Opinions on the Roadliner/Stratoliner, Raider & Warrior

[rauchman]

Greetings all,

Had a SV650S as a 1st bike, then a Yamaha Roadstar and now a SV1000S.  After a speeding ticket on the SV1KS, I'm considering getting a cruiser again.  The police definitely don't target cruisers as much as sport type bikes.

Looking to get some feedback on the above listed Yamaha cruisers.  Considering a HD 1200 Sportster and Super Glyde as well.  Not much else in the cruiser world seems too interesting to me.  My main focus in on cornering clearance, performance, brakes, tank range and comfort for the long haul.  

[chornbe]

Paging Paulie (PVS) to the white courtesy phone, please. PVS to the white phone...


PS... for $11k, the SuperGlide is an EXCELLENT buy and the long-term possibilities of that bike are... well, endless.

If I had it to do over again...

[PVS]

Did someone mention a stratoliner.  They are what they are, big enough to haul the wife and kids in the family auto if you've a mind to.  They are exceptionally comfortable save the stock seat.  If you look at one with a stock seat (unless this has changed in 2009) figure in the price of a replacement.  Also, I would suggest looking for a roadliner and adding the windshield and hard bags from corbin.  The stock stratoliner bags look great but have a disappointing amount of usuable space.  They corner well for a 830lb 6 and 1/2 long cruiser and have oodles of power.  I know three other owners of strats and none of them have found the top end.  Personally,  I haven't found the top end of third gear yet.  115 is more than fast enough for me.  Even at slow speeds you will find the stratoliner more nimble than expected.  If you have a mind for a big bore cruiser to tour on, this is the bike for you.  The engine is well balanced and 12hr riding days aren't very hard on the rider.  I recommend this bike highly in terms of fit & finish, all around excellent engineering, comfort and rideability.  I give it 5 stars out of 4 and I'm a math major.

[rauchman]

Paging Paulie (PVS) to the white courtesy phone, please. PVS to the white phone...


PS... for $11k, the SuperGlide is an EXCELLENT buy and the long-term possibilities of that bike are... well, endless.

If I had it to do over again...

I work about 1 1/2 miles from a HD dealer and stop in there occassionally.  I have to go with you on the $11K for a Super Glyde being a serious consideration.  Everytime I'm in the dealership, I'll be looking at the SG and the sales people are always trying to push the more expensive/blingy bikes.  The thing that is in Yamaha's favor is the engine.  I've never ridden a Roadliner/Strat, but from everything I've read, it is probably exactly what I'm looking for.  I wish Yamaha would make a SG sized bike w/ that engine.

BTW, I LOVE your Sportster.  I would consider getting a 1200R or similar.  I like the idea of less weight and nimbleness vs. asphalt cracking weight and massive engine.  Roadliner engine in a Sportster..... yeah!!!

[rauchman]

Did someone mention a stratoliner.  They are what they are, big enough to haul the wife and kids in the family auto if you've a mind to.  They are exceptionally comfortable save the stock seat.  If you look at one with a stock seat (unless this has changed in 2009) figure in the price of a replacement.  Also, I would suggest looking for a roadliner and adding the windshield and hard bags from corbin.  The stock stratoliner bags look great but have a disappointing amount of usuable space.  They corner well for a 830lb 6 and 1/2 long cruiser and have oodles of power.  I know three other owners of strats and none of them have found the top end.  Personally,  I haven't found the top end of third gear yet.  115 is more than fast enough for me.  Even at slow speeds you will find the stratoliner more nimble than expected.  If you have a mind for a big bore cruiser to tour on, this is the bike for you.  The engine is well balanced and 12hr riding days aren't very hard on the rider.  I recommend this bike highly in terms of fit & finish, all around excellent engineering, comfort and rideability.  I give it 5 stars out of 4 and I'm a math major.

Thanks for the info....

Outside of the gargantuanity of the bike, you describe what I'm looking for.  Was at a HD dealership and ran into a guy on a Strat in the parking lot.  In talking to him, he mentioned that he had various HD's, but none of them could hold a candle to the Strat.  Of the non HD cruisers, I think Yamaha is a close 2nd on quality, fit/finish, etc.  I'm not a fan of the VTX's or Vulcans, and the Suzuki cruisers are well...... they don't interest me.  Victory's are nice, but I've read some iffy things on long term ownership experiences.  The Yamaha Roadliner/Strat and Raider are the only non HD bikes that I've lifted off the stand that have that HD solidity and feel.  Never had a mechanical problem in 16K miles with the Roadstar I had.

[PVS]

Thanks for the info....

Outside of the gargantuanity of the bike, you describe what I'm looking for.  Was at a HD dealership and ran into a guy on a Strat in the parking lot.  In talking to him, he mentioned that he had various HD's, but none of them could hold a candle to the Strat.  Of the non HD cruisers, I think Yamaha is a close 2nd on quality, fit/finish, etc.  I'm not a fan of the VTX's or Vulcans, and the Suzuki cruisers are well...... they don't interest me.  Victory's are nice, but I've read some iffy things on long term ownership experiences.  The Yamaha Roadliner/Strat and Raider are the only non HD bikes that I've lifted off the stand that have that HD solidity and feel.  Never had a mechanical problem in 16K miles with the Roadstar I had.

I have had the pleasure of riding chornbe's street glide and he has had a few turns on my stratoliner.  I think we would agree that they compare to each other nicely although they are very different.  You'll have to ride them all to decide what is right for you.  I like the idea of the strat engine in a sportster.  You'd have to put casters on the bottom of that frame to keep it off the ground though  

[rauchman]

I have had the pleasure of riding chornbe's street glide and he has had a few turns on my stratoliner.  I think we would agree that they compare to each other nicely although they are very different.  You'll have to ride them all to decide what is right for you.  I like the idea of the strat engine in a sportster.  You'd have to put casters on the bottom of that frame to keep it off the ground though  

Were you able to test ride your bike?  I don't know of any dealers around my area that do test rides.

[PVS]

Were you able to test ride your bike?  I don't know of any dealers around my area that do test rides.

No, I bought my bike sight unseen.  I bought it from a dealer in Toledo Oh.  They just air freighted the bike to me and I saw it when I took it out of the crate in Philadelphia.  I took one look at it and told chornbe to ride it home for me.  After I took it for a spin I realized the size was not going to be a problem at all.  

[chornbe]

I work about 1 1/2 miles from a HD dealer and stop in there occassionally.  I have to go with you on the $11K for a Super Glyde being a serious consideration.  Everytime I'm in the dealership, I'll be looking at the SG and the sales people are always trying to push the more expensive/blingy bikes.  The thing that is in Yamaha's favor is the engine.  I've never ridden a Roadliner/Strat, but from everything I've read, it is probably exactly what I'm looking for.  I wish Yamaha would make a SG sized bike w/ that engine.

BTW, I LOVE your Sportster.  I would consider getting a 1200R or similar.  I like the idea of less weight and nimbleness vs. asphalt cracking weight and massive engine.  Roadliner engine in a Sportster..... yeah!!!

With convertible parts, you can make a SuperGlide a tourer, standard, cruiser or anything in between. 150-200lbs lighter than the full tourers, with the same ~95ft-lb torque box engine. They run fantastic. Can be made to handle very well with minimum expense (no, not like a CBR guys... relax) for sportier riding and still remain all-day comfy.

It's a canvas bike; make it everything and exactly what you want it to be.

[chornbe]

I have had the pleasure of riding chornbe's street glide and he has had a few turns on my stratoliner.  I think we would agree that they compare to each other nicely although they are very different.  You'll have to ride them all to decide what is right for you.  I like the idea of the strat engine in a sportster.  You'd have to put casters on the bottom of that frame to keep it off the ground though  

Rauch...

My 'glide will out-corner his strat, tho' his strat will do just fine in twisty roads... he scrapes boards a little sooner, but understand, that's with me riding it. I'm not afraid to get... uhm... aggressive... on a cruiser.  

His bike will completely out-power my 'glide from idle to redline. The thing is a monster.

[rauchman]

Rauch...

My 'glide will out-corner his strat, tho' his strat will do just fine in twisty roads... he scrapes boards a little sooner, but understand, that's with me riding it. I'm not afraid to get... uhm... aggressive... on a cruiser.  

His bike will completely out-power my 'glide from idle to redline. The thing is a monster.

Yeah, I understand you about getting agressive on a cruiser.  When I had my Roadstar, I'd push it hard in the turns.  While it didn't hold a candle to the SV1KS in handling, it was fun pushing a slower bike fast.  I'm thinking hard on the Warrior though.  It's got the older engine, but has got the nice suspension, brakes, more rigid frame, etc.  The small tank is a concern though.  

Was dinking around on the manufacturer sites last night and was suprised to learn that a lot of the larger Big 4 cruisers are into HD territory on pricing.  HD's are starting to look like a bargain comparitively.  Saw a guy on a Sportster 1200 Custom coming into work this morning.  The basicness of that bike appeals to me.  I guess the Super Glide has that same basicness in a big twin version.  

Really need to take some test drives.  It absolutely kills me that one can't test ride the Big 4 stuff.... at least around here.  The Roadliner is going for $14K+.  I can't believe the dealers around here expect people to drop that kind of money on a bike w/out a test ride..... ughhhh.

[atadaskew]

I picked up an 09 Harley Dyna Street Bob after looking hard at the Yam Raider.  The Raider fit me great out of the box, and I knew it had a honkin motor.  But, I  just did not fall in love with it.  There was just too much going on styling wise (to me it looked like a super Virago) and the fit/finish was lacking even compared to a much cheaper Sportster Custom.
I just went ape-sh!t when I saw my Street Bob in red.  Just had to have it.  The thing that I did that transformed it was change the rear shocks for Progressive 13.5 440s.  Before the pegs would touch down with about 1 inch of chicken strips on the rear tyre, now no chicken strips and the pegs have yet to touch.

The Raider will be a lot faster.  But it is also a much longer/heavier bike.  It will get about 30-35mpg compared to a Dyna's 45mpg.  It will chew through tyres much quicker and it's tyres are much more expensive. It will be more expensive to service - if you do your own, very few bikes are as easy to service as Harleys.
 I'd check both out and see which one does it for you.

[rauchman]

I picked up an 09 Harley Dyna Street Bob after looking hard at the Yam Raider.  The Raider fit me great out of the box, and I knew it had a honkin motor.  But, I  just did not fall in love with it.  There was just too much going on styling wise (to me it looked like a super Virago) and the fit/finish was lacking even compared to a much cheaper Sportster Custom.
I just went ape-sh!t when I saw my Street Bob in red.  Just had to have it.  The thing that I did that transformed it was change the rear shocks for Progressive 13.5 440s.  Before the pegs would touch down with about 1 inch of chicken strips on the rear tyre, now no chicken strips and the pegs have yet to touch.

The Raider will be a lot faster.  But it is also a much longer/heavier bike.  It will get about 30-35mpg compared to a Dyna's 45mpg.  It will chew through tyres much quicker and it's tyres are much more expensive. It will be more expensive to service - if you do your own, very few bikes are as easy to service as Harleys.
 I'd check both out and see which one does it for you.

Greetings Atadaskew,

Thanks for the info.  I've been following your Street Bob and Chornbe's Sportster and Street Glyde on the HD forum.  I like the idea of the Raider, but it's has some things about it that I'm not too crazy about.... the extremely low seat, the really long frame, Raider only sized tires.  Somewhere between the Roadliner and Raider would be a really nice bike.  Of the Big 4 cruisers, Yamaha does it the most for me though.

Do you find your bike has the "wallow" that I've read about on HD's?  I understand there is some kind of aftermarket brace that mimicks Buells' 3 points of attachment for the engine that is supposed to take out the wallow in turns.

[chornbe]

Was dinking around on the manufacturer sites last night and was suprised to learn that a lot of the larger Big 4 cruisers are into HD territory on pricing.  HD's are starting to look like a bargain comparitively.  Saw a guy on a Sportster 1200 Custom coming into work this morning.  The basicness of that bike appeals to me.  I guess the Super Glide has that same basicness in a big twin version.  

Exactly! Had a I thought ahead a bit more, I would have bought the Superglide, gotten a nice 2-up seat and removeable backrest, kept the stock 1-up seat, added saddle bags and a trunk option, small sport windshield, and still dropped the $500 in fork and shock work... basically exactly what I did to my sportster... and saved myself the $20k on the 'Glide.

The Superglide really is a great starting point for going in several directions on a bike-build.

[seminole]

Long time lurker, don't post very often but had to put in my 2cents here. I have a Warrior and love the bike. While I think its capable of being converted to a touring bike, I think there are better options. Of the cruisers you mentioned, I guarantee you that none of them can keep up with a Warrior in the twisties. The Raider simply won't have the handling because of the rake. The Strat or Roadliners are sweet. I have a buddy with a blacked out strat and it is very fast. Believe its has 113CI motor, fat rear end. Just an awesome bike. I have customized my Warrior to be more sporty than touring. It gets plenty of looks, sounds sweet, and is very fast for a cruiser. It only has a 4 gallon tank, including the reserve. On the highway, I get anywhere between 31-35 mpg.

For touring, I want an FJR or maybe a tourized ZX14. It really depends on what you want to do with the bike.

The reason the Japanese bikes are coming up in price this year is because the Yen/Dollar conversion. According to my buddy who is a yami dealer, the value of the dollar has killed them.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[rauchman]

Long time lurker, don't post very often but had to put in my 2cents here. I have a Warrior and love the bike. While I think its capable of being converted to a touring bike, I think there are better options. Of the cruisers you mentioned, I guarantee you that none of them can keep up with a Warrior in the twisties. The Raider simply won't have the handling because of the rake. The Strat or Roadliners are sweet. I have a buddy with a blacked out strat and it is very fast. Believe its has 113CI motor, fat rear end. Just an awesome bike. I have customized my Warrior to be more sporty than touring. It gets plenty of looks, sounds sweet, and is very fast for a cruiser. It only has a 4 gallon tank, including the reserve. On the highway, I get anywhere between 31-35 mpg.

For touring, I want an FJR or maybe a tourized ZX14. It really depends on what you want to do with the bike.

The reason the Japanese bikes are coming up in price this year is because the Yen/Dollar conversion. According to my buddy who is a yami dealer, the value of the dollar has killed them.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Excellent info on the Warrior...thanks!!!  How is long term comfort?  I take it then that you are getting 100 miles or so to a tank?  Definitely on the low side for a touring bike.  I'd love to test ride one and see how it handles.  Is yours a pre 2004 or 2004+?  I understand in 2004 they changed some of the ergonomics.  Any other cruisers that you know that have Warrior type handling and more range on the tank?  What kind of mods have you done to your bike?

[rauchman]

Exactly! Had a I thought ahead a bit more, I would have bought the Superglide, gotten a nice 2-up seat and removeable backrest, kept the stock 1-up seat, added saddle bags and a trunk option, small sport windshield, and still dropped the $500 in fork and shock work... basically exactly what I did to my sportster... and saved myself the $20k on the 'Glide.

The Superglide really is a great starting point for going in several directions on a bike-build.

Sounds like a really nice bike!!!  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember you mentioning that you have an FJR and sportbikes in the past.  Do you find the cornering clearance of your Sportster to be good enough, or do you wish for more?

[chornbe]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember you mentioning that you have an FJR and sportbikes in the past.  Do you find the cornering clearance of your Sportster to be good enough, or do you wish for more?

My sportster is not lowered like the brand new ones. I use a bit of body english when taking it into the twisties, so I don't lean it to extremes, regardless of how fast I ride it. No, it's not a CBR and yes, I touch down the foot pegs some now and then, but by and large, I've always got more lean in reserve.

[seminole]

Excellent info on the Warrior...thanks!!!  How is long term comfort?  I take it then that you are getting 100 miles or so to a tank?  Definitely on the low side for a touring bike.  I'd love to test ride one and see how it handles.  Is yours a pre 2004 or 2004+?  I understand in 2004 they changed some of the ergonomics.  Any other cruisers that you know that have Warrior type handling and more range on the tank?  What kind of mods have you done to your bike?

I have a 2004 Cerculean Silver with Flames. The stock seat works for me but I would not tour with it. There are lots of options including moding the stock seat to include a gel pack. In town riding, I typically get 110 miles before the idot light comes on. At that point you are just hitting your reserve. Highway I can get 135 miles on before the fuel lights come on. Regardless of the seat, its always nice to get off every 100 miles or so and stretch the legs.
As for my mods, VBAK, Speedstar pipes, AIS block and the guts removed, PCIII USB with custom map...putting out 117lb ft tq and 89hp. I have lots of chrome, chin spoiler with custom insert, tall riser and flat bar, using the mini fairing now, I have all 3 three options incase I change my mind. Integrated tail light with flash alert, custom fork wrap around LED's that I made.

Heres a pic for last spring without the fairing. Haven't gotten new shots taken but looks more like the second shot.

[atadaskew]

Do you find your bike has the "wallow" that I've read about on HD's?

No wallow with the Dyna chassis.

[nferr]

Just noticed this thread. I have an 06 Stratoliner S. It's an awesome bike if you're into cruisers. Tons of power, and it's really nicely balanced. Has the quick realease windshield and backrest so you can go from cruising mode to touring mode in 30 seconds. It's been 100% reliable too. And it has that cool art deco styling which I love although I know some don't.

That said I might sell it. It's a great bike but I'm just into much smaller bikes. I always seem to just hop on my 07 Bonneville. I even tour on the Bonnie, it's so light and agile. Just love the bike and I've always been a Triumph guy. I'm thinking of trading the Stratoliner in on a leftover Triumph Scrambler. I'd have two differing Bonnies.

The problem is I'm just not sure I want to get rid of the Stratoliner. It's such a premium cruiser.

[marble]

trades my 206 stratoliner in for a kawasaki 208 concours, big mistake can't get comfortable on the concourse, miss the stratiliner in a big way. may try to get another stratoliner.

[kolzen]

I just found this thread (and forum) doing a search for Roadliner vs. Raider.  The seriously funny thing is those 4 bikes listed are the 4 I'm trying to decide between.  They are to replace my 2008 Suzuki M50 with the following goals:

More Power
More room - 6'1" with 32 inseam on the M50 is a joke even with forward controls
Canyon Carving ability - similar to the ability of the M50 if possible
Light touring ability - ability to throw 3 - 5 days worth of "stuff" into a magic hatch and ride off into the sunset
Daily work commute (30 miles)

I suppose this is a lot to ask out of a single bike but I just dont see a real reason to own more than one!  I did consider something more like a FJR1300 but I'm not sure my back can deal with the seating position for long periods of time.

At any rate, rauchman have you made your choice?  If so I'd love to hear how it worked out for you.

-K

[rauchman]

At any rate, rauchman have you made your choice?  If so I'd love to hear how it worked out for you.

-K

For now, I'm keeping my SV.  My wife lost her job and any thought of getting a different bike is out the window for the time being.  If I were going to through with this, I'm still not sure what I'd go for, but I haven't taken any test rides on these bikes either.  If the RS Warrior had a bigger gas tank, I'd probably be inclined to go for that.  But the limited range on that bike is a deal breaker on a bike that is going to see touring duty.  I really like the idea of the Super Glide, but I'd add on at least an additional $5k to bring power levels/suspension up to where I'd want the bike to be.  Roadliner is really nice, but a little big (weighty) and I'm not that big a fan of the styling.

[marble]

got rid of a kawasaki concours c14 for a roadliner, no more pain. love the roadliner can strech out and enjoy the ride. anyone else trade a sport tour for a cruiser?

[rauchman]

got rid of a kawasaki concours c14 for a roadliner, no more pain. love the roadliner can strech out and enjoy the ride. anyone else trade a sport tour for a cruiser?

Nice!!!  Pics???!!!!

Have you had other cruisers?  Any idea of how the lean angle compares to other cruisers?

[marble]

sorry about no pics, I don't know how to put them on line. yea the lean angle is very good for a cruiser, and the roadliner let's you strech out, no need for highway pegs.  u thing about a cruiser?

[dafoduc]

I am a 60 year old sporty bike rider. Had a 2002 yellow ST4S. Got a bunch of tickets. Decided it was time to slow down. Tested Stratoliner, the 1300cc version, Vulcan 1600 Classic, 1200 Sportster Custom, ended up buying a 2007 Electra Glide Classic. The Electra Glide was a bit much for what I wanted to do, so traded for a 2009 Superglide Custom. I really was impressed with the Strato it handled well and was well executed. But it was too long. I traded the Electra Glide because of the handling. Of the Harleys, I would go for the Superglide OR the 2009 Road King. The FL series got a new frame and tires this year and the difference is absolutely amazing. Moral of this extended story is I now own a FJR1300.

Buy what fits and what fires your brain. You will never regret it.

[sammyseaman]

May not matter at this point but will put my $.02 anyway. Had a Warrior for three years and loved it. I get a different bike every three years or so and always alternate between sporty bikes and cruisers or slower standards. On sport bikes I end up riding too fast and slow myself down by riding "slower" bikes. I actually find it more fun pushing slower bikes hard than riding sport bikes fast. As far as touring on the Warrior it's definitely do-able. Mustang seat w/drivers backrest and I didn't even need a windshield (hate shields). The tank doesn't hold a lot of fuel but never found that to be a problem. Even in the Appalacian area where gas stations can be few and far between. Also the Warrior is THE best handling cruiser I've ever ridden. You can do a shit-ton of work to up the power. Plus there's a great site for the RS Warrior  http://rswarrior.com/forums/

[skater69]

If you're looking for comfort AND performance in a cruiser, a Stratoliner is the way to go.  It's got a monster engine and is comfortable......the others not so much.

With that said, I went from Sport-tourer/standards to a Kawi Nomad 1600 (GREAT cruiser BTW...super comfortable) but sold it after 10 months and will never go back to a cruiser.

My back hated the feet in front position and every bump in the road going up my spine/tailbone.  And I had a backrest too...which couldn't prevent it.  Back on my Blackbird and SV1000 and couldn't be happier.  No more back pain and I really missed having a lighter, nimbler, faster, better handling and better braking bike.