Yamaha Unveils a Custom Cruiser for the Masses: The 2008 Star Motorcycles Raider
Seeking to capitalize on the custom cruiser craze, Yamaha's Star Motorcycles division has unveiled a brand new bike for 2008: The Raider.
Featuring a fork raked to 39.2 degrees, a 113 cubic inch (1,854cc) 4-valve per cylinder, air-cooled V-twin, and a wide 210mm rear tire, the Raider is aimed at the fiercely individualistic custom crowd (note the devil-may-care slouch and wallet chain worn by the rider in the photo to the left.) Dominating the bike's custom appearance are 21" front and 18" rear wheels, 2-1-2 EXUP valve-equipped down-swept chrome exhaust pipes, and of course a massive, gleaming V-twin. Available colors will include Candy Red with Flames, Tommy Blue, Raven Black on Black, and Candy Red on Black. The standard Raider starts at $13,180, and the Raider S-- whose chromed parts include triple clamps, fork sliders, among others-- begins at $13,780.
The Raider isn't the first 2008 bike with a custom-inspired look; Harley-Davidson's Rocker and Rocker C are also mainstream stabs at a niche market. Though Yamaha claims the Raider is a "modern performance custom" with a comfortable riding position, we won't be able to confirm or deny those claims until we ride one ourselves. In the meantime, you can peruse our 2008 Star Motorcycles Raider photo gallery and comment on the recent rash of mainstream custom cruisers.
Photo © Yamaha / Star Motorcycles
Comments
You have to give a hand to the crew at Star. Last year it was the Star/Roadliner and now the Raider. Not sure about the name, but here we have a custom looking, single pin, air cooled, belt driven bike that puts down massive torque and 90+ HP for under $14K. And the Rocker C is $20K?
Just back from their web site. looking at the 360 the rear tire looks a little too low profile from some angles. Anyone else?
I was just checking out the specs - cast aluminum frame - very nice touch
Well, I don’t know what to say. It looks like a Harley with turned down exhaust. Star makes a good cycle but I still cannot get over the copycat look! I think the Warrior had a cleaner and more agressive look that stood out more! I’m not sure how successful it will be but the price is good as compared to most other brands. But you know what they say. You get what you pay for! BTW my preference of motorcycles is not a Harley. Maybe that is why I am not thrilled about this one!
Greetings. Ride On! The Raider looks great! If these new and “bad” scooters can run on “flex fuels”, we’ll be in business! Keep on Rolling!
in CHRIST JESUS
Ric.
I wonder if such bike is available in Asian market…
while I like the Yamaha to me the Goldwing is the best value on the market with as much power and gadgets as they have on them. The Goldwing is surprisinly smooth for as big of a bike as it is. I used to ride a V-star.
Mike - the Wing is a fine bike, but with it’s boxer engine it doesn’t allow for forward controls and floorboards, so it’s really in a different category. Probably why the Valkyrie is no longer around.
!, ?, !, ? are my initial responses respectively. I like it but then I see flashes of the Virago, with the tall tank & triple tree height as well as the fruity front fender with the flair at the end. Then again I see flashes of the Warrior, with the rake & rear-end. I’m not sure how to “feel” about this bike. The Home-run is in the powerplant, tranny & exhaust system. Straight from the Strato & Roadliner. Coming from a Strat owner, if anyone has any issues with the looks, they will lost in the wind once the rider turns the throttle open.
This bike is a blend of old & new design styles that don’t appear totally synergistic. Comparative to the market it’s targeting, the price is better than most, but overall “Bang for the Buck” seems to be lacking. Like the Warrior, it dosen’t appear to be versatile enough to bridge the full spectrum from bar-hopper to cross-country cruiser; but in that most people looking for chopped customs don’t often seem to be treking 3000 miles. It definitely beats any factory made custom (
RAIDER INTERNET PICTURES DON’T DO IT JUSTICE.BIKE IS BEAUTIFUL TRADING KAWASAKI NOMAD BEST BIG CRUISER THERE IS.HARLEY WAY OVER PRICED CRUISERS HAVE LITTLE TIRES LOOK FUNNY.AT LEAST PORSHA FINALLY MADE HARLEY A GOOD MOTORCYCLE THE VROD. MAYBE KAWASAKI WILL MAKE HARLEY A K-ROD. THEN THEY WOULD HAVE TWO GOOD BIKES.
Juts test rode one the other day. Very nice ride. This is a killer bike. The 1900cc air-cooled engine looks great and delivers a hefty punch. Only thing I would do the very first day: Put a 240 on the rear - no frame or swing-arm mods required…
My faverorite bikes are all old.
Indian, Crocker, Panhead.
Every time yamaha comes out with a new bike they look a little better.
On this one I would like too see shotgun pipes,a prettier front fender and I’ll bet this bike would look good as an old school bobber.