Now that I have some time on the machine, I am overall impressed. First, I must say that this is the first non-Kawasaki street bike I have ever owned. I switched last year due to 2 primary reasons. 1) I was riding a Vulcan 1600 classic and it felt every bit as heavy as its behemoth wieght was. The bike wore me out! 2) At the time I traded it, there were very few after market items for it.
I now ride a Stratoliner Midnight. You would never know this bike weighs as much as it does. The handling is superb for a bike of its size. The torque is amazing. Mechanical reliability has been very good but not exceptional. I say this due to the fact that at about 5,000 miles, the hydraulic clutch got moisture in it and has been not quite right ever since. I am disappointed that Yamaha's view is that this is a maintenance issue and not a warranty issue, at 5,000 miles. I will remember that. My dealer has been wonderful in taking care of issues as best they can. (I have done business with them on several ocassions).
Upon delivery of the Stratoliner, I had issues with the fit and finish. The windshield lock did not work well, and the front fender stuts were loose. Speaking of the windshield, I have to nominate it for the worst engineered part of the bike. It seems that Yamaha put form over function in respect to the windshield. I have never ridden a bike where the windshield gives so much input into the steering. I am disappointed in that. My issue with the comfort is with the seat. Yes, I know that one should never expect too much out of a factory seat, but the fact is that I have had factory seats that were quite comfortable, but not this one. 3-4 hours in the saddle and I feel it (and I have my own factory padding!).
As I mentioned early, the Stratoliner handles wonderfully. Unlike the Vulcan, this machine loves the curvies and is balanced. It will take you straight on down the hiway if let go. The brakes are awesome and controllable. I really had to work at it to get the rear end to lock up. Torque? If one needs more than this machine has, there's some compensation for other things going on there somewhere!
A word of advice, if you buy the leather tank bra from Yamaha. The leather is quality, and looks really good but the method of securing the underside ends is really poor. Stick on velcro is used and the strips need to be replaced frequently. How about sewing magnets into the underside ends?
I plan to have my Stratoliner for some time. Another reason I went to Yamaha is for their extensive line of accessories and I expect many things to spend my money on in the future. My Stratoliner is currently having vandalism damage repaired, and when it is done, it will also have hiway lights and the big bar hiway bar and a Vance and Hines 2 into 1 Exhaust.
My future accessory goals, a new seat and Corbin Neo windscreen. I can't wait!
Upgrades/Accessories: Yamaha tank bra, Yamaha hi-way light bar, big bar hi-way bar, and Vance and Hines 2-into-1 exhaust with Dyno-jet Power Commander FCM.
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