The five-time AMA ProStar Hot Rod Cruiser class drag racing champion returns. The Waarrior is a bike built for riders who can't quite commit to cruiser or sportbike, it's performance and stunning, muscular lines are very impressive even before you add your custom touches.

2008 Yamaha Warrior

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 Yamaha Warrior
  • Engine/Motor: Air-cooled 48-degree V-twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
  • Transmission: 5-speed close-ratio; multiplate wet clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


What are you looking for in a ride? Classic cruising or sport bike excitement? Get both in one motorcycle – the Warrior. It combines the best of both riding experiences in one bike. If you are feeling conflicted over whether you want the laid-back comfort of a cruiser or the exhilarating performance of a sport bike, just give it a try.

The Warrior took the cruiser’s low-end muscle and combined it with the handling and maneuverability of a sport bike. In fact, the suspension is derived from Yamaha’s championship-bred YZF-R1, and the engine wrapped in high-tech aluminum chassis. Whether you call the Warrior a power cruiser or a sport bike, you’re going to want to call it your own.

History


In 1999 Yamaha introduced the Road Star, a cruiser featuring a 98-cubic-inch (1602cc), air-cooled, pushrod, 48-degree V-twin, low 28” seat height and 66.3” wheelbase. This model was the first Yamaha motorcycle to feature a belt drive and it was also the model which leaded to the creation of the Road Star Warrior three years later.

In 2002 Yamaha attacks the muscle twin class with its brand new power cruiser, the Road Star Warrior. An extension of the base motorcycle, this monster went for the air-cooled, pushrod, Road Star-derived engine displacing 1670cc. The amazing engine was tuned for more power and featured the most unique exhaust in its class. What truly defined the Warrior was the aluminum frame in collaboration with the sportbike suspension and brakes.

Competition


If you are trying to find Warrior’s closest competitor I say don’t bother looking any further than the Suzuki Boulevard M109R2. In a world of cookie-cutter cruisers, the Boulevard M109R carves out a niche with its own radical cruiser styling. For 2008, Suzuki is taking unrivaled possession of that niche with the Boulevard M109R2. It’s a variation of the original that features a striking and uniquely designed headlight only matched by stunning performance. Its 1783cc, Suzuki fuel-injected V-twin engine provides massive torque from idle to redline, allowing you to enjoy an incredible blast of acceleration in every gear. This Boulevard, like the Warrior, balances that heart-pounding performance with crisp handling, thanks to a technically advanced chassis, suspension and world-class brakes.

Another close competitor for the Yamaha Warrior comes from the legendary motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson. The American builder offers the V-Rod as the first street-legal Harley to feature a liquid-cooled powerplant, now a tire-smoking celebration of 105 years of Harley-Davidson.

Even without the optional Anniversary get up, it’s a shining example of where all the tradition can take a Harley. That sleek sheet metal up top is actually an airbox housing velocity stacks. Up front there’s a new drag-strip-inspired laced wheel. At the center is a beefy 123hp, 1250cc liquid-cooled, Revolution engine and new slipper clutch. Big 240mm rear tire; optional ABS brakes have been seamlessly engineered in. Sleek and clean, the V-Rod lets the adrenaline take over your bloodstream.

Even though riders could see the Honda VTX1800F as a competitor for the Warrior, I would say that these two can’t be compared because Yamaha designed its power cruiser starting with a clean sheet of paper, while Honda simply chopped up the fenders and gave it a dragbike look. The same think happened with the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.

Exterior


The 2008 Yamaha Warrior needs a single look taken at it to understand that this won’t be your ordinary cruising experience. And it is true, the bike looks true to its riding capabilities which are simply amazing.

The Warrior considers classic looks to be out of fashion so it features modern design which reflects sporty abilities best. The only thing on this bike which reminds you that this is a cruiser is the general arrangement of the fork, handlebars, fuel tank, seat, and footpegs.

That mighty V-twin underneath the sleek-looking gas tank looks like a true horsepower and torque provider and no misinterpretations are going to be made by the untrained eye. The exhaust looks more like the ones found on early R1’s, so you know what to expect.

Its wheels are lightweight, Supersport-inspired and feature five spokes for a cool appearance.

This bike couldn’t have gone without the industry-leading fit and finish featuring lustrous paint and extensive chrome accents which complete the overall look and make it look absolutely stunning.

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Test Drive


The Yamaha Warrior is a real blast when ridden. This hot rod among bikes delivers approximately 80bhp at its rear wheel, but what I find more impressive is the huge low end torque which makes it go like a rocket when its throttle is twisted. If things aren’t clear enough for you, maybe you should find out that at just 3500rpm, this beast cranks out 100 ft-lbs. of asphalt-shredding torque. It is a real smoke machine when it comes to burnouts and the sound is simply awesome.

In fact, what I appreciate most on this power cruiser is how you can get an immediate response, that of two huge pistons thudding under you and the exhaust note of its cannon will surely make fall in love with it at the first ride. Better throttle response is being obtained with the help of a high-tech ECU which closes one of the intake ducts at low revs. This is how the Warrior gets its massive amount of grunt just above idle and no matter how much you will test it, there will be no weaknesses involved all the way through its rev range.

Even though it has sportbike features like an aluminum chassis, and racy suspensions and brakes, its engine is true to its cruiser designation and delivers tractor-like pulling power combined with a huge 200-series rear tyre. This results in some serious quick launches off the line at lights and junctions and I didn’t ride anything featuring two cylinders that would compare to the Warrior.

Handling this monster would seem hard but thanks to its frame and steering geometry it corners sweet and presents almost flickable behavior. Out on the freeway, the Warrior gives another meaning to the word cruising as it does it way beyond legal speeds. You will definitely appreciate the riding position given by the wide bars offering plenty off leverage. If you are more into corners and twisty roads, I recommend you to be careful not to touch your feet once with the footpegs because the bars and its rigid chassis allow you to quickly lean it over. Satisfied at first, but cautious after!

At highway speeds, no vibrations could be detected by my hands, feet, and but, but when I took it up to 120mhp I did manage to feel screaming monster underneath me and that had the effect of making it vibrate a little. At 80 mph, the engine was spinning at 3500rpm and if you are willing to ride it at that speed, the bike will feel like a small cloud.

Excellent suspensions on this bike! They provide silky smooth rides and behave fabulous under all riding conditions and on virtually any paved roads. I even rode the bike on cubic rock streets and I wasn’t disturbed at all by the surface I was riding on.

When it comes to braking on the Warrior, a rider should be prepared. I am serious about this think; it features braking power comparable to many superbikes out there but the different riding position and weight make it slightly stable. It won’t do any wheelies but it will stop like no other cruisers on the boulevard.

I had the time of my life on the Star Warrior and I am convinced that you will feel the same. My recommendation is to ride it with respect and never ever to underestimate it. It will take advantage and show you how things work on its seat.

Price


One for the money, two for the show! I finally found a motorcycle that will match this description. The Warrior has all the characteristics needed to provide a quality ride and it is still offered at a fair buck. For the retail price of $12,649 (Candy Red) it can be the next toy in your garage.

If you are more into darker colors, the Midnight Warrior rolls out in special black paint, black air cleaner, engine covers and exhaust. The good news is that the MSRP only increases with $600.

Conclusion


If you are looking for a bike that has it all, without a doubt you have found it. The 2008 Star Warrior is the most unique cruiser on the boulevard and it has the ability to deal with most 600cc sportbikes. How often do you hear this? Yes, that’s my point.

Delivering the best of performance throughout the rpm range and featuring smooth lines, this bike doesn’t just invite you on a ride, but it gives you the thrill that lasts a lifetime.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Displacement: 102-cubic-inch (1670cc)
Type: Air-cooled 48-degree V-twin; pushrod OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 97mm x 113mm
Compression Ratio: 8.36:1
Fuel Delivery: Twin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
Ignition: TCI
Transmission: 5-speed close-ratio; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Belt

Chassis and Dimensions


Frame: Aluminum monoshock
Suspension/Front: 41mm KYB inverted fork; 5.3-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 4.3-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes/Rear: Single hydraulic disc, 282mm
Tires/Front: 120/70-ZR18 Radial
Tires/Rear: 200/50-ZR17 Radial
Wheels: 5-spoke cast
Length: 93.9 in
Width: 36.8 in
Height: 44.1 in
Seat Height: 28.1 in
Wheelbase: 65.6 in
Ground Clearance: 6.1 in
Dry Weight: 612 lb
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal

Other


Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color: Candy Red

Features

 

Key Features:


-The five-time AMA ProStar Hot Rod Cruiser class drag racing champion returns.

-Twin-bore fuel injection provides spot-on fuel delivery under all conditions.

-Rigid, light and strong aluminum frame, inverted 41mm fork and an adjustable link-type rear end provide near-sportbike handling.

-200/50-ZR17 rear radial tire looks right and puts all that torque efficiently to pavement.

Engine:


-The industry standard for V-twin excellence features 102-cubic-inch (1670cc) displacement, pumping out asphalt-ripping torque and acceleration.

-Air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV, 48 degree cylinders with pushrod valve actuation keeps engine height down; large cooling fins, ceramic composite bore plating and a one-piece head cover provide more efficient heat dissipation.

-Four-valve cylinder head design uses two spark plugs per cylinder for efficient combustion and more power at all rpm.

-Hydraulic valve lifters driven by twin camshafts deliver exceptional performance and lower maintenance needs.

-Forged pistons accommodate higher rpm performance thanks to reduced reciprocating mass.

-Rare earth flywheel magnet for faster-revving power delivery and increased high rpm durability.

-Twin-bore fuel injection with throttle position sensor (TPS), aspired by free-breathing twin air cleaner system, ensures optimal fuel delivery, great throttle response and maximum power throughout the rev range.

-State-of-the-art electronic control unit (ECU) ensures precisely metered fuel delivery and optimal ignition spark control using 3-D digital ignition mapping for each cylinder.

-High-performance two-into-one exhaust system features stainless steel headers and a massive muffler that boosts horsepower while putting out a throaty V-twin growl.

-Dry sump lubrication system uses a handy spin-on filter.

-Smooth-shifting five-speed transmission features close-ratio gearing for roll-on performance at all rpm.

-Smooth, low-maintenance belt drive system has a narrow-design belt that reduces unsprung weight for improved rear suspension performance.

-Electric starting system features solenoid-activated auto-decompressor for easy starting.

Chassis/Suspension:


-Specially designed, class-exclusive, aluminum double-cradle frame and swingarm increases rigidity by 41 percent (over standard Road Star frame), for tremendous strength and durability.

-Super-rigid 41mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork in beefy, cast-aluminum triple clamps gives 5.3 inches of travel for exceptional sport-oriented performance.

-Link-type, preload and rebound adjustable single rear shock delivers outstanding rear wheel tracking for precise handling and plush ride quality.

-Dual 298mm front disc brakes and radial-mount four-piston calipers, and a 282mm rear disc combine for incredible, supersport-spec stopping power.

-Pulley design gets all that power to the back wheel with even more style.

-Lightweight, Supersport-inspired five-spoke wheels wear low-profile, competition-spec 120/70-ZR18 front and a massive 200/50-ZR17 rear radial for awesome traction and cornering grip.

-Extra-long, 65.6-inch wheelbase and deep, plush saddle create added rider comfort and well balanced handling.

Additional Features:


-Industry-leading Star Family fit and finish features lustrous paint and chrome accents (air cleaner, air scoop, mirrors and more) to create a machine as stunning as it is powerful.

-Two-piece saddle is wide and flat for excellent comfort.

-Digital headlight-mounted tachometer, odometer and dual tripmeters with triple clamp-mounted analog speedometer.

-LED taillight provides excellent visibility and very sano look.

-Braided stainless clutch and throttle cables.

-Extra-wide, 4.0-gallon fuel tank features low-fuel warning light and R1-type automatic fuel tripmeter.

-Fork lock integrated into main ignition switch for extra convenience.

-Powerful 12V 60/55-watt multi-reflector halogen headlight maximizes nighttime visibility and comes with beautiful chrome finish.