Been kinda narrowing down some cruisers/touring bikes that I like, and the Stratoliner has had my eye.  I love it's look (I can't believe Yamaha isn't making them anymore.. but who knows.. maybe they'll wise up)...  I've got a bead on '14 with under 3k miles.  There's also a couple good deals locally on new versions from a couple of different Yamaha dealers.

My question... in my search for as much info as I can find on this model, the main complaints seem to be the broken fairing tabs, and the 3rd gear problem.  Both issues seem to be corrected with updated part numbers (although it looks like it could be a costly venture if Yamaha decides not to cover it, on the 3rd gear problem).  Does anyone have any info on what model years are affected by these issues?  Virtually everything I can find, suggests these issues are pretty well isolated to the 06-08 models (but so many people don't mention the year of their bikes when discussing the problem)... so I'm hoping that means this was fixed towards the end of the model run.

Any other major issues I should be concerned about on the '14?

Great forum here.. been reading it a lot as a guest the last few days.

Thanks for any and all help!

you can still buy brand new left over startoliner deluxes, you just need right sales person to hunt them up. they have a warehouse in alnta that has brand new ones.

I have put 11000 miles on my 2014 Deluxe and have had absolutely no problems with it.  Other than trying to find aftermarket parts.  Shame on Yamaha!   The same with its predecessor, a 2009 Stratoliner S that I put 29,000 miles on.  They have been great bikes for me.

I have a '14 Deluxe that I bought new in 2015. I paid somewhere around 12k. Problem wise, I had the steering stem issue. Had it replaced under warranty while traveling. They gave me a rental car for the 10 or so days it was in the shop. I had lifter issues which were never dealt with by Yamaha but improved, noise wise, after 20 K miles. Oh, I did have the deer problem, but after $9,800 she looks like new.... Just came back from Florida, 1000 mile ride 2-up, and the bike still runs like a scalded dog. I've 35 K on it now looking for 100 K. Love tis bike.

my 09 had a fairing tabs issue

I joined the forum to get information on the Stratoliner. I started leaning towards the Stratoliner after realizing it has the same motor as the Raider. Truthfully, how hard is it to find common parts for the bike? That will play a huge role in my proceeding to pursue one of the lovely beasts.

I bought my 2014 Stratoliner Deluxe brand new. I now have 22k on her. The only issue that I have had was the stripped steering stem.Oh and I had a lock on the saddlebag break but that was my own fault. Parts haven't been difficult to find.

Been kinda narrowing down some cruisers/touring bikes that I like, and the Stratoliner has had my eye.  I love it's look (I can't believe Yamaha isn't making them anymore.. but who knows.. maybe they'll wise up)...  I've got a bead on '14 with under 3k miles.  There's also a couple good deals locally on new versions from a couple of different Yamaha dealers.

My question... in my search for as much info as I can find on this model, the main complaints seem to be the broken fairing tabs, and the 3rd gear problem.  Both issues seem to be corrected with updated part numbers (although it looks like it could be a costly venture if Yamaha decides not to cover it, on the 3rd gear problem).  Does anyone have any info on what model years are affected by these issues?  Virtually everything I can find, suggests these issues are pretty well isolated to the 06-08 models (but so many people don't mention the year of their bikes when discussing the problem)... so I'm hoping that means this was fixed towards the end of the model run.

Any other major issues I should be concerned about on the '14?

Great forum here.. been reading it a lot as a guest the last few days.

Thanks for any and all help!

Do understand that not all Liners or Raiders have had an issue with 3rd gear, I have one of the first 100 of the line (#97) and I've had zero issues with the bike at all... 45K miles