2010 Star Stratoliner Deluxe - First Look

Choppers, customs and traditional cruisers aren't selling like they used to. Buyers in the cruiser market have realized that they actually want to ride their motorcycles and not just be seen on them. The touring-cruiser category included full-dress bikes and baggers (what Star calls "Casual Full Dress"), and makes up a sizeable chunk of what is the largest category in motorcycle sales—cruisers still represent almost 50 percent of the U.S. market's new-bike sales. But the single largest segment growth has been baggers, bikes that have some of the features of bring-the-kitchen-sink luxo-tourers while being lighter and more manageable for short weekend getaways. For 2010, Yamaha's Star division has released a new model aimed to take advantage of this sales trend, the Stratoliner Deluxe.

Based on theStratoliner, it's long, sleek and stylish, and powered by Yamaha's big 1854cc (113 cu. in.) air-cooled V-Twin running pushrods, four valves per cylinder and fuel-injection. Max torque is available at an ultra-low 2500 rpm. Dual sparkplugs, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders and a long 2-into-1 exhaust with three-way catalyst and oxygen sensor are other engine highlights.

The chassis conveys that long and low image while providing near 50/50 weight distribution for optimum handling. A fork with fat 46mm tubes and a hidden single shock (with preload adjustment) handle suspension duties, while twin discs and monoblock front brake calipers get the bike stopped.

Streamlined styling is becoming Star's trademark. The Stratoliner Deluxe's upper fairing (with shorty windscreen) has more "wing" to it than baggers from Milwaukee, while nicely contoured locking hard saddlebags provide enough storage for two-up weekenders. Hiding behind the fairing is an audio system with a handlebar-mounted control unit (iPod compatible, of course). Other styling features include 12-spoke wheels, a flangeless, teardrop fuel tank and clean, internally routed switchgear wiring.

The Stratoliner Deluxe will be available in January in a single Raven paint finish for $17,490.