I was milling around the dealers yesterday too and checked out the stratoliner. Certainly nice, don't like the headlamp area but I like the mean looks of the black interior engine. Didn't even sit on it. I'm paid too and do not want to start drooling. There will always be something else out there.

As the operator of a small motorcycle repair shop I have a customer who has a Stratoliner. I have done some work on it and I am not impressed! The only feature I would like to see on my R* is the fact that when you turn on the switch the headlight does not come on; after you start the engine a relay turns on the light. With that feature, if you have a week battery the headlight isn't sucking up half of the battery power. When the light is off the full battery power is going to the starter.

The engine is high compression and requires high test gas, raising the cost of operation. The * has a 20 amp battery while the liner has a 14 amp battery to start a bigger, higher compression engine.

My * has common H4 headlamp bulb and common 1156 & 1157 bulbs. The liner has 2 separate bulbs for high & low beam; one of them is an H7 the other I don't remember. The liner has bulbs that at first look like 1156 & 1157 but they are not; the retaing pins are different!

The liner fuel tank has a couple of tenths less fuel capacity; to run a bigger (thirstier) engine.

Clifford

I'm surprised to hear that. The one I looked at had 4 cylinders, but a smaller displacement than my roadstar. The gas tank does look huge, but hold less gas, I asked that question when I was sitting on it.

I have an 06 Strat and it's a great bike. High test gas yes, but you're only buying 4 or 5 gallons at a time. Truth be told, the Roadstar engine can't even get close. But that is like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different bikes that are both equally great and necessary to those they serve. I personally kept my Roadie when I bought the Liner. The Roadie has an attitude and demeanor of it's own and is great in it's own right. The Strat is well balanced and easier to maneuver than the Roadie (wished I had it when I took my road test!) and has a lot more power. That being said, I still love my Roadstar and I love my Strat too. The dealer is right though, don't ride it unless you want to buy it. It won't mean that the Roadie will take second place, but it does mean the choice will be difficult on which one to ride that day. On a cold morning though, the fast starting, fuel injected Liner will get you on the road a little quicker.
JM

I'd love to see a picture of your Strat.

javawave wrote:
I'm surprised to hear that. The one I looked at had 4 cylinders, but a smaller displacement than my roadstar. The gas tank does look huge, but hold less gas, I asked that question when I was sitting on it.

The Roadliners and Stratoliners are still V-twins (113ci w/FI)... perhaps you were on a Royal Star?

You are correct, it was a royal star.

Still mostly stock. I have added Magnum Elipse mirrors, Cobra Fatty bars with Kury Dually pegs and Star fender tips. Thanks for asking for a pic.
JM
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/jesusman258/P1010602.jpg

its a good looking bike!

Thanks. I find that most people like it but it is a love it or leave it style. A lot of people are taken aback by the size of it, but are really surprised when the pick it up off the side stand. It is so balanced, I would sware it was lighter than the Roadie. I am looking forward to spring when I must stand in front of the building, tap my temple with my forefinger and ponder which scoot to scoot on today. It's a great decision either way.
JM