2008 Yamaha Raider Review

Test Drive

2008 Yamaha Raider

I was now ready to refuel with attitude and than hop on and give it a go. But the points that I needed to check, apart from involving loads of fun headed me towards the city in order to see how the bike behaves in this sort of environment and, more important, how the environment reacts to it.

I noticed that the engine idles smoothly thanks to its twin counterbalancers but, more important, it is capable of generating the amounts of power and torque needed for that speedo needle to rise towards high numbers. I enjoyed twisting its throttle and I gradually changed gears so as the power would be valued properly and satisfying.

This one really turned some heads as it slowly rode down the boulevard and the public made all the right noises in retaliation to it.

This engine is the same as the one found on the Roadliner, so the motorcycling public is well aware of the levels of performance generated through the two massive cylinders. A 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled V-twin OHV motor featuring 4 valves for each cylinder will never be unappreciated. In fact, given to its construction features, it can be mounted on different models and perform awesome on each one of them. The Raider is a real proof of what I just said.

Another well performing unit which can be found both on the Roadliner and Raider models is the five-speed transmission. First gear is a little noisy but riders will begin to appreciate the kind of feedback provided by this reliable gearbox. Yamaha decided not to separate this pair because they proved they go well together and no customer will resist this combination. First and second gear are fairly short but once you’ve changed third, you can start laying back and enjoy the road ahead because the torque generated by the monster beneath you will either determine you to gas up and change another one or cruise nicely. 4th and 5th are all you need for those never ending highways and you will also be supplied with great power for passing up traffic or another pal riding along with you.

The riding position characterizes a chopper so this pretty much says it all. In order to compensate for the leaned forward position given by the rider’s hands and feet which need to reach the handlebars and footpegs, the manufacturer fitted the Raider with a comfortable seat which makes riding this bike more of a pleasure.

While you’re in position and hitting those cylinders with burns, you will surely begin to appreciate the sound made by the two-into-one-into-two exhaust system featuring Exhaust Ultimate Power valve generating the best of torque between 2500-3500 rpm so this is where the sound will really become music to your years. It was a real symphony for me and I enjoyed making it sing.

The bike’s center of gravity is very low and this allows for great handling and easy maneuvering. You will really start to appreciate it in the city but those twisted mountain roads will result in the best sensation ever.

The suspensions are tuned to set it properly on the road even in the tightest corners and when you’re riding on bumpy roads, these will manage to stay comfy and worthy of the name Yamaha.

This piece of machinery stops with the help of a front brake master cylinder with integrated lever operating a pair of 298mm front discs squeezed by strong monoblock calipers for excellent power and feel. On the back, a 310mm rear disc will do the job and the bike will come to a complete stop.

Price

Two color options are available for the 2008 Yamaha Raider S. The first, Tommy Blue generates a suggested retail price of $13,780 and the second, Candy Red w/Flames, $13,980.

No matter the color, your new bike will shine proudly and help you dig deeper into the world of motorcycling.

Conclusion

The trick was to combine this awesome “chopper inspired” styling with a chassis that would offer superior handling. The engineers at Yamaha were not willing to compromise so they made sure that their custom would great handling and excellent ride quality. Discover the eye catching details and make sure that you get a ride on it because I guarantee you will be caught up and no other cruiser out there will have the same effect on you.

Previous page

1  2  3

Next page