2006 Yamaha Roadliner Cruiser reviews

In the Motorcycle Safety Training class, the instructors tell you that riding a motorcycle is inherently fun. So therefore there is no reason to go crazy on the road or make your bike anything more than it already is, because you are already having fun. You do, however, want your bike to do what you want it to do. that's what the Roadliner S gets accomplished. You want power, it's there. You want good ergos, it's there. You want a stiff frame that doesn't do anything it isn't supposed to, you got it. With so many choices out there, I am sure there are other bikes that do something or the other better than the Roadliner S, but if you appreciate the complete package of feel it in your seat acceleration, a superb chasis, unique and beautiful styling and unsurpassed reliability, this has to be, without a doubt, the bike for you. It is for me. Show less

I bought the Roadliner as my first bike because it is a big air cooled v-twin that looks good. However, after riding the bike several weeks I realize this is far more than a good bike. It's a great bike. The engine produces a ridiculous amount of torque that just keeps coming on endlessly. The engine is so smooth that Yamaha had to build a "pulse" into it so it shook a little. The wide "beach bike" handlebars make have the cables hidden inside them and give you a comfortable and easy riding position. There are two sparkplugs per cylinder for complete ignition and max combustion efficiency. The frame is aluminum so the bike is amazingly stiff and you can throw it around pretty easily for a big cruiser. Like all modern bikes, it's fuel injected, computerized with oxygen sensors and LED taillights. I personalized mine with some cool aftermarket parts but the D&D slip-on muffler made a significant performance improvement. On the downside, gas mileage is only about 44 mpg combined city/highway. I just came back from Daytona Beach bike week and got tons of complements on my bike. Show less

Check this out! My wife bought me the bike for my 50th. It has a powerband at any rpm. It handles better much better than smaller bikes. This bike kicks butt! Show less

Like many who have purchased the Roadliner, I have owned many different scooters. Probably all the nametags sold in the US. I always remained open to brands as not to come off like the iron head boys that demand one brand is the best. Well, well, well... lookie what we got here... One incredible, mean, sleek, art deco work of excellence... the Roadliner. This bike has more going for it than most labels have in their whole product line. I looked and had the choice of them all. When I saw the bull faced headlight sticking out of the line up at the local Yamaha dealer I knew right then and there, to be BAD... to be COOL... this had to be under you. Three weeks and a lot of butt kissing, and I rode off. Since then, I now know POWER. This bike is 1900 cc of massive torque and snap. In the year I have ridden this machine, I have always parked up front or rode next to any other brand knowing I'm looking down at a lesser machine (no offense), and that I made the best choice. And had enough left over to buy a second one... And only heard one person (a back passenger, go figure) say, "that's a rice burner!All I know is I now GLOAT, I now get cocky and I also have much, much pride in this bike. There is absolutely NO substitute for the BEST. Show less

Wow. That would be enough to say about this bike. I recently purchased a new 2006 Roadliner and sold a 2005 VStar 1100. I will not compare the two because you can not. The 'liner' is powerful, smooth, rattle-free and stops on a dime from any speed. The brakes are flawless and do not pull or squeal. The paint and fit and finish is perfect. One bad thing is the seat - it sucks. The torque has to be experienced to appreciate it - I can only say there is a LOT of it in any gear. I had the bike dynoed last week and it has 91HP at the rear wheels and 109 lb/ft torque at stock from the box. I have owned several bikes (two Harleys - 1200 Sportster and a Road King - among them) and I can easily state that no other bike I have owned is even close to this bike. This is a keeper. Show less

In the process of finding a new ride for myself I have test driven 9 other bikes before just trying out the Roadliner at the suggestion of the owner of the dealership. I had not thought too much about buying a machine this large but Jim insisted I would be surprised by its abilities. I was so impressed by the Roadliner I bought it after the one test drive. Good handling and lots of power. Show less

I am at the age now where it was time to try a cruiser, never thought that would happen. Yesterday I traded in one of my sports bike for a new 06 Roadliner. I was filled with fear and apprehension, it would probably be a slug and a load to handle. Wow, to my surprise it's quick and nimble, the great looks, fit and finish are fantastic. The biggest surprise is the total lack of vibration and light feel. I also love the naked art deco look. As of now I'm thrilled. Check back after about 1000 miles which should be very soon. Great bike so far. Show less

I did a LOT of research before taking the plunge on my Roadliner-S. I just was really close to getting a Roadstar when a friend suggested that I look at the Roadliner. I put almost 10,000mi a year on bikes and I wanted to make sure that I was getting something reliable and with plenty of power... All I can say is WOW...The size looks daunting and I think it can be intimidating at times. I still have only seen one other one of these on the road... Power is incredible...and can easily be described as nimble (which is something that you don't hear about in a cruiser around 700lb.)...Fuel injection and belt drive are great! You truly have power to spare and the handling characteristics are second to none with a cruiser this size. Take the plunge... You will be glad you did! Show less

Re-entry rider after 20 year layoff. Have had FZ1, VTX 1800 and 1300, Roadstar 1600, KLR 650, V-Strom 650, XR650L, and a Zuma scooter all in last few years. I want to like cruisers but until now have not been happy with the dump truck like handling. The Roadliner is not exactly nimble, but it handles better than the others. Riding the twisties is fun and doable, with little floorboard scaping. It holds a corner and doesn't wobble or stray. The motor is awesome, no big burst of power at any one point, but super torque right from the bottom. Have not hit the rev limiter yet, something you can do easily on the Roadstar or VTX's. Stock pipes sound good for now. Comfort is great under 65 mph; after that the cruiser feet-forward position means you've got to hang on. On the highway, twist the throttle and leave the cars behind effortlessly. The fit and finish is excellent. The brakes work well with no drama. The fuel injection works great too, no flat spots, surging or hard starting. don't buy it if you don't want people walking up to it and asking questions. It's a great looking machine. All and all a great purchase and a lot of bang for the buck. Try one out! Show less

Have owned 3 new Harley's since 1993. Went Yamaha in 2002 with a Road Star Warrior, then a touring 2004 Road Star 1700. Missed my Warrior for power and handling. Saw the Roadliner S and tried it. It is a Power cruiser, a wonderful handling machine, and a smooth touring bike. What can I say! I bought one and I have not been disappointed. Congratulations Yamaha! You have built the ultimate Power cruiser. I am 54 years old and having the best time of my life on this bike. When you crank the throttle you don't feel a breeze! You feel a perfect storm.... Show less