruising is all about and nothing sounds better , getting a bit rare nowadays but you can pick up a clean one at a reasonable price if you look around.

The Strat is a good choice for a tall guy. Lots of power but the tires go quickly. I had a 2006 model.
The Royal Star is my all time favorite motorcycle. I had a "96" a "97" and two Ventures as well. My wife had a "97" Royal Star Palamino. Very pretty pearl white with tan leather. Can't beat the V-4 sound !

 

[Tombstone]

I have a '05 Royal Star, great bike, awesome sound. Electronic cruise, air suspension. Excellent for relaxed touring.

 

[Byron]

Hey, I have my 2014 ST ES, farkled and ready to go, love it but the engine sound (I do have a yosh slip on). Also have a 2005 SV 650, but being 6'4" is a bit small. Always liked the looks of a cruiser, been thinking about trading out the SV for an older Strat/roadliner. I'm pretty Yamaha loyal and wouldn't fit in with the HD crowd (I'll stop there)....any thoughts?

On one hand I like the 420 lb bikes, but on the other, a 750lb monster might be fun.....just never polished chrome before, or scraped hard parts much.

Thanks, Edbo

This was my baby but let her go.