Bought an 07 Strat S new just last week overstock, still sitting on the showroom floor with 30 miles on it. I also test rode and seriously considered the Honda VTX 1800, HD Road King, Yamaha Tour Delux, and Victory’s V92C, so I have a basis for comparison. Since then, exactly one week of owning the Strat, I’ve managed to tally up almost 1k miles, including a trip from St. Louis to Chicagoland and back. Here’s what I think. First impressions: the bike is HUGE but incredibly well balanced, especially compared to the Honda. It handles better than my Honda 1300 did. It is a smooth ride, but does create some engine noise and vibrations. The air cooled engine puts off a LOT of heat during these typical Midwest summer days. Off the line performance is great, but not nearly as noticeable as the cruising speed acceleration capability. The stock seat isn’t all that uncomfortable, especially compared to the Honda stock seats, and the S model comes very nicely dressed in chrome, a lot of money to add on to the Road King. Oil filter and drain bolts are easy to reach. Servicing the bike is a breeze. The windshield does create a fair amount of buffeting. A more slanted shield might have prevented this. The bike feels exceptionally stable on the interstate and is pretty nimble for getting around town on as well. I would have liked a larger fuel tank, but I’m usually ready to get off and stretch after 120 to 150 miles anyway. My best MPG so far was 47 riding solo with a great tail wind on a state route going 60mph and my worst was 36 riding 2up coming South out of Chicago with a strong headwind on I55 in heavy traffic. The side bags are a little deceptive. When you open them up, you’ll find yourself saying, Huh, I thought they’d be bigger, based on how they look from the outside. So far I’m very happy with my purchase. No motorcycle is perfect, but this one will suit me just fine for a few years, until I get the itch again.
Upgrades/Accessories: The dealer I bought it from already had it dressed up with a driving light bar, passenger floor boards, crash bar, and some extra chrome pieces. All I added was a luggage rack for the sissy bar. I might add the side bag chrome guards, If I can find a good enough deal.
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