2008 Yamaha Stratoliner Review

Introduction

The 2008 Stratoliner S is being introduced as the Flagship of the Star Cruiser Series, a machine combining precision, performance and craftsmanship.

Pride of ownership comes standard with every Stratoliner S. Representing the pinnacle of the Star cruisers, the Stratoliner S takes V-twin performance and character to a new level. Ready to roll with a quick detach windshield and backrest, the amazing Stratoliner S is setting new standards by which all cruisers will be judged.

History

2006 Yamaha Roadliner S

By 2006, everybody read and knew all about Yamaha’s adventurous Roadliner that was the flagship of Yamaha’s new Star brand of cruisers. Basically a Roadliner with bags and windshield, the Stratoliner raised some question marks related to its separate press introduction, but, as you will further read, time made his point.

At the time, Yamaha claimed that cruiser-touring category consisting of cruisers featuring a windshield, but not a full fairing, and saddlebags, but without a top case, accounted for nearly 60% of high-end cruiser sales. In addition, sales in the respective category were up a massive 350% since January of 1998.

What the manufacturer considered very important was the fact that the revenue didn’t come to an end once the bike was sold. Yamaha explained how Road Star Silverado customers spend close to $2500 in accessories for their bikes, and more than 50% of that at the time of purchase. With the introduction of the Stratoliner, Yamaha expected buyers to exceed that level of spending and, of course, they did.

As a result of that, the Star lineup has grown more than 30% that year, and the “My Star” section of the Star Motorcycles website had 31, 000 owners who registered after just four months.

Now that you know how this bike started its individualization process and how it became the success that it now is, read more and find who it is up against.

Competition

2008 Honda VTX1800T

It is logical for such a bike to fight with against the best in the business and the Yamaha Stratoliner S does it with pride and ability.

The Honda VTX1800T is by many considered the ideal cruiser built for the perfect road trip, combining a massive 106-hp 1795cc V-twin with all the touring touches you could ever need: roomy saddlebags, big windscreen, and cozy passenger backrest. Hear that? It’s the open road calling.

Suzuki also introduces the new Boulevard C109RT, a motorcycle combining classic cruiser styling with renowned Suzuki V-twin power in such a striking way that it proves difficult to be beaten. The key to the C109RT’s performance is its 109-cubic-inch engine with Suzuki fuel injection which is the same basic powerplant used by the awesome M109R, which traces its technological heritage to Suzuki’s championship winning GSX-R supersport bikes. One ride on the C109RT and you will be amazed by its power characteristics, with more torque down low for extraordinarily acceleration. Featuring standard windshield, saddlebags, and passenger backrest together with pullback handlebars, floorboards that let you kick your feet out, a spacious, relaxed riding position and its own slash cut mufflers, the C109RT establishes its identity with styling.

Does the open road beckon? The answer is its call with the fully-dressed Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT cruiser. Already roaming America’s back roads and highways, the popular Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is ready to tour straight off-the-showroom floor and against the subject of this review, the Yamaha Stratoliner S.

2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT

Exterior

2008 Yamaha Stratoliner S

The Stratoliner S’s main goal ever since it was introduced was to be identified as a unique machine implementing one-off features.

Let’s start with the bike’s frame. The aluminum unit which required few welds is long and low and so it provides great looks.

Attached to the frame is the 4.5 gallons teardrop-shaped fuel tank which completes the style and attitude given by the frame. It does it by implementing neo-streamline design, including the first seamless gas tank fitted of a Star motorcycle. This is where the Stratoliner S gets its distinctive look and what the rest of the elements follow.

To match the fuel tank, Yamaha resculpted the seat which is also comfortable on long rides.

If you are planning to enjoy both short rides and long trips, a pair of streamlined leather-covered, locking, hard sidebags, an adjustable, detachable windshield and a detachable passenger backrest will surely come in handy and the Stratoliner S has them all.

In order to give a nice, cruiser look and a tasty finishing touch, Yamaha provided a series of chromed elements like the 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.

Black Cherry/Charcoal Silver or pearl white are both excellent paintjobs for the bike and they sure make it look like no other. Instruments are very stylish and make you feel like you are about to get on the luxury trip that will surely make you more demanding with motorcycles.

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