"The Colonel" Dave's
US Import 1900cc Stratoliner

This Motorcycle is thought to be the first of the new models to be brought into this country in January 2008. Shipped over from the USA to Southend by "Bike World", Dave had this supreme machine delivered direct to his doorstep for little over the price of a brand new Smart Car.

Like its Roadliner sibling, the Stratoliner is based around a 113 cubic-inch V-Twin with four valves (and dual plugs) per cylinder. Fuel makes its way via 43mm Mikuni throttle bodies and is squeezed at a relatively high 9.5:1 compression ratio (as compared to the 8.3:1 in the Warrior).

First off, the Stratoliner makes for a fine piece of curbside jewelry. Yamaha's attention to detail with the 'Liners' is superb, and no longer do metric cruisers deserve a second-class citizen tag. Electrics and cables are cunningly concealed through the handlebars to add to the Stratoliner's 'clean' appearance.

This is a machine that draws in eyes and lingering glances are rewarded with lovely components from stem to stern. Shapely fenders imply motion, instruments look like a high-fashion wristwatch, the clean sweep of the luggage and pannier protection bars lend an air of elegance and the paint quality is impeccable.

The days of Japanese Cruisers being seen as low-rent Harley knock-offs is over!

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