Yamaha/Star Raider

[Chattanooga Mark]

Anyone here have the Yamaha /Star Raider with the big 113" engine that would post your thoughts on it. Those bikes have really been talking to me lately. That new Orange is really something to look at in person and especially in sun light. But the blacked out silver one looks great as well. Not looking to replace the Valk but the Guzzi may not be so safe.

Thak You,

Mark

[Jess from VA]

Mark, I occasionally ride with a guy who has one.  He loves it.  I know nothing about them (esp any issues) other than they really move out and seem to handle nicely;  guy can stay on my hip in all conditions and speeds.  Like a number of other fast bikes, I don't think they would look good as baggers.





I'd be reading all I could find on Raider Forums;

http://www.roadstarraider.com/

http://www.raiderperformance.com/

http://www.starbikeforums.com/

[Hef]

Mark, I met a guy Saturday who had a 2010 Raider. Man, that thing was beautiful and love that "Huge" rear tire. The bike has the appearance of a full blown custom. He said the engine was 1845cc and that it had all the power you would want. His only complaint was the ride was rough. Of course he told me his other bike was 2012 Goldwing so after that ride, anything would feel rough. I think I could really enjoy the Raider. Hef
 

[BigChris99]

I really like the Raider. Even here in Southern Cal where Ducatis are a pretty common site, you don't see too many Raiders. They do turn my head when I do spot one. That raked front end AND that huge rear tire make that bike look good.

[Black Dog]

My brother has one, and it's a BEAST (blacked out/silver)...  We were out last evening, making a run up to his trailer (lil get away place on a lake, about 60 miles north), to install a blown power inverter.

He was leading, as I've only been there a few times, and didn't know the turns...  Merging on the freeway, accelerating and that stuff, it pulls hard.  We've not run one another, as I think we're both afraid of what the results might be  

I will say this, as we were side by side on the freeway, doing maybe 70, his head would snap back if he blipped the throttle...  Big power there, it seems at all speeds.

He's a big boy, bout 6'4", and just south of 300 lbs.  He got 4" extended controls, and looks like he's sitting in a recliner as we tool down the road.  He loves it  

Black Dog

[PAVALKER]

Went to Thunder In the Valley this past weekend in Johnstown Pa and took a Raider and Stryker for a test ride.  I was impressed with the Stryker for what it was, but the Raider was definitely a better, smoother ride.  I enjoyed them both, but they are what they are.... sporty looking cruisers (not a Tourer or Interstate) and should not have bags or a fairing installed... it's UN-natural.   That doesn't mean that I don't like them, I like them for what they are.

The Raider has smoother power torque, the Stryker was more jerky but snappy.  Both are comfortable, but the reach on the Raider is ..... a reach.  Risers of some sort are needed.   I liked the stock seat better than their special seat.

That being said.... I like what I got much better.  If I wanted to "ADD" to the collection, either would be nice addition... but not a replacement.

[GreenLantern57]

Friend back in Amarillo has a red one all chromed out. I like it. 

[Tropic traveler]

Several guys around these parts have them. They are damn pretty bikes! Seems that Yamahammer has out-Harleyed Harley with the Raider.  Two thumbs up!

[Chattanooga Mark]

I have my eye on a blacked out silver 2012 Raider. It can be had for about $13k. Now I just have to sell the Guzzi and convince the wife I need yet another new motorcycle. A cruise might do it, but then I'd have to come up with even more money.

The new 2012 SCL orange and chrome Raider is really beautiful up close. I never thought about orange, black and gold looking so good. The wheels also look great. But at about $17.5k it's not going to happen this year. Plus all that chrome up high and in front of you really sucks on a sunny day.

Thanks for the info guys,

Mark