Have you seen the Yamaha Raider?

[diamond]

I have no interest in it but I sat on one the other day. It is a different kind of Yamaha.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10septem ... raider.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10september07_star2008raider.htm)

[Izzys]

Hi Walt....That is a nice looking bike...The tank is a little small for the size of bike though. Bob

[Jim and Colleen]

Got to admit, Walt, I saw it and was really tempted.

Then someone on the Board pointed out some things... belt drive, air-cooled... other negatives [to me] I don't remember.

But it does look sweet.

Obviously, Walter, in addition to high intelligence, good looks, and great taste in women, we also have good taste in bikes. Oh... I just remembered, you ride an F of all things! In my life, an F is a bad thing.

Happy T-day, old man!

:D

Jim

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Damn, Walt. I LIKE it!!!
If I was to build my own bike from scratch, that is the closest-looking thing I've ever seen. Gonna keep my eye on this one & see if they have to work out some bugs in the first model year. Karen just gave me permission to go for it, so..............

[shuterbg]

Last weekend I went for a ride and stopped off at the Cycle Barn and checked out a really nice looking one. It was a really pretty blue one. A few of the things I really liked about the bike I could do to the X. Plus its higher and I was on my tippy toes. But I saw the pictures and had to check it out in person. I loved the look of it. Like my X better though.

[diamond]

It is not my intention to promote Yamaha. Just thought it was different.

Two days ago my son and I took a 100+ ride in the mountains of VA. Weather was great and the fall colors made the ride one to remember.

I will leave here after Thanksgiving and head to Florida. Planning to watch the December 6th Shuttle launch. My daughter has arranged for tickets to watch from the NASA bleachers. Will then return to WA along a southern route and be back in Steilacoom by the 20th. Have to be there before Santa arrives.

So far I have put almost 5000 miles on my new truck.

Hope everybody has a nice holiday.

[budley3]

I rent Harleys when I travel and will NEVER own a air cooled bike!!!!!!!!!!!

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

I rent Harleys when I travel and will NEVER own a air cooled bike!!!!!!!!!!!
Me either.

Air-cooled engines SUCK! Especially the ones like Harley, Victory, Indian, all those awful Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and those bad airplane engines, lawn mower engines, snowmobile engines, Porsche and VW engines - Yuck - awful!

[Todd WA]

That ride got my attention!! Have not sat on one yet but seen it in Ryder Mag and Big D and I saw it last night advertised on tv. Will chect it out.

Walt, Their is nothing wrong with a F model....it's the fasted one and the rest just wish they bought one. :D :D

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

OK - I need to learn a little more about this bike - particularly the engine. My shadow has hydraulic lifters which, effectively, makes valve adjustment history. I have read everything I can find on this bike/engine and can't find out if it has solid or hydraulic lifters. Does anyone know? I hate the idea of constantly adjusting anyting - valves, or anything like that. As far as I'm concerened, the less maintenance, the better. Hyraulic lifters are a good thing, right? Other than that, my ownly concern is that they made the belt a little narrower to accomodate the wider rear tire. I'd be curious to know how many miles can be expected from that narrow belt. Again - does anyone know?
Karen has given me the 'go-ahead' on the Raider, but I need more information. It looks good, but............
your thoughts please?

[Todd WA]

Keeven,
I think our ride on Friday should include a stop at Renton cycle to check this bike out...you me and Big D.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Keeven,
I think our ride on Friday should include a stop at Renton cycle to check this bike out...you me and Big D.
OK - let's do it.

[Todd WA]

Your on!!!!!

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Let's hope for good weather and a good test bike.

[VTX-Ryder]

Went and looked at one of these last week-end.
It's okay. Nice light frame with a big engine.
It's a bar-hopper though, I couldn't see throwing the wife, or one of my kids on the back and heading over the pass for a good long day ride.

Sigh.. I must be gettin' old. Was a time I'd have gone ga-ga over it.

They had that new Victory Touring bike there too.
Too... "swoopy". I really didn't care for it, although it was nice to see a V-Twin Tourer. I hope they can give the GoldWing a run for it's money on sales.

Also looked at the Cory Ness Victory.
Again, nice bike, but it's a bar hopper.

Although, if I could have 3-4 bikes in the garage, the Cory Ness Victory would very probably be one of them.

I DID like the big Yamaha Cruisers though. They had one all dressed up with bags & windshield, etc.. THAT caught my eye,
Very little plasti-chrome, and 1900cc!
Yeah it's belt drive, and air cooled. But I live in Western Washington, it just doesn't get that hot here anyway, so the liquid cooling just isn't an issue with me.

Dunno...

[dockboss]

The engine looks nice the rest of it sucks. the tank is to small and doesnt cover the neck or hold enough for anything but bar to bar riding. The rear fender is an attempt at style, but one that missed the mark. The thin belt is a big problem while the dealers and riders say the belts last. When pressed every person that have put many miles on have had a rock chew one up. For my money I still think the VTX is the right bike for the price I mean i purchased a second one. I know the weight is a problem for some, the charging system is small, needs a sixth gear, should come in a bagger. People that sell their X and try other bikes miss the power and ridability. I rode a shadow 1100 recently felt like a scooter compared to my 18's. The VTX will be around for many years while the concept bikes like this one will come and go.

[Todd WA]

You guy's are killing us here. Will go look at it on Friday but now know what to look for. Thanks for the heads up.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Thanks for the input, Dockboss. I'm looking forward to checking this bike out firsthand with BigD and Todd on Friday. I'm not 'sold' yet, but it looks good. Part of me is still thinking I'd like to get a Victory engine, frame and wiring harness and build up from there. Granted - it would cost a lot more than just buying a stock bike, but then there wouldn't be all those left over parts, either. I've often wondered if we couldn't build a bike with all the spare parts from the TX group and raffle it off to fund a huge party or something - just a passing thought from time to time.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I'm not of the attitude that "bigger is better". Today I rode in to work and loved every minute of it. It didn't feel like a minibike to me at all. 1100cc might be 'small' by today's standards, but it still feels good.

[dockboss]

The shadow is a fine bike and not small even by todays standards. They just don't make much fun addon parts witch arnt needed but fun to do. That will be the problem with this new yamaha looks awesome from the factory. Take this to the bank, they will not sell enough to have many aftermarket parts made for them. Honda made themselfs another goldwing type situation when in 03 they doubled the VTX production. They flooded the market for four years with bikes at cost. Now the aftermarket parts company can sell parts for them for years to come. Thats a selling point for HD's they dont change models that much. I think its fun to shop for bling even if it isn't needed. The vtx is a good cheap platform to do your own customizing. Sorry Pink we can disagree on this one thats what makes the world go round. I love my 18, interlocked brakes, 2 front disc fuel injection weight and brute torq. Any bike 650 and above will go fast enough for freeway travel. They all arn't equal in comfort and safty that my 2 cents Jim You got me on the lifters!

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Well - we'll just have to see if they let us take the Raider for a test ride. I think the first thing I'm going to want to see from the dealer is the maintenance manual. If it's a maintenance nightmare, it just isn't going to happen. Hydraulic lifters would be better from my perspective.
I think that if Honda still made the Valkarie, I'd have gone that route instead of going with the Shadow. I still miss the tach on the Shadow and have hit the rev limiter more than a few times. I'm thinking that your 1800 - and probably the Raider, as well, won't rev the way the Shadow does. But I also read in the articles on that bike that it's really well-balanced, so I guess we'll see tomorrow.

[psuedohippy]

So Pink, is the other thread correct that you are meeting first in Sumner to go to the RMC. I might just make it to Sumner on friday.

I bought my X from RMC and I just want to tell you I wouldnt do it again. They didnt want me to test ride it but they broke down and said I could go in the lot. And for two the service department did my first valve adjustment and it broke down on me on the way home. It was only a loose battery cable but they wanted to charge me for tightening it up and diagnosis of the problem.

Then they brought the bike out to me without the nut on the back fender that holds the seat on. He told me I didnt have it on there in the first place but believe me while I was sitting on the side of the road I looked directly at that nut several times wondering if I would need to remove it. I paid around $40 and sat for over an hour so they could fix it after paying to have it towed back. They didnt even replace the nut with the proper one, just grabbed a standard nut and threw it on a brand new bike with 300 miles on it that I just spent $400 to get valves adjusted and complete first service. I truly felt robbed. :evil:

I thank the stars above for Jon everytime I see that place. I get angry when I come near the service center.

That being said I go look at bikes there all the time, I just dont buy anything or tell my friends to do so either. I wouldnt have any problem with anybody buying anything there or saying they are in love with the place. Everyone has different experiences with places.

IM NOT trying to start a flame war. I just believe the only power the consumer truly has is word of mouth. So take it or leave it but Im not in favor with that place. Besides that the sales guy gave me plenty of incorrect information about the bike such as telling me that the bike was fuel injected and mine is a 1300. Ug, I just dont like that place :lol: They are lucky that I love my bike.

So hopefully if you go this morning and if I get done taking the wife shopping Ill see you there, I just hope I dont get a rash from the place lol. Im posting at 5:30am because the wife wants to be at target and 6. What is the world coming too lol. If I get done in time im in.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Hope to see you there. Personally, I'd like to buy from someone a little closer to me down here on the south end.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Todd & Tracy, Greg, BigD, BlueFalcon and I all went to check out the Raider today. As we walked in the front door there was a red S model sitting right there with a buyer doing the financing paperwork. I talked to him for a little bit and he currently rides a 1300 X & isn't particularly disappointed with it, but was impressed by the Raider. I gave him one of my cards and a VYX card and asked him to keep in touch. We'll see what happens.
My first impression was good. The bike looks good just sitting there - doesn't make any difference whether it's the red, blue, or the black one that I came to see. There's also a blue one and a red one that's blacked out like the black one is, but they didn't have one in stock. From what I saw, everyone liked the looks of the red S-model (extra chrome) the best. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let any of us test ride the bike. Even thee guy buying the red one didn't get to ride it before buying, so that was a big bummer. The salesman - Brett - did take the blue model out and start it for us. I sat on it and felt the smoothness of the big engine. The handlebars put me in about the same riding position as what I'm in on the Shadow - arms almost straight out, but not particularly uncomfortable. I'd like to bring the bars back at least another inch or so to make it more comfortable.
Anyway, I had been looking at riding the Shadow for another couple of years before trading up to the GoldWing, but this makes things a bit more interesting. I'm pretty sure I'll be riding a new Raider by April or May of next year. It seems to bridge the gap on the way to the wing just a little bit better. All things considered, the $13,180 price tag seems 'fair', too.
With a 4-gallon gas tank (part of which is under the seat) gives only about a 150-mile cruise range, so it's not exactly a 'bar-hopper', but I'd like a little more cruise range than that.
There are quite a few accesories available already and a lot more to come. Apparently Yamaha/Star are going to make a lot and some of the others like Kuryakyn are already busy at the drawing boards. I'm going to stash some more cash and keep my eye on this one.
That's my two cents worth. I'd be curious to hear any others.

[BlueFalcon]

Yeah, we all saw the hook go into Keevin's mouth and give him a good hard tug. Can't wait to see you on the Raider, Keevin! Let us know when you make the deal, and take pics!

Brian

[bigd_74]

Yeah, it was a pretty sweet looking bike & was comfortable too. With the pegs further forward than my VTX, I think I could easily do 500 miles in one day on the Raider. The stock seat was pretty comfy too.

I like the black one the best - course I'm just biased to the "fastest color", that's all. :wink: I also like the black accents on the black one: black headlight bucket w/chrome headlight ring, powder-coated risers, black turn-signal shrouds, black & polished aluminum wheels, blacked out engine w/polished fins, etc, etc = very nice. 8)

I know that Mike (Redhook), Jon & Butch know what I'm talking 'bout. :wink: :twisted:

Go for it, Keevin! 8)

Dave~

[psuedohippy]

Glad you liked it. I think it looks cool in the pics but I need to get out and see it. Shopping went overtime yesterday and we didnt buy almost anything because of the poor factor. I wish I was checking out the bikes. I havent checked out the stats on that thing yet. I bet it would look great in our group so I vote go get it hehe. I gotta keep myself in check since I cant afford any changes but if I wasnt poor I would have to think about it. Good luck Keevin, glad you liked it afterall. Seeing in person is all the difference.

[Todd WA]

Well Friday was fun but we missed Rick at lunch. We even had a setting at the head of the table for ya. :(

I agree with Dave the Black was nice. Looks like Keevin will have some time to sleep on it but it's a dam good looking ride.For me when I sat on it it just felt right but one thing I liked the most is the light weight feel and the low center of gravidity. Nothing like the top heavy F.

Keevin, that fit you right and you looked meant on it I bet you with your body to bike weight a little twist with the wrist and you'll leave my fat ash in your mirror. I hope that guy you where talking to calls you with with his 2 cents woth. Let us know if you here from him.

[Rib-Bone]

Well Friday was fun but we missed Rick at lunch. We even had a setting at the head of the table for ya. :( .

Sorry I didn't get back early enough and besides I was pretty full from turkey day, there is always another day :eat1:

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Karen and I went back to Renton MC this afternoon and looked at the Raider again. Then we looked at - and sat on some of the other bikes including a GoldWing. She was sooo comfortable on the Wing but not so comfortable on the Raider. She also was not so impressed by the Raider, pointing out the cost-savings methods employed in the production of the bike. She agreed that the lines look good - and the bikes fits me well.
Anyway, Todd or someone said there's time to think about it. Let's see what kind of accessories they come up with in the next 5 months or so..
I like the idea of a detatchable passenger backrest.

[Todd WA]

Karen and I went back to Renton MC this afternoon and looked at the Raider again. Then we looked at - and sat on some of the other bikes including a GoldWing. She was sooo comfortable on the Wing but not so comfortable on the Raider. She also was not so impressed by the Raider, pointing out the cost-savings methods employed in the production of the bike. She agreed that the lines look good - and the bikes fits me well.
Anyway, Todd or someone said there's time to think about it. Let's see what kind of accessories they come up with in the next 5 months or so..
I like the idea of a detatchable passenger backrest.

Keevin,
It depends on how you look at it......Karen knows you always wanted a wing and the stories you told if you had one....but I know you want that Raider.........Becauses that's you! and no one else. :D

I have been there before. It's one thing to buy a four door for the family but it's another to buy for your self and not feel guilty. Your at the guilty stage...hummmm
if I buy the Yahama then I loose face or do I buy what I really want and rexplain myself............I would go for the rexplain myself, men have been doing it for years. :lol: :lol: Your not ready for a wing AKA: a rocking chair so buck up and buy what feels good. Even Tracy said you look good on it......then she said oh crap are you going to get one ??

I told Tracy three more trips to the hair and nail salon and I'm buying one to put in the garage. :lol: :lol: .....You spen $$$ I Spen$$$

Keeven,
What ever you decide it's yours... but give your 1100 to your son...that will put a grin on his face. I have meet him and he is not like others kids...and not like me. I was quiet but when no one was looking boy could I rase hell. Take your best shot at life and see what comes out that's the best you can do. :lol: :lol:

I'm thinking.......take my Kwi-Ninja for trade on a Red-S... when they get one.

Keevin....Nice ride!!!!!! I think I want one!

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Todd - what I really wanted to see is a black S-model and, as far as i can tell, they don't make one yet. I like black & chrome. Sure the black one with all the blacked out stuff looks ok, but I'm gonna sit, wait, read the reviews & hope for a black S-model come springtime. Hopefully between now and then I'm going to get a chance to ride one. Then I'll know for sure. If you get one before I do, I want to ride it, OK - even if it's just around a parking lot.

[Todd WA]

Keeven,
Your lookin but your not. Did you see what we saw? Look at this again and buy what you feel is right for you. The hell with the rest. :lol:

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

You know, Todd. I've been thinking and you're right. I knew I wanted a Raider the minute I saw her (oops - I mean 'it'). I think I might just go up there tomorrow and trade the Shadow in and ride home on a new bike tomorrow. The black one will have to do. Yup - Karen has her eye on a new Jeep and if she can buy a Jeep, I can buy a Raider, right? Right. See you tomorrow with the new bike - assuming it's still there when I get there.

[Todd WA]

You know, Todd. I've bee thinking and you're right. I knew I wanted a Raider the minute I saw her (oops - I mean 'it'). I think I might just go up there tomorrow and trade the Shadow in and ride home on a new bike tomorrow. The black one will have to do. Yup - Karen has her eye on a new Jeep and if she can buy a Jeep, I can buy a Raider, right? Right. See you tomorrow with the new bike - assuming it's still there when I get there.

That was a cool ride... if you get it you better call me ASAP on a land land..... I want to ride it.!!!!

[psuedohippy]

Jee wiz Pink, I was about to say that you were a better man then me with all the talk of patience and reviews. Im the most compulsive shopper in the world lol. Patience is no fun, Id say go for it.

I say a test ride is still a good idea on such a big purchase. Thats one prob with RMC and many other dealers for sure.

Check this out

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/dea ... es&ls=star (http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/dealers/ridefirst_results.aspx?&LOC=47.3654016297466%3a-122.197780629296&CT=47.3654016297466%3a-122.197780629296%3a5.34379225324107%3a4.0078441899 308&DSN=MapPoint.NA&GAD2=&GAD3=98030&IC=47.3654016297466%3a-122.197780629296%3a32%3a98030&FC=Motorcycles&ls=star)

Wow, what a nastly long link that is. This is a page to "participating dealers that will let you ride the bike". I would definately call first, and none are close by, but it looks like a fun ride home if you buy it hehe. You could go to lynwood and stop by Jons, or Ellensburg, maybe monroe or Olympia. On second though thats a long ways away for your home dealer. Not sure if it really matters though. At least you could ride it though. Truth is that riding probably doesnt matter if you want it that bad though, at least it wouldnt for me :lol:

Im stoked for you, hope you get it and love it! Its a badass bike for sure!! I bet it must hall major arse.

[psuedohippy]

What am I missing here, I did the bike comparison between the S and the non S models. What the heck is the difference? So far I can only find that the paint itself is different with the custom candy with flames or tommy blue. Is it just paint that seperates them, black is cheaper or something? What are the differnces that you noticed?


Link to comparison:

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/pro ... mpare.aspx (http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspeccompare/587/1736/0/compare.aspx)

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Ethan, the major difference is that the black bike and the others is that the black bike is literally 'blacked out'. The engine covers, air filter housing, turn signal housings and all the rest are black. Part is flat black and some is gloss black, but it's all black. Even the lower fork tubes are black. The S-model has chrome where the base model has black. Ultimately, the cost of all the chrome is the difference with the base model being $13,180 and the S-model being $13,780. That's all the difference.

BTW - I was just giving Todd a bad time. I am a patient man, not impulsive enough to go spend $15,000 today. Besides - I have work to do and need to get ready for this trip to San Francisco in the morning. AND I still want to go out to Matt's shop day. BUT - I think I'll save my Stebel horn for the Raider this spring & keep riding the Shadow just the way it is for now.

Oh yeah - almost forgot..........Karen says I should wait anyway and she has no patience at all. So if she can have patience, I can have more. I can beat her at almost anything.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Doh! I should have mentioned that I will call the dealer in Olympia and see if they have one in and if I can ride it. If they eo and will let me ride, I'd sooner buy from a dealer that'll let me ride than from one who won't let me ride it. Oly is about 30 minutes to the south and Auburn is about 30 minutes to the north. Kent is a little further, but you're right - it doesn't matter where they are because I do like to ride.

[VTX-Ryder]

If you're a serious buyer, Lynnwood Motorsports will usually let you test ride. But like a lot of dealers, they discourage the "curiosity test riders" (or the lookie-loos) who just want to see what the bike rides like, but don't plan to buy. It racks up mileage on a bike that then becomes difficult to sell.

But if you were serious about buying, and the sale hinged on riding the bike, they'll get you on one.

It's a bit north from you, but hey, it would be a great ride home!

[VTX-Ryder]

Personally though, after looking at them, and sitting on them...

I like the Stratoliner S better. It just fits my style better (sheesh I must be getting old! Dang near ready for that Wing!).
I didn't care for the seats on any of them, but that can be remedied.
With a few add on pieces that Stratoliner looks like just my bike. To bad it only has a 5 speed though (here we go with the missing 6th gear again!).

I may ride one in the spring if I don't do a face lift on the ol' X this winter.
If I do much to the X I'll keep it another season (would need to get some mileage out of the upgrades.. ).

But, by the time you add the accessories to the Strat. it's $19k + tax, dealer prep, etc... But that could be battled down some...

Hey Good Luck with the decision! These are always tough for me!
I hate letting go of a good bike, but then there's always the draw of that shiny new ride....

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

I called down to the Oly shop and just got the answering machine saying that they're not open on Sundays. From what I've seen, we're in for about 2 weeks of rain and just crappy weather. It'll be January before I can lay my hands on the cash to get into a new bike anyway. We have time.

[bigd_74]

Personally though, after looking at them, and sitting on them...

I like the Stratoliner S better. It just fits my style better (sheesh I must be getting old! Dang near ready for that Wing!).
I didn't care for the seats on any of them, but that can be remedied.
With a few add on pieces that Stratoliner looks like just my bike. To bad it only has a 5 speed though (here we go with the missing 6th gear again!).

I may ride one in the spring if I don't do a face lift on the ol' X this winter.
If I do much to the X I'll keep it another season (would need to get some mileage out of the upgrades.. ).

But, by the time you add the accessories to the Strat. it's $19k + tax, dealer prep, etc... But that could be battled down some...

Hey Good Luck with the decision! These are always tough for me!
I hate letting go of a good bike, but then there's always the draw of that shiny new ride....

Sounds like you need a Harley, Ric. :wink: :lol: Just kidding... 8)

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Been thinking a lot about this Star (Yamaha) Raider. The tank needs to go to 5 gallons with fill caps on both sides. That's symmetry for ya. if it isn't symmetrical, it loos strange to me. The exhause it too quiet and just doesn't seem to fit. It's a great 'concept' look, but the end result is that it needs to be replaced with something like BigD has on his bike.
The blacked-out look just isn't cutting it for me and I'm struggling to really like the wheels. It really needs some custom chrome wheels. I read that the rear will handle a 240 even though it comes with a 210 as standard equipment. Hopefully a 240 wil handle just as good (or better) than a 210? Hmmm - we'll see. The 21-incher up front is great! BUT the front fender is all wrong. It really doesn't need to match the lines of the rear fender to look good. The rear fender struts (brackets) are too straight and, though they were deliberately trying to make the edges a bit sharper - more square than round, it just doesn't fit. It needs more rounded rear fender struts. The risers also look good for a concept, but the practicality is, it's not well-suited for long range. The baars need to come back at least 2 inches to be comfortable for a 500-mile day. That being said, the seat also needs to be changed - especially for the passenger. AND it needs a quick disconnect passenger seat, backrest and luggage rack. Throw-over saddlebags will work with this bike where it won't with most. The mount for the license plate totally sucks. It's a cheap piece of plastic that doesn't belong on the bike at all. Gotta think of something for that. If you're going to make things both custom and comfortable, the grips and pegs also need to be replaced. I had O-ring chrome ones on my Harley and I really liked them, but I see that Kury - and some others have better ones today.
With the base price of the bike - plus the appropriate mods, it'll easily come to $20K and that doesn't even include all the usual chrome trinkets.
Still - after looking at all the Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis and Harleys, it seems like a logical starting point. It still needs a tachometer, oil temp guage, throttle lock, detachable saddlebags, quick disconnect windshield, and driving lights.
It's doable, but it ain't gonna be easy.
Oh yeah - a sixth gear would be cool.......... :wink:

[Randy The X Man]

Been thinking a lot about this Star (Yamaha) Raider. The tank needs to go to 5 gallons with fill caps on both sides. That's symmetry for ya. if it isn't symmetrical, it loos strange to me. The exhause it too quiet and just doesn't seem to fit. It's a great 'concept' look, but the end result is that it needs to be replaced with something like BigD has on his bike.
The blacked-out look just isn't cutting it for me and I'm struggling to really like the wheels. It really needs some custom chrome wheels. I read that the rear will handle a 240 even though it comes with a 210 as standard equipment. Hopefully a 240 wil handle just as good (or better) than a 210? Hmmm - we'll see. The 21-incher up front is great! BUT the front fender is all wrong. It really doesn't need to match the lines of the rear fender to look good. The rear fender struts (brackets) are too straight and, though they were deliberately trying to make the edges a bit sharper - more square than round, it just doesn't fit. It needs more rounded rear fender struts. The risers also look good for a concept, but the practicality is, it's not well-suited for long range. The baars need to come back at least 2 inches to be comfortable for a 500-mile day. That being said, the seat also needs to be changed - especially for the passenger. AND it needs a quick disconnect passenger seat, backrest and luggage rack. Throw-over saddlebags will work with this bike where it won't with most. The mount for the license plate totally sucks. It's a cheap piece of plastic that doesn't belong on the bike at all. Gotta think of something for that. If you're going to make things both custom and comfortable, the grips and pegs also need to be replaced. I had O-ring chrome ones on my Harley and I really liked them, but I see that Kury - and some others have better ones today.
With the base price of the bike - plus the appropriate mods, it'll easily come to $20K and that doesn't even include all the usual chrome trinkets.
Still - after looking at all the Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis and Harleys, it seems like a logical starting point. It still needs a tachometer, oil temp guage, throttle lock, detachable saddlebags, quick disconnect windshield, and driving lights.
It's doable, but it ain't gonna be easy.
Oh yeah - a sixth gear would be cool.......... :wink:

I thought you said you liked the bike? Sounds like you are looking at a total rebuild?

Thanks
Randy The X Man
www.motonorthwest.com (http://www.motonorthwest.com)

[VTX-Ryder]

Been thinking a lot about this Star (Yamaha) Raider. The tank ...
It's doable, but it ain't gonna be easy.
Oh yeah - a sixth gear would be cool.......... :wink:

I thought you said you liked the bike? Sounds like you are looking at a total rebuild?

Thanks
Randy The X Man
www.motonorthwest.com (http://www.motonorthwest.com)

Looks like Pink is just setting up to do the usual "mods".
Ya can't leave a cruiser stock!!!!
If ya want to ride a stock bike ya buy an ST1300.. :)

[VTX-Ryder]

[quote="VTX-Ryder":jqsb52li]Personally though, after looking at them, and sitting on them...

I like the Stratoliner S better. It just fits my style better (sheesh I must be getting old! Dang near ready for that Wing!).
I didn't care for the seats on any of them, but that can be remedied.
With a few add on pieces that Stratoliner looks like just my bike. To bad it only has a 5 speed though (here we go with the missing 6th gear again!).

I may ride one in the spring if I don't do a face lift on the ol' X this winter.
If I do much to the X I'll keep it another season (would need to get some mileage out of the upgrades.. ).

But, by the time you add the accessories to the Strat. it's $19k + tax, dealer prep, etc... But that could be battled down some...

Hey Good Luck with the decision! These are always tough for me!
I hate letting go of a good bike, but then there's always the draw of that shiny new ride....

Sounds like you need a Harley, Ric. :wink: :lol: Just kidding... 8)[/quote:jqsb52li]

Road King Classic?
Wouldn't mind. Been trying to make my X look like one for a couple of years now.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Been looking, thinking, considering. It was between the Raider and the GoldWing. Just made up my mind. I'm 49 years old and I still feel like a little bit of a badass' forever that's worth. Without a doubt, the Goldwing is the absolute Cadillac on two wheels. No doube we'd be comfortable to cruise from coast to coast.
BUT
There's still a little part of me who want sto be 'younger' for lack of better words. So there's a Raider in my (our) future. Maybe it's the illusion of being a 'badass', but I like it. I've looked at all the Suzukis, Kawasakis, Honda, Harleys, BMWs and more. The Raider is me and it's not a perfect match, but it's damn close. So............if you all accepted me riding a Shadow, this should be a cinch, right? At least it's about the same displacement. I'm still a little envious of Matt G, but I can see myself riding the Raider with all of you and dragging my pegs (and pipes) when all of you are dragging your floorboards. It just fits. It loos right. It feels right. It's gonna happen as soon as I can get the cash organized.

OK - time for bed. I've made up my mind. Todd - you can have a test ride as soon as you let me ride yours. Whether you admit it or not, you have a sweeeeet ride.

[boatbuilder]

Been thinking a lot about this Star (Yamaha) Raider. The tank needs to go to 5 gallons with fill caps on both sides. That's symmetry for ya. if it isn't symmetrical, it loos strange to me. The exhause it too quiet and just doesn't seem to fit. It's a great 'concept' look, but the end result is that it needs to be replaced with something like BigD has on his bike.
The blacked-out look just isn't cutting it for me and I'm struggling to really like the wheels. It really needs some custom chrome wheels. I read that the rear will handle a 240 even though it comes with a 210 as standard equipment. Hopefully a 240 wil handle just as good (or better) than a 210? Hmmm - we'll see. The 21-incher up front is great! BUT the front fender is all wrong. It really doesn't need to match the lines of the rear fender to look good. The rear fender struts (brackets) are too straight and, though they were deliberately trying to make the edges a bit sharper - more square than round, it just doesn't fit. It needs more rounded rear fender struts. The risers also look good for a concept, but the practicality is, it's not well-suited for long range. The baars need to come back at least 2 inches to be comfortable for a 500-mile day. That being said, the seat also needs to be changed - especially for the passenger. AND it needs a quick disconnect passenger seat, backrest and luggage rack. Throw-over saddlebags will work with this bike where it won't with most. The mount for the license plate totally sucks. It's a cheap piece of plastic that doesn't belong on the bike at all. Gotta think of something for that. If you're going to make things both custom and comfortable, the grips and pegs also need to be replaced. I had O-ring chrome ones on my Harley and I really liked them, but I see that Kury - and some others have better ones today.
With the base price of the bike - plus the appropriate mods, it'll easily come to $20K and that doesn't even include all the usual chrome trinkets.
Still - after looking at all the Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis and Harleys, it seems like a logical starting point. It still needs a tachometer, oil temp guage, throttle lock, detachable saddlebags, quick disconnect windshield, and driving lights.
It's doable, but it ain't gonna be easy.
Oh yeah - a sixth gear would be cool.........

Keevin, insted of spending the money for something that is not exactly what you want, why don't you just build what you want from the ground up??

[budley3]

Ride a wing before you make up your mind.For 2 up there is nothing better and they have as much power as a 1800X with a little better handeling.I have had 3 but sold my 03 because my wife isn't interested in riding anymore but I still miss it.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Keevin, insted of spending the money for something that is not exactly what you want, why don't you just build what you want from the ground up??

Ron - I have one word for ya.........time................and money...........oops - that's two words.

Darn it! Why don't they just build the 'perfect' bike & then I'll be happy - lol.

[boatbuilder]

Kevin, I would be willing to bet that you could build one for about the same cost of buying a new bike( if not less) and then spending thousands of $$$$$ to modify the new bike to get what you want.

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

After comparing all the different makes and models, I still think the Raider is a bargain. It needs a seat, saddlebags, a small windshield, some decent pipes and a few more things, but I really don't see this bike as a 'bar-hopper'. 150 miles on a tank kinda sucks - especially considering I'm getting kinda used to 200+ miles for the same size tank. The weight kinda makes me wonder - considering I've been riding next to you VTX'rs that don't seem to get blown around as much as I do on the Shadow. Even riding 2-up, it seems that I have to endure a little more than you guys do. Hmmm - just thinking here.
Having ridden a Harley Lowrider for some 40,000 miles, and having sat on this Raider, I still think the Raider has an advantage over most similar 'customs' including the Victory - which I have been seriously considering. Dean rode with us to Port Townsend on his Cory Ness Victory and there were a couple of times I wish I could have been on his bike just to see how it compared.
So............Dockboss was here last night - munching some pizza and sharing some thoughts on all of this. I'm surprised to see how many people seem to think I'm ready for a GoldWing. Hmmmm - not sure I'm ready for that yet. Part of me wants to ride an ST-1300 - just for the fun of it. Part of me wants to ride a Wing.
Darnit, Todd - just buy the Red S-model with flames and let me test-ride it already, OK? Afterall, it's Christmas, right? Go take that little Ninja that's been sitting in the garage for the past two years and get the red one that you want. We all know you want it. Besides - Tracy will want to ride it, too - lol. And we all know she'll look better on it than you...hehe.
Even with the custom seat, straight (drag) pipes, backrest, and half shield, it looks like a 'badass' bike. For whatever it's worth, I like it. I like the badass look - as long as it's ridable. All the looks in the world aren't worth a damn if it doesn't feel right.
So, for right ow I'm thinking I'm gonna pull about $8K our of my retirement plan and pay some $4K on misc bills. That'll leave $4K to put down on the bike. With about $5K worth of accessories and taxes, that's gonna leave a good healthy sum being financed - Grrrr! That's the last thing I want right now, but.............
Besides all that I've had way too much to drink.
BUT ...........it's still nice to go to bed with the thought that I'll be riding a new Raider in April.
So...........who wants to race their VTX 1800 against the Raider?

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

Just found the "Build your bike" feature on the Star Raider site and fell in love all over again. There you can add accessories and change colors and there's a color combination I was talking about. You CAN get gloss black (with flames) in the S-Model - wooohooo!!!!!!
Black and chrome looks great! And the flames are way cool.
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/Keevin1958/RaiderRight1.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc268/Keevin1958/RaiderLeft.jpg

[Irish Red]

At the almost $20k you would spend on the Yammy, you've already paid for your Wing. I think you're still fighting "time". At the end of the day, get the bike that makes you feel happy. You've got plenty of time to get an "Oldwing".

Wish they would make a 6th gear for the X.

[Todd WA]

At the almost $20k you would spend on the Yammy, you've already paid for your Wing. I think you're still fighting "time". At the end of the day, get the bike that makes you feel happy. You've got plenty of time to get an "Oldwing".

Wish they would make a 6th gear for the X.

Go back a few posts and that's what's I said. :lol: :lol:

Keevin....do what you want.......you will always have time for the (rocking chair)..the Wing.

Do ya want to race :shock: Let's ride.

P.S. Down here with the Chapstick Cowboys "Bob & Ed" in Phoenix. Boy do they have it made.....sun every day and cheap "AYCE" All You Can Eat Buffets.

Not good for us fat people but you can loose 10 lbs waiting in line for the old people to get out of the way. :lol: :lol:

And another thing driving behind them sucks more than Seattle traffic. :x

Welcome to Phoenix in the winter :roll:

OK CP boys see ya next month at Harris Club and I'll buy lunch. :D sorry things didn't work out today was looking forward to it. :D

Take care.
Todd

[PiNkPaNtHeR]

At the almost $20k you would spend on the Yammy, you've already paid for your Wing. I think you're still fighting "time". At the end of the day, get the bike that makes you feel happy. You've got plenty of time to get an "Oldwing".

Wish they would make a 6th gear for the X.
The Yammy will go out the door for under $18K and the GoldWing starts at more than $20K plus taxes. There's still a significant difference. Besides - I'm still trying to figure out how to make the new Wing into a Hotrod - lol.