2011 Yamaha Stryker

[jaskc78]

Yamaha released a new bike for 2011, presumably to compete with Honda's Fury line--1304cc, factory custom looks. Here's the Yamaha website for it, TMW review.

I like the looks of it, might just have to find out where I can test ride one and get a feel for that raked-out front end. Possibly make this a candidate for an upcoming cool wall vote?

[jstark47]

I'm not into cruisers or customs, but I like that better than the Fury. Also, better than most of the Victory line (at least from pictures.)

[HYPERR]

I like the way it looks too. It's based on the Raiden isn't it?

[jaskc78]

I don't know if it was actually based on the Raider per se, but a lot of the parts carried over. I think it's a different frame.

[jaskc78]

Yeah, different frame. I think the original idea was based on the Raider, but with the aim of competing directly with the 1300cc market. The different engine size I think is what dictated the different frame, both for engine physical size and overall weight considerations. I saw one on the floor at the local Ride Now, but was with the 3 y.o. so didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked poring over every detail and walking from one bike to another to do some comparisons. Have also been having more problems with the hip lately so considered myself fortunate to be able to actually walk around the store a bit rather than sitting in the wheelchair.

I can honestly say, though, that I do like the looks. The seat was especially impressive, very wide and quite a deep driver bucket so you get a lot of lower back support as it ramps up to the pillion pad, which also looked fairly comfortable as far as stock pillion pads go. Would still REALLY like to test one, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. If anyone else gets a chance to ride one, I'd be interested in hearing their thoughts on it.