I bought my 2008 Stratoliner in January of 2021 ... I was 49 years young, and I literally hadn't ridden any motorcycle since the early 80's when I was in the 3rd grade and had a Honda Mini-Trail for a short time (until I managed to launch it, and myself, over a raised sidewalk and tried to take my arm off on a nearby grill). Since then, I've put a little over 30,000 miles on it (much of which has been 2-up) and I will never get rid of this bike. These bikes are absolutely amazing. Yes, they are large and powerful, but so well balanced. Add the low center of gravity and just the overall classic looks, and it's a damn near perfect cruiser IMHO. You do need to have proper low-speed technique to really be comfortable and confident on them (or any big bike), but it will easily do 20' U-turns without scraping anything (it'll do 18's as well, but takes a little more guts). The slightly raked-out forks make it so stable at any speed (for a slight reduction in super-slow-speed maneuvering).
I purchased a 2006 roadliner a couple months ago with only 12000km on it,havn't owned a motorcycle since 1987 and i am absolutely in love with it,loving the shear power at any speed .I looked at a lot of different bikes but the reviews on this yamaha are what drew me in,Unfortunately up here in canada we are getting in to winter so i will have to wait for a few months to get back in the saddle,loved the video and enjoy you ride!!
I agree with your thought owning the Yamaha. I owned a 2014 Harley Road King, one day I found my Harley missing. The five figure discount. So while I was waiting for the insurance to pay for the stolen bike, I went out and bought the Yamaha that was for sale cheap. Road that bike for a year. Till I got the cash settlement from the late insurance. Great bike, Harley could take a few notes from Yamaha. Still have the Yamaha great riding bike with more than enough horse power and lots of comfort plus the look.Thanks for the video.
That sucks that happened to you, I can't imagine having something stolen. Yamaha makes a great machine - I'm glad that you got a chance to experience it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm glad you liked the video.
Secluded place is what you tried to say. I had a Road Star that’s just below this bike in size. I wish now I had purchased a Strat or RLiner. However, I ended up purchasing a Royal Star Venture S or RSV as it’s known in the Yamaha community. I like that it’s shaft drive, but belt would have been ok, too.
Ah yes - secluded - that is the word I was looking for - talking is hard ;) I've heard that the Royal Star Venture is a great bike as well. I had one of those on our radar for awhile. I'm looking forward to having a full year with this guy....2026....who knows, may find something else. What is your dream cruiser?
Awesome you’re keeping the name. Maybe don’t sell merchandise first a short period of time till they forget. The bike looks great. I like it with the screen off and we all remember Madonna lol
Nice to see you back in the saddle......;) As to your Harley question, in 2007, Harley released the second gen of the twin cam, upping the displacement from 88cid to 96cid, the engine had a longer stroke. The upgraded size for these engines was a 95cid for the 88 and a 103 for the 96. The top engine in the CVO models in 2008 was a 110cid. I will say that 40mpg is okay, but most stock Harley touring bikes were getting 48-50mpg on non city riding. In stock form, I think that Harley's had like 70hp and 85 fbt, but there are multiple options to upgrade that to far more as there is a huge aftermarket and factory options out there. But we are trying to do and apples to apples so in stock for. In 2008 the 103cid the hp was more 74 and the 110cid was 115.
When it comes to powerful big V-twins - the Yamaha Stratoliner xv1900 is by far the easiest most comfortable bike to ride. AMAZING!!
I bought my 2008 Stratoliner in January of 2021 ... I was 49 years young, and I literally hadn't ridden any motorcycle since the early 80's when I was in the 3rd grade and had a Honda Mini-Trail for a short time (until I managed to launch it, and myself, over a raised sidewalk and tried to take my arm off on a nearby grill). Since then, I've put a little over 30,000 miles on it (much of which has been 2-up) and I will never get rid of this bike. These bikes are absolutely amazing. Yes, they are large and powerful, but so well balanced. Add the low center of gravity and just the overall classic looks, and it's a damn near perfect cruiser IMHO. You do need to have proper low-speed technique to really be comfortable and confident on them (or any big bike), but it will easily do 20' U-turns without scraping anything (it'll do 18's as well, but takes a little more guts). The slightly raked-out forks make it so stable at any speed (for a slight reduction in super-slow-speed maneuvering).
That is such a great story - I love it!! I'm so happy to hear that you too love your Stratoliner. I agree - it is such an "easy" bike to ride
I purchased a 2006 roadliner a couple months ago with only 12000km on it,havn't owned a motorcycle since 1987 and i am absolutely in love with it,loving the shear power at any speed .I looked at a lot of different bikes but the reviews on this yamaha are what drew me in,Unfortunately up here in canada we are getting in to winter so i will have to wait for a few months to get back in the saddle,loved the video and enjoy you ride!!
Oh, you are going to love it. We live in MN so we are shut down for the winter as well - cant wait for April!!!!
I have a VTX1800C
I never heard of a 1900...
Im in love again
Honda makes a great machine, the VTX1800 is another beast!
Lookin good!! Love ppl just enjoying their ride!! The best journey's on two!!
....and it's such a good ride too! Thanks so much for watching!
those are my favorite type of bars. so classic. this bike looks rad.
It's a blast to ride. The bars are wide and its so comfortable to ride for miles and miles
ACE cafe - forever!!!!! Great Vlog! Your best one yet!!! Love your bike! She’s a beaut!!!
Thanks so much, can't wait to ride with you soon!
I agree with your thought owning the Yamaha. I owned a 2014 Harley Road King, one day I found my Harley missing. The five figure discount. So while I was waiting for the insurance to pay for the stolen bike, I went out and bought the Yamaha that was for sale cheap. Road that bike for a year. Till I got the cash settlement from the late insurance. Great bike, Harley could take a few notes from Yamaha. Still have the Yamaha great riding bike with more than enough horse power and lots of comfort plus the look.Thanks for the video.
That sucks that happened to you, I can't imagine having something stolen. Yamaha makes a great machine - I'm glad that you got a chance to experience it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm glad you liked the video.
Secluded place is what you tried to say. I had a Road Star that’s just below this bike in size. I wish now I had purchased a Strat or RLiner. However, I ended up purchasing a Royal Star Venture S or RSV as it’s known in the Yamaha community. I like that it’s shaft drive, but belt would have been ok, too.
Ah yes - secluded - that is the word I was looking for - talking is hard ;)
I've heard that the Royal Star Venture is a great bike as well. I had one of those on our radar for awhile. I'm looking forward to having a full year with this guy....2026....who knows, may find something else. What is your dream cruiser?
Awesome you’re keeping the name. Maybe don’t sell merchandise first a short period of time till they forget. The bike looks great. I like it with the screen off and we all remember Madonna lol
Thanks Marc. I think we'll just forget about out the merchandise 💪. I appreciate all.of your support!!
Nice to see you back in the saddle......;) As to your Harley question, in 2007, Harley released the second gen of the twin cam, upping the displacement from 88cid to 96cid, the engine had a longer stroke. The upgraded size for these engines was a 95cid for the 88 and a 103 for the 96. The top engine in the CVO models in 2008 was a 110cid.
I will say that 40mpg is okay, but most stock Harley touring bikes were getting 48-50mpg on non city riding.
In stock form, I think that Harley's had like 70hp and 85 fbt, but there are multiple options to upgrade that to far more as there is a huge aftermarket and factory options out there.
But we are trying to do and apples to apples so in stock for. In 2008 the 103cid the hp was more 74 and the 110cid was 115.
Thanks so much for the warm welcome back and for the great information about Harley.
I’m happy you are keeping the name. I hope it all settles out for you
Thanks Chuck, I should have never considered changing it!! ❤️
Oh she is nice
Thanks so much!