How's the Yamaha Raider?

[dreamchaser]

Has anyone here ridden or that can claim knowledge about the Yamaha Raider?  I sat on one today when I went shopping, and it sure felt mice, but the seat needs a bit of work.

[SANDMAN5]

Just another v-twin if you ask me. I sat on one awhile
back. Not any better or worse than most others. But
I didn't actually ride it!

[Jess from VA]

I ride with a guy who owns/rides one.  Very nice bike.  I cannot leave him in the dust either.  Yamaha makes good bikes (though I would visit a Yam/Raider forum for any issues).  It is not a saddle bag friendly machine.

Here's one with a fat tire kit.



Corbin does make a kit ($).

[ZOOM]

ZOOM took a test ride on an '09 with the serious intention of buying it.  Would have traded 2 dirt bikes but kept the Valk. After riding it,I kept the dirt bikes and the Valk.

[dreamchaser]

Thanks guys.  All input is appreciated.  I kinda like that its so much lighter and its so easy to step over and get on:  I don't have to  1) Lift my leg as high as I can  2) grab my pant bottom   & 3) hoist away to get my boot over the passenger seat and keep from kicking her backrest.

I like having a lot of leg flex in the seated position with which to maneuver when stopped.  It gives me more confidence in my control of the bike and makes it seem lighter still.

Who knows, I might hate it rolling under power.  Time will tell.  Thanks again, Gary

[PAVALKER]

The Raider is comparable to the VTX1800 in power and torque IMO, as the Stryker is comparable to the VTX1300.  Raider and Stryker do seem to be a bit lower in the seat, and with forward foot placement than the Valk or VTX.  The issues you mentioned about lifting the leg, grabbing your pant bottom etc.... I assume are Valkyrie related.  IF that is the case, you should try to mount the Valk like you might a horse.... grab the reins (bars) place the left foot on the left stirrup (peg/floor board) and stand up on it raising the right leg up and over as you settle in the saddle and place your right foot on the right stirrup (peg/floor board).  After a few times it becomes second nature.....

[dreamchaser]

I feel what you're saying Pa, But the Valk still has a mighty high cantle!  Wait a minute.....would a mounting block be ok?  Did that with TB horses and warm bloods for dressage.

[PAVALKER]

I feel what you're saying Pa, But the Valk still has a mighty high cantle!  Wait a minute.....would a mounting block be ok?  Did that with TB horses and warm bloods for dressage.

If you need a mounting block to mount a Valkyrie.... you might have issues reaching the pedals/controls even if you were lifted up and placed in your high chair....        And I would assume you couldn't touch the ground with your feet as well?  Sorta like I was when I first learned to ride a bicycle....

Really, try placing the left foot on the peg/floor board and standing up as you swing the right leg over.  The side stand will hold you while you mount it (unless of course you might weigh in excess of 400lbs....).

[Black Dog]

My brother got his last year...  All I can say is that it is a BEAST!  Torque everywhere you can find, when twisting the wick.  We can be side by side, doing 65 - 70, and when he 'blips' the throttle, his head snaps back and that machine just jumps 

Very nice bike IMHO.  He likes it, and that's what matters.  I'm keeping the Valk. 

Black Dog

[cookiedough]

Seat height looks pretty low but from the pics of it (I do like the saddlebag/windshield/2nd seat version pretty sharp),  doesn't the handlebar reach seem too far away.  Maybe the pics are one with straighter handlebars and not curved back as much like they should be, not sure?  From the pics,  it doesn't look like I could even reach the handlebars unless I had long gorilla arms.  If going to get a v-twin, I'd still be looking at Victory Cross Country Tourer seems more comfy I think?  Those Yami's sure look sharp though.

I do hear you on rearing your leg over the seat.  I do it a bit differently instead of sweeping your right leg OVER and BACK to the passenger seat area, I stand on left side and bend my right leg up and over straight over the driver's seat.  I'm only 5'10" and 30" inseam and find this easier than swinging back and over the passenger seat since I have tried that and almost always hit the higher passenger seat with my shoes.  If I was any shorter than 5'9",  with stock I/S seat I doubt I would feel safe not being able to touch flat footed on the ground. 

[R J]

When I 1st Triked out MGM, I went to get on and discovered my leg would not get high enough to slide over the drivers seat.

I diddle  dabbled around trying to mount up and finally took off the drivers backrest, stepped on floorboard, swung my leg over, while still cockeyed put the backrest in and set down.     That will work till I got my legs limbered up.    Now I step on the floor board, raise my leg high enough to put it across the drivers seat and set down.

[ricoman]

I'd go sit on and ride a 2013 Suzuki BOSS or the CT90 (I think that's the number), 1800 cc's water cooled, good write-ups
sat on one at the local dealer and was impressed

[Chattanooga Mark]

IMHO, the Raider is an awesome but narrow purpose motorcycle. If you're considering one, I'd seriously look at the Yamaha Stratoliner S or the Tour Deluxe. Same beautiful motor but it's an easy 2up bike and comes with bags and a shield or a fairing. That Yamaha engine is addicting though.

All the best,

Mark

[Joevalk]

I owned one in 2008, rode great as a solo bike but a lil crowded for two. Had a VTX 1800C at the same time, the VTX was faster. Totaled it 4 months, it almost totaled me too. Thought about getting another one but the Valks keep rolling in

[R J]

I rode Yamaha's for several years.

Run the crap out of them and no problem what so ever.

Then like a fool I bought a HD FLTHCU, I think that was the lettering for it.

It went straight across for MGM out the door.    Bought it after my zipper was put in my chest.    Mom read all of those motorcycle magazines to me and Valkyrie kept coming up.

Ain't looked back.....

[dreamchaser]

Hey Joe.  About it being cramped for 2, my wife is really tiny (4' 8") and one thing I looked at was placement of passenger pegs. Looked like a perfect fit for her.  She can't get her whole foot on Cobra passenger boards on the Valk.  I'm 6' 2" so I'm just gonna use her for a back rest when she's with me.

The more I think about it, the more I'm  selling myself on the idea.  I think my back will like it better too.

[Joevalk]

We are not small and the boys were on the tank,not good. The pass. pegs are too high and too short. We had no problems fitting on the VTX 1800. I still look on craigslist for used raiders, but my 3 Valks remind me that there is no need for another bike.