I have a 2015 and I absolutely love it! Everywhere I go I get people constantly asking about it and complimenting how sexy it looks. Harley guys are always drooling over it.
With mine too! Asking me to join MC’s, but they won’t allow it(American made is the rule), I don’t need, nor want another bike. I love my baby, and I don’t care for having a social circle anymore, if that’s what it takes.
I rode my 2015 Raider from Miami to Eastern Oklahoma. Taking frequent stops and two naps , and it's a great bike. I could only hope that Yamaha would make a next generation of the Raider with a 6th gear , even bigger motor, and bigger gas tank . I'd bike that bike immediately Love the style Love the performance.
08" Raider here...My bike is crazy good.. !!!..I LOVE it...!!! But, this is NOT a beginner bike !! This bike weighs approx.725 lbs. wet. Awesome bike !!!
I was looking at getting one as my first street bike, ive ridden big bore 2 strokes on dirt for a while and im 6”2 250 lbs. im thinking if i just respect the throttle i should be good im really just looking to cruise around on backroads
Started on a flashed v star 1300 in November, to a candy crimson 2015 Raider S in April. Drove it home 320mi with my brother driving my SUV with tools and a 5gal gas can. She didn't skip a beat. Great video. I'll never quit my Prozac pill. 😂 Still got the 1300, they both compliment each other believe it or not.
Perfect review of an excellent bike, agree 100% on the Fury comment, I had one of those as well enjoyed it a lot, too much plastic, and kept thinking about how much better it would have been if it had the VTX 1800 engine. Still loving my Raider will never be without one. Thanks for the review
Im 5'4", my Raider is stock, and i have no issues whatsoever with the size of this motorcycle. I don't think this is a "big boy" motorcycle in terms of size. Power, yes. Definitely "big boy" power.
I wish they had kept around the R.S Warrior and had installed this bigger engine in it BUT I guess O.C.C. Fever was at full swing back then and they took "The Factory Chopper" route 100% and dropped the "Muscle Cruiser" entirely. Bummer. BTW, I took a 2008 black one out of the crate for prep and delivery and out for a short spin and came back very impressed how easy to ride it was for such a big and lanky motorcycle.
I disagree with the commentary noting that the bike does not need a 6th. I think the bike is very well geared, but at 80 mph, it feels like the engine ia revving too high. With the amount of torque this motor has, i think the RPMs at 80 should be what they are at 60, and that's only gonna happen with a 6th gear. This bike does soooo many things outstandingly well, but came short on the 6th gear. Absolutely not a deal-breaker, but i guess we can't have it all
mines an 09 and I love it. Yamaha could work on the stock seat a bit, and aftermarket is getting dry, but i love tearing up the mountain roads in wyoming!
Weighs 110 lbs more than my '99 TC88 FXDL with 200+ miles range. I get why people don't want a Harley, there's always something that needs sorting and it's all part of the experience finding out how much it's going to cost to fix. Then you find out how much an exhaust is on the Yamaha and the fun stops right there.
Raider still outperforms in every other way, though. Engine was way ahead of its time as well. There's little to nothing to customize because it's too good straight from the factory. Whether that's good or bad is personal preference.
@@tom23245I would 100% agree. HD is just catching up to this motor. You still can't beat the performance and price, nor the exclusivity. Nothing better than not seeing your bike on every corner, but still getting the stares, compliments, and "what is it" question.
I've got the same, #314. What saddle bags and fork bag did you use? Love how they fit yours. Mines bone stock, looking to add some small bags, exhaust, and the 240 rear.
How hard was it removing the cylinder head covers to get them black? Do you gotta drop the whole engine or is there enough wiggle room to slide out the sides if you remove the tank?
Stop doing click bait!! I love my Raider, however, Yamaha only made that great bike from 2008 to 2018. You can still find them second hand.... but they are incredibly reliable!! In the meantime....stop making us get unnecessarily excited!! On the other hand...... Yamaha........if you are trolling these messages... For God's sake.... please bring the Raider back!!!!! Harley has never really caught up!!! But they are making progress!! Come on.... let's show them that Japanese engineering still leads the world in engineering excellence!!!
Is the air cooled less or more maintenance than a liquid cooled one? How does this compare to a vtx1800 which is adored by millions. Thanks for the crisp and great review.
It’s less maintenance, then liquid cooled, but you do have to watch your engine temperature in the summer sitting at a light too long. I love the VTX 1800. It has great pull, the shaft drive does give you more power loss. But the radiator is very handy in the summer for sure.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 oh wow. That is good to know. I have a fjr1300 and maybe go with the vtx just for the liquid cooled and Honda reliability.
I loved your comparison with Joe Peshi. Never had bike for so long. I'm not ready to sell it. 2017 was the last year. Is it true that Yamaha came back with the 2023 ?
Regarding new riders and their choice of bike... I've personally found that bikes with wide rear tires are extremely important, and could be the difference between wrecking Yousef and Your New Motorcycle... Bikes with wide rear tires, for example, 210 and wider, dictate weather you keep it upright through the corners, or NOT... With wide rear tires you better be capable of *staying on the throttle* throughout the corners because if you don't you will more than likely end up in a ditch or worse!!! This is something I've seen time and time again, especially people who chose to buy the Suzuki Boulevard 109r for their first bike!!! I truly hope this helps everyone, especially new riders!!! Just Sayin'🤬
Just got my 09 raider 2 days ago for my first bike, i love it so far and i think it handles so great it really is a beginner bike as long as you have a decent throttle hand and are not too scared to ride it. I borrowed my friends 05 fat boy right after the msf class for a few days and i think the raider is much easier to control and handle.
I have a 2015 and I absolutely love it! Everywhere I go I get people constantly asking about it and complimenting how sexy it looks. Harley guys are always drooling over it.
With mine too! Asking me to join MC’s, but they won’t allow it(American made is the rule), I don’t need, nor want another bike. I love my baby, and I don’t care for having a social circle anymore, if that’s what it takes.
I rode my 2015 Raider from Miami to Eastern Oklahoma. Taking frequent stops and two naps , and it's a great bike. I could only hope that Yamaha would make a next generation of the Raider with a 6th gear , even bigger motor, and bigger gas tank . I'd bike that bike immediately
Love the style Love the performance.
I have the 1600 road star been an amazing bike, 23,000 mies oil, and battery change. All I've done never has let me down
08" Raider here...My bike is crazy good.. !!!..I LOVE it...!!! But, this is NOT a beginner bike !! This bike weighs approx.725 lbs. wet. Awesome bike !!!
Same I’ve had mine for 3 years now! Slapped the black pro cobra tuner on it. It’s an arm ripper I love it! So much POWAH!!!
I was looking at getting one as my first street bike, ive ridden big bore 2 strokes on dirt for a while and im 6”2 250 lbs. im thinking if i just respect the throttle i should be good im really just looking to cruise around on backroads
I have the '14 Raider SCL #32/500. It was my dream bike and I don't regret buying it one bit.
I have a 07 Love It !! Had it for 5 years now - Took it out East for two weeks - it did awesome !! Tim - Ohio
The raider is bad ass, but I chose the warrior 1700. I liked the looks better. Both monsters!
Started on a flashed v star 1300 in November, to a candy crimson 2015 Raider S in April. Drove it home 320mi with my brother driving my SUV with tools and a 5gal gas can. She didn't skip a beat.
Great video. I'll never quit my Prozac pill. 😂
Still got the 1300, they both compliment each other believe it or not.
I have to say the yamaha raider is one of the sexiest lines ever in a bike, just my opinion of course. So beautiful, I'll have to buy one
Perfect review of an excellent bike, agree 100% on the Fury comment, I had one of those as well enjoyed it a lot, too much plastic, and kept thinking about how much better it would have been if it had the VTX 1800 engine. Still loving my Raider will never be without one. Thanks for the review
Im 5'4", my Raider is stock, and i have no issues whatsoever with the size of this motorcycle.
I don't think this is a "big boy" motorcycle in terms of size.
Power, yes. Definitely "big boy" power.
Thank you for this. I'm 5'7" and was discouraged until I saw your comment
@kbiswhoib glad to hear. Also, the foot pegs can be repositioned to adjust to your leg length
I wish they had kept around the R.S Warrior and had installed this bigger engine in it BUT I guess O.C.C. Fever was at full swing back then and they took "The Factory Chopper" route 100% and dropped the "Muscle Cruiser" entirely. Bummer.
BTW, I took a 2008 black one out of the crate for prep and delivery and out for a short spin and came back very impressed how easy to ride it was for such a big and lanky motorcycle.
Should make a 2ngen with a 5.2 gal tank 2000 + cc. Factory 240 tire chrome wheels on the s models. I would purchase asap
I disagree with the commentary noting that the bike does not need a 6th.
I think the bike is very well geared, but at 80 mph, it feels like the engine ia revving too high.
With the amount of torque this motor has, i think the RPMs at 80 should be what they are at 60, and that's only gonna happen with a 6th gear.
This bike does soooo many things outstandingly well, but came short on the 6th gear. Absolutely not a deal-breaker, but i guess we can't have it all
I ride a 1290 Super Duke daily. Im actually looking to get one of these as my cruiser.
Forget the Euro emissions requirements. We need the air-cooled Raider back!
mines an 09 and I love it. Yamaha could work on the stock seat a bit, and aftermarket is getting dry, but i love tearing up the mountain roads in wyoming!
Ivan’s flash on my 2009. I average 45 mpg. But probably 75 percent hwy.
Best muscle cruiser ever produced 💪🏾 💪🏾😤✊🏽
MT 01 also a great power cruiser
@@rodneypennington1086 wow i thought only the Vmax was another bike i needed but now i have to research the MT 01 👍🏽
Weighs 110 lbs more than my '99 TC88 FXDL with 200+ miles range.
I get why people don't want a Harley, there's always something that needs sorting and it's all part of the experience finding out how much it's going to cost to fix. Then you find out how much an exhaust is on the Yamaha and the fun stops right there.
Raider still outperforms in every other way, though. Engine was way ahead of its time as well. There's little to nothing to customize because it's too good straight from the factory.
Whether that's good or bad is personal preference.
@@tom23245I would 100% agree. HD is just catching up to this motor. You still can't beat the performance and price, nor the exclusivity. Nothing better than not seeing your bike on every corner, but still getting the stares, compliments, and "what is it" question.
This particular model is it. Wow great. Why oh why did they discontinue this beast
The Raider rides much better with Cobra 240 in the back. The Raider is a BEAST!
Interesting review, interesting bike. Enjoyed this. Shocking your stat about power loss with a shaft drive.
Thanks for watching Man. I always appreciate your comments.
Also a 2008 og raider s rider. Best bike ever😎
I agree the Honda Fury needed to have a bigger engine and a 6th gear!
I own the 2013 Stryker = Flawless bike but it winds up to fast NEEDS a 6th gear
Waiting for you to review the Vmax 1700 Gen2.
@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 hmmm, i’ll see what I can do
I've got the same, #314. What saddle bags and fork bag did you use? Love how they fit yours. Mines bone stock, looking to add some small bags, exhaust, and the 240 rear.
im looking no luck here in az. so far.
How hard was it removing the cylinder head covers to get them black? Do you gotta drop the whole engine or is there enough wiggle room to slide out the sides if you remove the tank?
What style bags are those? I’m looking for some… just hopefully bigger
Stop doing click bait!! I love my Raider, however, Yamaha only made that great bike from 2008 to 2018. You can still find them second hand.... but they are incredibly reliable!! In the meantime....stop making us get unnecessarily excited!! On the other hand...... Yamaha........if you are trolling these messages...
For God's sake.... please bring the Raider back!!!!! Harley has never really caught up!!! But they are making progress!! Come on.... let's show them that Japanese engineering still leads the world in engineering excellence!!!
Is the air cooled less or more maintenance than a liquid cooled one? How does this compare to a vtx1800 which is adored by millions. Thanks for the crisp and great review.
It’s less maintenance, then liquid cooled, but you do have to watch your engine temperature in the summer sitting at a light too long. I love the VTX 1800. It has great pull, the shaft drive does give you more power loss. But the radiator is very handy in the summer for sure.
I owned a VTX 1800 and loved it but this bike has amazing torque, it looks rotten to the core tough.
@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 oh wow. That is good to know. I have a fjr1300 and maybe go with the vtx just for the liquid cooled and Honda reliability.
its definitely less. the oil tank can get pretty hot though
yamaha’s are my favorite
Stratoliner, Roadliner, same engine ..
Air cooled is fine if you don't get stuck in traffic often.
I only "get stuck in traffic" if the police is around lol 😆 😅
I loved your comparison with Joe Peshi. Never had bike for so long. I'm not ready to sell it. 2017 was the last year. Is it true that Yamaha came back with the 2023 ?
I’m not sure I don’t see it on their current website for Yamaha.
Regarding new riders and their choice of bike...
I've personally found that bikes with wide rear tires are extremely important, and could be the difference between wrecking Yousef and Your New Motorcycle...
Bikes with wide rear tires, for example, 210 and wider, dictate weather you keep it upright through the corners, or NOT...
With wide rear tires you better be capable of *staying on the throttle* throughout the corners because if you don't you will more than likely end up in a ditch or worse!!!
This is something I've seen time and time again, especially people who chose to buy the Suzuki Boulevard 109r for their first bike!!!
I truly hope this helps everyone, especially new riders!!!
Just Sayin'🤬
Where did you get that fairing from I have the striker ...thanks
It was on there when I bought it
Ask your doctor if the yamaha raider is right for you 🤣
Raider needs bigger tank…
Definitely not a beginner bike 😂
Got an 08 raider as my first bike lol 🤷♂️
Just got my 09 raider 2 days ago for my first bike, i love it so far and i think it handles so great it really is a beginner bike as long as you have a decent throttle hand and are not too scared to ride it. I borrowed my friends 05 fat boy right after the msf class for a few days and i think the raider is much easier to control and handle.
@@miguel25591825it’s not a beginner bike just because you did doesn’t mean people should. Idiots start on r1s as well
Cool cool
What the hell is a key board company
Yamaha began making pianos in the late 1800s and then later on keyboards in 1959.
Hmm.. It's cool mebi, no frame - aluminium - it 's chit bro. Sorri. 🤮 The insanity will burst 🤷♂️🤦♂️❌
What type of windscreen is that?