[bscarpenter]

I just got my new used 06 Strat with 11k mi. The stealer did an oil change and checked the tire pressure. I assume that there was no other inspection of the bike. I gave the bike a novice once over looking for smoke, leaks, tires have tread, and man does the bike go when you turn the throttle.

Now that I've put a few miles on this baby, what should I do to give her a more thorough inspection? I would appreciate any input from some of you guys (which is everyone) that has more experience with the strat than me.

Sunday I'll be taking her for about a 300mi shakedown cruise

 

[linerdave]

Don't worry

Bscarpenter,

Don't worry just ride. It is a great bike, with very few problems. There can always be some but Star bikes and specifically Liners are very reliable. My Liner has 43,000 miles, the only thing I have replaced is the rear brake pads and fluids.

You will hear lots of noises, it is a very large, air cooled, V twin, cruiser. So go cruise and enjoy it. I do tour some but it is not the strong part of the bike. It has lots of power but you won't out run a large sport bike. It is at its best at 40 to 65 MPH. I love it.

I added a small riser to get more comfortable posture and a set of lowers to reduce turbulence behind windshield at freeway speed. Passing lights, luggage rack, and crash bar, were added. You will decide as you go along.

Dave

 

[Dave B.]

Dave....the only thing you've replaced have been brake pads and fluids? No tires?

 

[linerdave]

tires

Of course tires and fluids, only speaking of repairs. I guess brakes are also a maintenance item.
Dave

 

[bscarpenter]

Well, ride is just what I did. I put about 200 mi on Sat. Got paranoid about the front pulley nut and took the housing off. No problem. Everything about this bike looks new. It ended up that the vibration that I was feeling on the decel was the lindbar engine guard vibrating at certian RPMs only on the decel. I put another 350mi on Sun and I got a pain in between my shoulder blades that was killer. I already ordered the grasshopper back rest and am now considering touring bars to get me more upright. Anyone out there got the touring bars? I'm interested to hear your experience.

 

[linerdave]

Touring bars

Glad you found your problem. Don't know if you were able to do anything about it? First I had heard of this problem. Bet it would be hard to pin down.

On the touring bars, I went with a small riser. No bars were available at the time. The touring bars sound like a good idea if you make long halls. The bike has that cruiser look, we lean forward a little and our arms are nearly streight. The few reports I have heard about the Touring bars are you sit more erect and your elbows are bent. They are closer in and back farther. Should help the pain in the neck we get on long trips. The stock cables still work. Some risers you would need to change or reroute cables.

Dave

 

[linerdave]

Tires

Dave B,

Not sure if you were serious, but I get 10,000 to 12,000 miles from tires. The first set was only 8,000. I eased up on the throttle a little after that. On my fourth set of tires.

Dave

 

[Dave B.]

Dave,

I'm just messing around. Actually, the tires on my Liner are going on 11,000 and the rear looks very good, but theres some funny wear showing up on the front.
I found Exedra tires at the MC Superstore, front and back for $248.00 free shipping. Not bad!
I'm sure the real pain will be paying a shop to remove the wheels and mount the new tires...

 

[Sugar Bear]

Dave B.
The funny tire wear on the front could very well be lower than needed air pressure. Keep em pumped up tight, max. (or close to it) Ride Safe..............

 

[CanadianRocky]

Of course tires and fluids, only speaking of repairs. I guess brakes are also a maintenance item.
Dave

Dave,

Always the same tires, or have you experimented?

 

[linerdave]

Tires

Canadianrocky,

I have been sticking to the two brands that come on the bike. (Dunlop and Bridgestone.) Keeping with the rubber hardness and debth Yamaha recomended. I used one Avon on the front. All were good tires. I actually think you would get about the same performance from most brand name tires. Even though I see some really prefer their brand.

I think most of my tires have been Bridgestine. I have heard you should stick to the same tire front and rear. Not sure how true this is. May be mostly a sport bike thing.

Dave