2012 Yamaha Stratoliner S

casual touring amenities. All that and more is what awaits you with the 2012 Yamaha Stratoliner S. With just about every bike manufacturer promising you these things, very few actually live up to it. The Stratoliner S does so with flying colors.

The Stratoliner S takes V-twin performance and character to the next level, setting the standards by which all casual touring machines are judged. The bike comes with all the necessary amenities, including a lockable quick release windshield, a passenger backrest, and lockable sidebags that have been covered in leather. The bike also gets plenty of chrome, highlighted by the switchgear, chrome master and clutch cylinders and levers, chrome wheels, chrome belt guard, chrome engine covers, and chrome front end. Yes, there’s a chrome overload with the Stratoliner S. Just the way we like it.

All that shiny chrome notwithstanding, the Stratoliner S is also a picture of aggression and superb handling. The bike is powered by a 1854cc air-cooled, pushrod 48-degree V-twin engine that produces great thrust at any speed. The bike’s twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection system provides optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions. At 3,300 rpm, the bike can hit 75 mph with maximum torque reached at only 2,500 rpm, giving us a clear idea of the bike’s unbridled power.

In terms of handling, the Stratoliner S also comes ready for action, thanks in large part to a long and low aluminum frame provides great looks and light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser. To go with the frame, the bike also carries 46mm fork tubes and a tucked-out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload out back that provides a smooth ride under varying loads.