The Blog of Blues

[Social Distortion]

hey Blues
ive been eyeing the Raider since 08...like the bike....price tag isnt exactly fun, but i think i want a Raider as my next bike! How was the power and suspension? was it comfy?

Today I rode the Raider. I love that bike. All it needs to fit me are the Road Star handlebars. I test rode the Raider at last year's motorcycle conference and loved it then, too.

Then after the Raider I rode the FJR 1300 Sport Tourer....like I mentioned to JS....the machine is terrific. The posture does not suit me.

Then I rode the Road Star. The fit is so comfy. Too bad it vibrates so much. It's a Yamaha version of a HD. (words out the dealers mouth) I did not like the vibration from the floor boards. I also did not like the roughness sitting at a stop. It really did feel like the HD's I rode at the conference last year. (Except for the Road King....it was great)

Then I rode the 1300cc Star Cruiser. Too bad it was 2009 version. The handlebars were not suitable for me. The reach was too far to be comfortable for anything other than a short ride. The bike has some changes for 2010. One of them being a redesigned handlebars and seat.

I'll have to find out who's doing demo rides next.....

[blues2cruise]

hey Blues
ive been eyeing the Raider since 08...like the bike....price tag isnt exactly fun, but i think i want a Raider as my next bike! How was the power and suspension? was it comfy?

Well...comfy is subjective, but it was comfy for me. The power is amazing, but yet easy to control. Unlike the 1000cc V-Strom which could overpower me because of the twitchy throttle and sporty engine, the Raider was under my control at all times, but power to spare if you need it.

I guess the suspension was good because I did not feel bumped around...however, we never went anywhere that was really bumpy? Is that what you mean by suspension?

I agree about the price tag.

[Wrider]

My buddy has a Raider... Let me know if you want his opinion on it!

[blues2cruise]

Sure...let us know what he thinks about The Raider.

[blues2cruise]

June 29, 2010

I was at Richmond Motor Sports picking up some new parts. I got a new saddle, some new tires, new headlight, new saddlebags, new windshield, and some new pipes....amongst a few other things.

Yes, it was a costly shopping trip, but the results are worth it. What do you think?



that emblem was on this bike.....



This sign was on the bike....



Here is the bike with its new owner....






Bye bye Blue Star.....

This is the last picture taken of my blue star...



Yes...I am starting a new chapter of my motorcycling life.....

[NorthernPete]

congradulations Blues. Enjoy the new ride!

[HYPERR]

Congratz Blues! Beautiful color combo!

That's one tall windshield!

[High_Side]

Way to go Blues. Nice ride.

[zeligman]

what a BEAUTIFUL bike - to match it's rider

oddly enough, my vol has exactly the same color scheme, and would look quite nice next to the vulcan... just saying

happy bike day blues!

[blues2cruise]

Hyperr...yes, it is a tall windshield. I was surprised by it when I first took it for a test ride.
I will see how I like it...it can be adjusted.


High Side...thank you.

Z...tempting.....but so far away.