Under the heading "It Had To Happen" comes news of Yamaha's 2008 Star Raider, a factory chopper that the company says takes the brand in an edgier new direction. There is no doubt the cruiser market is trending away from classic styling to a more custom ethic, as made evident by the proliferation of chopped and bobbed offerings from both domestic and Japanese companies. Indeed, Star cited recent Motorcycle Industry Council sales figures for cruisers over 1300cc that showed 63 percent were custom-inspired.
The basic technical side of the design brief was "best-in-class power and exhaust tone, with unsurpassed handling character." So within the confines of the very long wheelbase and 39.2-degree fork rake, the bike is said to handle well. The new frame is aluminum, and the angular swingarm is a controlled-fill casting in the same material. The rear shock is hidden and mounted horizontally. In a nod to preserving handling, the 120/70-21 front tire works with a wide-but-not-too-wide 210/40-18 rear.
As for power and exhaust tone, we'll have to wait until we get a testbike. All the signs, however, point toward a good motoring experience. Power comes from the biggest of the Star engines, the 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) 48-degree V-Twin found in the Stratoliner. This engine in Strato-guise is notably excellent, with its 100 x 118mm bore and stroke benefiting from four-valve heads and twin sparkplugs that help produce a powerful, smooth-running cruiser powerplant among the best on the market. That it should have similar running characteristics in the Raider is highly likely. The stylized exhaust is a 2-1-2 system with, well...distinctive downswept tips. Also included: EXUP valve and twin catalyzers in order to meet tighter 2008 emissions standards while still producing good power.
Bikes are expected in dealerships in early fall. The Raider in Raven black has an MSRP of $13,180 and $13,380 for the Candy Red paint scheme. The Raider S, with more chrome and machined wheels will be priced at $13,780 for Tommy Blue and $13,980 for the Candy Red with flame accents. Check out the gallery for your color picks.
For more proof that the factory chopper has arrived, look no further than Harley-Davison's new Rocker. Does this mean that there is a corporate rumble in the offing? “Rocker vs. Raider” has a nice ring to it, no?
Sound Off! What do you think of the Raider's neo-chopper styling?