Let me first say that for the record I apologize to Yamaha. Being a seasoned rider (yes, that means I am old), I have owned and ridden several motorcycles and I have had limited success with Yamahas. The Star Roadliner S was a shocking breath of fresh air. It is a big bike with a real power cruiser feel and classic lines that turn heads. This bike is stable and easy to control for a bigger bike. It not only had enough power, but it also exceedingly smooth acceleration. I found the whirring noise from the belt drive a little disconcerting, though I got used to it in short order.

In both traffic and on the open road, the Roadliner S is a nice ride. It has enough get-up-and-go to get me out of any perceived issue quickly and cleanly. At slower speeds it is also very stable and holds a tight turn. This bike consumes large hills like they are not even there. Cruising at freeway speed is a joy. The clutch is smooth from a standing stop--not a hint of bucking. The brakes are friendly and easy to apply, with no binding at all.

The suspension on this bike provides a very comfy ride, even on rough or uneven pavement. I took a few potholes that should have jarred me, but the Star turned them into nothing more than a bump in the road.

Yamaha has a real success with this bike. The appearance is classy and classic while having encompassed new technology, but subtly enough to keep the bike sharply eye-catching. Its power plant is wanting for nothing and its technology is fun and comfortable.

Again, my apologies to Yamaha!

www.starmotorcycles.com

RIDING STYLE

Helmet: Bell R/T

Sunglasses: Dunhill

Jacket: Olympia Airglide II

Gloves: Red Wing

Jeans: Shift LoDown Street

Boots: Harley-Davidson Hustin