Yamaha's Star cruiser brand has been steadily chipping away at the premium end of the V-twin market for years with some success. One of the more 'out there' models is the Roadliner - Guy Allen took it for a run to find out what it's like...WHAT WE LIKED
- Well finished
- Strong mid-range performance
- Handles and brakes
NOT SO MUCH
- Limited cornering clearance
- Hefty price tag
- Heavy
RATINGS:
Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain: 4.0/5.0
Chassis: 4.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
In the saddle: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0
| BASIC STATS |
| Engine: V-twin pushrod 4-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Transmission: 5-speed, belt drive |
| Power/torque: 28hp @3000rpm; 6.6kg-m |
| Weight: 329kg |
| Range: 60-110km (nickel metal hydride batteries) |
| Seat height: 735mm |
| Price: approx $22.999 + ORC (promotional price) |
OVERVIEW
Competition is one thing the cruiser market is never short of. Even with the established players like Harley and the Japanese brands in the market, we're seeing makes like Hyosung nibbling away at the lower end of the capacity scale, and relatively new players like Victory Motorcycles set to enter local showrooms.
Something that has improved over the years is the expectations when it comes to vehicle dynamics. Cruisers traditionally were heavy, slow, didn't handle and had sod-all brakes. Now they just tend to be heavy and a bit slow - though there are exceptions.
Yamaha's Roadliner is a good example of how far the breed has come, with numerous features borrowed from the sport range, wrapped in a retro chassis.
PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The Roadliner is an interesting mix of high tech and what the makers would like to see as retro styling. The influences are clearly art deco, with cues that are reminiscent of auto brands such as Cord and Auburn. Chrome is plentiful and we're grateful the make isn't charging by the acre.
Underneath the wrapping, there is a host of current Yam tech, such as alloy frame (unusual for this class), monobloc front brakes, electronic exhaust valve and so-on.
Pricing is still hefty - near enough to $24,000 on the road.
DRIVETRAIN
The injected twin fires at first stab of the button and has a pleasing rumble that carries on through the 5000rpm rev range. Variations on the pushrod design power a host of Yamaha kit, including the MT-01 sports twin - which uses a 1700 version.
Not surprisingly, there's ample grunt on tap from idle, and the thing really picks up its skirts at 2500rpm and above - where you get a strong mid-range rush. Top end is adequate rather than breathtaking. It gets to 170km/h smartly, but takes its time picking up speed from there.
Highway running is leisurely - just 2400rpm at 100km/h.
The gearbox on our very low mile example was a little notchy but super accurate, defying any clumsy attempt to find a false neutral. It matched well to a clutch with good feel and a final drive that was free from slop.
All-up the mechanical package is a good one.
CHASSIS
Like the engine, the chassis is well-equipped, Top of our list for compliments is the fitment of monobloc calipers on the front brakes, which have good power and feel.
The machine also steers slow but well and feels like a 'tight' unit at the speeds allowed by the low-slung frame and limited cornering clearance. The latter is our only gripe in this area. The big footboards are very comfortable, but of course touch down easily.
Suspension is cruiser-soft and mostly well-controlled. Big bumps will set the rear end into a pogo action, and we wouldn't mind some additional adjustment to allow for a pillion.
As you'll see in the pics, the bars on our demo had been rolled further forward than ideal, which messed up the ride position. Rolled back into the angle in the factory photos, they'd be a much better proposition. Curiously, they're tapered - thick main section with skinny 'standard' ends - which is something to be aware of if you're tempted to swap them.
PACKAGING
This is one of those situations where the styling is up to the individual. It's in-your-face and makes no apologies for what it is. The retro theme is carried on through lots of detail and the finish really is excellent.
Something that is a highlight is the cross-over of retro style wrapped around a modern package.
COMPETITORS
Gee...how long have you got? Cruisers in this general capacity range are plentiful, while the range of styling on offer is mind-boggling. At the top end of the price tree is Harley's Road King, which is $31,250 plus ORC. At the lower end is Suzuki's C109R at $17,990.
ON THE ROAD
Cruisers have the great advantage that they don't have to go fast to feel good - which is just as well, as most of them aren't good at it. That said, this package is a very capable one. It has no handling vices, while the powerplant is lumpy with oodles of midrange. It's actually a very easy and enjoyable ride.
Of course that assumes you like the feet-forward ride position - some do, some don't. I fall into the latter group, but nevertheless walked away with good memories.
Source:
http://www.bikepoint.com.au