2008 Yamaha Raider Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 113-cubic-inch (1854cc)
Type: Air-cooled V-Twin OHV, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 118.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.48:1
Carburetion: Twin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
Ignition: TCI
Transmission: 5-speed, multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Belt

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Double cradle
Suspension/Front: Telescopic fork; 5.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Swingarm; 3.5-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes Front: Hydraulic disc, 310mm
Tires/Front: 120/70-21
Tires/Rear: 210/40-18
Wheels: 5-spoke cast
Length: 101.2 in
Width: 36.4 in
Height: 45.8 in
Seat Height: 27.3 in
Wheelbase: 70.9 in
Ground Clearance: N/A
Dry Weight: 692 lb
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal

Other

Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Colors: Tommy Blue; Candy Red w/Flames

Features

Key Features:

 “S” model gets even more chrome: chrome triple clamps, fork sliders, air box cover, headlight housing, handlebar risers, etc.


 The newest Star was inspired by the custom chopper movement, but since it’s a Star, it had to also handle, stop and go.


 With the addition of this machine, the Star line offers the most diverse line of custom V-twins on the planet.

Engine:

2008 Yamaha Raider S Engine

 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, pushrod 48-degree V-twin pumps out max torque at just 2500 rpm and max power at 4500 rpm for powerful, relaxed cruising.


 Four pushrod-activated valves and two spark plugs per cylinder provide optimum combustion efficiency along with classically beautiful engine architecture.


 Plated cylinders and forged pistons cooled by oil jets provide outstanding reliability and long life. Twin counterbalancers keep things smooth but rumbly.


 9.48:1 compression ratio and aggressive cam timing increase power output across the board.


 Computer-controlled, twin-bore, fuel-injection monitors multiple engine parameters to calculate perfect mixture under all conditions; wide-angle 12-hole fuel injectors provide excellent atomization.


 A 3.5-liter airbox is hidden in the area behind the fuel tank for great performance and a custom, airy look.


 Two-into-one-into-to exhaust with Exhaust Ultimate Power valve (EXUP) inside boosts torque in the 2500-3500 rpm range.


 Special custom-machining of the cooling fin edges gives a jewel-like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.

Chassis/Suspension:

2008 Yamaha Raider S

 New design all-aluminum cast frame is light, rigid and tuned for light, athletic handling. A light, Controlled-Fill, aluminum swingarm casting complements the bike’s lithe style.


 Low, sculpted seat holds the rider in place, and pullback bars reach back to enforce a casual, urban cruising style.


 A 6-degree yoke angle – the first ever on a street-legal Star Motorcycle – makes it possible to achieve that custom look as well as natural handling and straight-line cruisability: 34-degree rake plus 6 degrees yoke angle gives total rake of 40 degrees and 102mm of trail, while bringing the fork closer to the steering axis.


 Custom five-spoke wheels carry a 120/70-21-inch bias tire up front, and a wide, 210/40-18 radial out back – the tallest and widest ever on a Star.


 48mm fork tubes serve up an excellent ride and a sweet appearance through 5.1 inches of wheel travel.


 A tucked-out-of-sight single shock out back provides a smooth ride under varying loads.


 New seamless fuel tank carries a full 4.1 gallons of fuel.


 Front brake master cylinder with integrated lever operates a pair of 298mm front discs squeezed by strong monoblock calipers for excellent power and feel, with a 310mm disc out back.


 Strong, light and narrow belt final drive contains embedded carbon fiber for even greater strength.

Additional Features:

2008 Yamaha Raider S Speedometer

 Left-thumb operates high-beam switch, and right-thumb activated accessory driving light switch for great visibility.


 Jewel-like fit and finish, and Star quality paint, chrome and attention to detail are evident all over the Raider S.


 Cool, tank-mounted instrumentation complements the custom look, and contains analog speedometer and fuel gauge, along with twin digital tripmeters, odometer and self-diagnostics.


 Bright multi-reflector headlight, LED taillight and amber turn signals behind clear lenses give a custom look.


 Oxygen sensor and three-way catalyst reduce emissions.

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Models Available

Yamaha Raider S

During this review, you became familiar with the “S” version of the Yamaha Raider as I presented you the bike with its grandiose attitude given by styling, performance both in handling and engine. You’ve also got an idea on the way it rides so things are pretty much set and done. No! Yamaha always offers variety and makes sure that every single potential customer will become a buyer and you know the rest.

Yamaha Raider

2008 Yamaha Raider

In order to do just that, the Japanese manufacturer introduced this simple version of that very same awesome performing cruiser but featuring a total different appearance.

This bike diversifies the Star line of cruisers by offering a color options (Raven) that will remind you of those Middleweight versions that we kept talking about on my recent reviews. You can also choose the Candy Red paintjob but no matter what, the darker models will feature black paint instead of chrome so your demands are completely satisfied.

Price

These last two color schemes that are gathered under the Raider designation will also come cheaper. So the Raven will only require and MSRP of $13,180 and the Candy Red version, $13,380. Make sure that you choose the most appropriate for you and from then on, riding will become a second nature.

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