We know Yamaha for its high-performance engineering, precise handling, and sharp engine character. That same philosophy rubs off on this Japanese manufacturer’s cruisers. Sadly, though, the brand has ditched this space in recent times. So you don’t have many Yamaha cruiser options from the factory. You’re either stuck to the puny little V Star 250 or the Bolt R-Spec middleweight.Then, what if you want to enjoy that Yamaha character in an actual big twin cruiser? Better yet, what if you also want to enjoy touring-ready comfort and headturning design while undercutting the cheapest Harley-Davidson big twin by 50 percent? You have one very capable option. This touring-ready cruiser may be old today, but it still remains one of the best used options you can buy in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about the Yamaha cruiser that feels more expensive than you’d ever think. Proper Cruisers Have Gotten Too Expensive These Days Yamaha MotorsportsIn the current cruiser segment, you can find plenty of cheap cruisers at the dealerships. Starting from the bottom end of the spectrum, including the Yamaha V Star 250 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350, to slightly bigger models, like the Honda Rebel 500. Yet, these cruisers don’t offer enough performance to have fun. For that, you’d have to spend more on models like the Harley-Davidson Nightster, Indian Scout Sixty, and Honda Rebel 1100.Harley-DavidsonAs good as these middleweight cruisers are, the real experience lies in big twin and full-size cruisers. Think Harley-Davidson’s Softail lineup or the Indian Chief models. These bikes feature big V-twin engines, cruising stability, and a stylish design that you’d generally associate with a cruiser. But even the cheapest Softail cruiser starts at $15k. Yes, this is more accessible than before, but it's still a lot of moolah. Plus, when you start considering something that offers that big twin experience with long-distance comfort, you’re looking at paying at least $20k for a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic or $24k for the Low Rider ST.YamahaNot everyone has that kind of money for a cruiser today, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your big-twin, light-touring cruiser experience just yet. You can instead pick an old metric cruiser that delivers a similar package without the financial overhead. There is one Yamaha cruiser that offers just that, complete with torque to rival modern Harleys, custom style, side cases, and a fairing, all for a bargain in the used market. The Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe Is A Used Bargain In 2026 YamahaThe Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe is a powerful V-twin light touring cruiser built for the open roads. Back when it was new, it was known for its aggressive classic styling and then-modern conveniences, along with the torquey engine and comfortable ergonomics. These made it a popular choice for touring enthusiasts. Today, however, the Stratoliner Deluxe has fallen off the radar for most buyers, yet it remains a terrific touring-ready cruiser for those looking to go the distance. A Complete Bagger Package YamahaWhat exactly makes the Stratoliner Deluxe so good for light touring duties? Practically everything. The bike is designated a bagger cruiser, and it’s designed around a simple concept: take a cruiser and make it ready for touring without turning it into a full-on tourer. It’s a simple, analog bagger with a powerful 1,854cc V-twin engine, massive fairing up front, and decently sized sidecases at the back. You also get a low seat height and integrated speakers for a comfortable, entertaining experience. You Can Grab One For As Low As $5k YamahaProduced between 2010 and 2017, the Stratoliner Deluxe sold for a sticker price of around $17k. Today, the cruiser has depreciated into a bargain in the used market. While J.D. Power estimates an average retail value of $6,065 and Kelley Blue Book lists its fair purchase price as $7,287, you can find this bike for as low as $5k if you look hard enough. For pristine condition, low mileage examples, you’d have to spend around $8k, though. That’s totally bang for your buck, considering you’d have to spend well over $20k if you pick a bagger cruiser from Indian or Harley-Davidson. Powered By A Massive Pushrod V-Twin Engine YamahaThe Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe’s heart is a massive 1,854cc V-twin engine, with its two large cylinders housing 100 mm pistons that ride a long 118 mm stroke. Combined with a healthy compression ratio of 9.5:1, the big twin engine delivers 98 horsepower at 4,250 RPM and a massive thrust of 123 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 RPM. This is just a few pounds-feet behind the latest Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output-powered Low Rider ST. The engine is also air-cooled, and four valves are actuated by pushrods.Don’t let its old-school charm fool you, though; it’s still a thoroughly modern engine with the ability to thump along at low RPM and dump sporty power at higher RPM. The engine is also tuned for highway cruising, and owners praise it for its smooth fueling and spot-on throttle response. You also enjoy a meaty rumble from the exhaust. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, which sends the power to the rear wheel via a maintenance-free belt drive. Impressive Road Manners Despite The Size YamahaDespite the large footprint and a dry weight of 758 pounds, the bike is underpinned by a lightweight cast-aluminum frame sitting on chunky forks up front and a monoshock at the back. There’s also a low seat height, a wide handlebar, and sensibly sized tires, which offer it light handling and precise steering input. Braking duties are taken care of by dual 298 mm rotors up front and a large 320 mm one at the back, all gripped by R1-styled monoblock calipers that should help shave off speed quickly. The only point to note is that there’s no ABS. Ready To Happily Cruise On The Highway All Day Long YamahaYamaha designed the Stratoliner Deluxe for you to pack up and be ready to hit the road. That’s what the bike is about, and it’s most evident in its ergonomic setup. The two-piece seat is wide and flat, sitting 27.8 inches above ground. The large handlebars not only hide the cables but are said to offer decent leverage, while the large floorboards give you the freedom to move your feet around during long highway cruises.Adding to the bike’s comfort is the large front fairing that should keep the wind off your body. The fairing not only looks sharp but also features integrated speakers, connected to handlebar-mounted audio controls. There are also color-matched, locking hard sidebags at the back, which offer around 25.6 liters of storage per side. A Properly Analog Experience YamahaWhether it’s charming or outdated depends on how you look at bikes, but the Stratoliner Deluxe offers a completely analog experience. You don’t get a large touchscreen or any rider aids. Instead, what you get is a fuel tank-mounted instrument panel with large readouts, along with an LED taillight, self-canceling turn signals, and a low-fuel warning light.It’s this combination of old-school analog simplicity, touring-ready comfort features, and a massive V-twin engine that has always made the Stratoliner Deluxe such a good package. With its value depreciating to around $6k in 2026, the bagger cruiser comes off as an even better package. Unless you’re going for a feature-rich touring cruiser, there’s hardly a better used option than the Stratoliner Deluxe, especially if you want to enjoy Yamaha’s reliability and sharp styling.Source: Yamaha, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book