2010 Star Raider

 

Introduction

As most other Star motorcycles, the Raider is available either as a simple model or a special one that adds an “S” to the name. The bikes are literally the same, but the different paintjob styles and chrome accents that are present on one particular model make the difference and offer variety for the most demanding of you out there.

Star makes no concessions and has the Raiders powered by their biggest, gruntier and most powerful V-twin engine, the 113-cubic-inch, air-cooled, pushrod, 48-degree V-twin that has been retuned to deliver the best of it in between 2,500 – 4,500 rpm, making the unique Japanese model appropriate both for relaxed cruising and short 0 to 60 rounds.

There’s a light aluminum cast frame that allows for the 27. 4 inches low seat height, but also ensures agile handling for a custom motorcycle thanks to a 6-degree yoke angle. The rider won’t be suffering as the riding position isn’t at all demanding and the pullback riders and close by pegs have much to do with that.

Both Raider models roll on a pair of custom wheels backed up by 5.1 inches of travel up front and 3.5 inches of travel at the rear. Unlike most custom-made motorcycles, these Star production bikes are built to handle and offer as much comfort as possible while giving the impression of being one of a kind. And among the Japanese crowd they really are precisely that, so the best place to head towards in order to find a proper competitor for it is the United States.

 

Yamaha Raider History

 

Competition

The American motorcycle builder offers the Rocker C, a unique custom-style machine as part of their Softail family. Just like the Raiders, the HD Rocker C carries on as 2010 model year with little changes.

The Harley-Davidson Rocker C is powered by the marvelous, but fairly smaller 96-cubic-inch, air-cooled, Twin Cam V-twin engine that is fed through an electronic sequential port fuel injection system. The smaller displacement size is compensated by the presence of a sixth gear and considering the 716.92 lbs wet weight, the Rocker C can easily go as fast as the Raiders. It is all about how they tune their engines and Harley’s delivers the best of torque – 92.20 ft. lbs. @ 3,000 rpm.

Similar in performance and style, both the American and Japanese models target the same public, so the price can easily make the difference. Apparently, not in favor of the Harley-Davidson as their Rocker C starts at $19,499.

Exterior

These Japanese bikes may not sound like their overseas competitors, but do look good, something that riders are convinced of by the multitude of turning heads they see every time they ride. Custom motorcycles were initially inspired by choppers and these last, at their origin, were all about stripping as many components off the bike while keeping it running regardless of the safety factor. Meanwhile, things evolved and these production bikes are not only as safe as a two-wheeled vehicle can be, but do retain something from that rebel attitude.

That unique custom look is achieved by the 6-degree yoke angle, while the low seat height further enhances it. Featuring smooth flowing custom lines, both the Raider and the Raider S have chopped but nicely-contoured fenders and the 4.2 gallons gas tank fits perfectly the harmonious look and features the instruments together with the additional chromed housing. It’s even hard for me to believe that there’s a passenger seat on these things, but even harder is to accept that it actually looks good and it is nice and spacious too.

Even better looking is the 113-cubic-inch V-twin engine with both matte black and chrome accents as well as the custom pair of five-spoke wheels, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear.

The 2010 Star Raider S could have easily been called Midnight if Raven would have been the only color available, but the Deep Blue does stand as the alternative for those who prefer something in between a Midnight and the standard model. The S model also stands out thanks to the many chromed elements (chrome triple clamps, fork sliders, air box cover, engine covers, headlight housing, handlebar risers etc.)

The 2010 Star Raider is fairly simpler, so Candy Red and Liquid Silver are the colors available for it in 2010.

 

2008 Yamaha Raider Test Ride

 

Price

The price also indicates which the base model is –in this case the Raider– but the different color schemes available make a difference too. So while the refreshed Raider starts at $14,190 regardless of color, the Raider S has an MSRP of $14,790 (Raven) or $14,990 (Deep Blue).

Conclusion

Custom bikes are anything but unusual among Japanese cruiser lineups, but those are the models to which manufacturers add a different pair of fenders and call them retro as well as a pair of saddlebags, a passenger backrest and a windscreen and call them touring. This is not the case of the 2010 Star Raider and Raider S. These are two radical and new performance cruisers that not only satisfy the market’s request, but also determine the rest of the crowd to sit behind and just watch.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

Type: 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled V-twin OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 118.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.48:1
Fuel Delivery: Twin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
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/Rear: Hydraulic disc, 310mm
Tires/Front: 120/70-21
Tires/Rear: 210/40R-18
Wheels: 5-spoke cast
Length: 101.2 in
Width: 36.4 in
Height: 45.9 in
Seat Height: 27.4 in
Wheelbase: 70.9 in
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal
Fuel Economy: 42 mpg
Wet Weight: 692 lb / 730 lb - Raider S

Other

Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Features & Benefits

Key Features:

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

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

The Star line offers the most diverse line of custom V-twins on the planet.

Engine:

113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, OHV with 4 valves per cylinder, 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.

Ceramic-composite plated cylinders for superior heat dissipation with forged pistons cooled by oil jets. Provides outstanding reliability and longer engine life.

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 clean styling.

Two-into-one-into-two 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:

All-aluminum cast frame is lightweight, 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 neutral handling and straight-line cruisability: 33-degree rake plus 6 degrees yoke angle gives total rake of 39 degrees and 102mm of trail.

Custom 5-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.

46mm fork tubes serve a sweet appearance and an excellent ride through 5.1 inches of wheel travel.

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

Flangeless 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.

Wiring harness uses super-slim wires for compactness, are lighter weight and switchgear wiring is routed inside the handlebar for a clean appearance.

Additional Features:

Left-thumb operated 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.