2008 Yamaha Roadliner Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 113-cubic-ich (1854cc)
Type: Air-cooled 48-degree V-Twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 100mm x 118mm
Compression Ratio: 9.48:1
Carburetion: Twin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
Ignition: TCI
Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Belt

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Aluminum monoshock
Suspension/Front: 46mm telescopic fork; adjustable preload, 5.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; 4.3-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes/Rear: Hydraulic disc, 320mm
Tires/Front: 130/70-18
Tires/Rear: 190/60-17
Wheels: 12-spoke cast
Length: 101.6 in
Width: 36.8 in
Height: 43.3 in
Seat Height: 27.8 in
Wheelbase: 67.5 in
Ground Clearance: 6.1 in
Dry Weight: 705 lb
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal

Other

Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color: Candy Red/Raven; Seashell

Features

Key Features:

 The Roadliner S gets chrome switchgear, front brake and clutch master cylinders and levers, belt guard, fork and fork covers, handlebar clamps, shifter, front pulley cover, various engine covers, rear fender stay and polished wheels.


 The Star Motorcycle flagship is designed to show and go like no other cruiser before it, with big power and great handling.


 Powerful and beautiful 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, pushrod V-twin produces great thrust at any speed.


 Twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection ensures optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions.


 Neo-streamline design, including the first seamless gas tank fitted to a Star, gives the Roadliner S a completely distinctive look.


 Long and low aluminum frame provides great looks and light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser, thanks to near 50/50 weight distribution on the front and rear wheels.

Engine:

 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled pushrod 48-degree V-twin has the massive looks and performance.


 Four pushrod-activated valves and two spark plugs per cylinder provide optimum combustion efficiency along with classically beautiful engine architecture.


 Plated cylinders and forged pistons cooled by oil jets provide outstanding reliability and long life. Twin counterbalancers keep it smooth but rumbly.


 9.5:1 compression ratio and aggressive cam timing increase power output across the board.


 Computer-controlled, twin-bore, fuel injection monitors multiple engine parameters to calculate perfect mixture under all conditions; a wide-angle 12-hole fuel injector provides excellent atomization.


 Exhaust Ultimate Power valve (EXUP) inside the two-into-one exhaust system boosts torque in the 2500-3000 rpm range.


 Special custom machining of the cooling fin edges gives a jewel-like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.


 3300 rpm at 75 mph gives some idea of the Roadliner’s power and cruisability. Maximum torque is reached at only 2500 rpm.

Chassis/Suspension:

 Aluminum frame is light, rigid and requires few welds. A light, Controlled-Fill swingarm casting complements the bike’s streamline style.


 With 49.6 percent of its weight carried on the front wheel, the Roadliner has the weight distribution of a sportbike instead of the typical cruiser, and that means great handling.


 46mm fork tubes wearing slant-cut stainless covers serve up an excellent ride and a sweet appearance.


 A tucked-out-of-sight single shock out back provides a smooth ride under varying loads.


 A thick, richly chromed 1.25-inch handlebar in polished clamps carries the Roadliner’s switchgear wiring on the inside.


 Seamless, teardrop fuel tank carries a full 4.5 gallons of fuel.


 12-spoke wheels evoke a thick spoke look, but carry modern tubeless radial tires; a 130/70-18 front and a fat 190/60-17 rear.


 Front brake master cylinder with integrated lever operates a pair of 298mm front discs squeezed by strong monoblock calipers for excellent power and feel.


 Strong and light belt drive routes power smoothly and efficiently to the rear wheel.


 Floating floorboards and an adjustable heel/toe shifter provide a comfortable, low-effort ride.

2008 Yamaha Roadliner S Floorboard

Additional Features:

 Position beams within the main headlight housing provide great visibility.


 Left-thumb operated high-beam switch, and right-thumb activated accessory driving light switch for great visibility.


 Jewel-like fit and finish, and Star quality paint, chrome and attention to detail are evident all over the Stratoliner S.


 Classic clock-style instrumentation complements Stratoliner S’s neo-retro look and contains analog speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, along with twin digital tripmeters, odometer and self-diagnostics.


 Bright multi-reflector headlight, LED taillight and amber turn signals behind clear lenses give a custom look.


 Oxygen sensor and three-way catalyst reduce emissions.

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Models Available

Yamaha Roadliner S

This review is based on the most popular version of the Roadliner and it reflects the bike’s characteristics in the most honest way. But as you very well know, the Star series is all about diversity and satisfying everyone and this is why another model was launched together with the “S”. The purpose was to create a cruiser for everyone and I reckon they did a damn good job.

Yamaha Roadliner Midnight

2008 Yamaha Roadliner Midnight

Highly decorated with Raven paint and blacked-out components straight from the factory and highly acclaimed by the motorcycle press, Yamaha’s big bore Roadliner Midnight has reshaped the face and performance of cruisers altogether.

Price

The Midnight model is also an option for those seeking the same thrill given by the enthusiastic acceleration on a lower price. With an MSRP of $13,880, this blacked-out beast would be the choice of many free souls out there. It is just a matter of time until the freeways will be filled with such machines.

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