YAMAHA RAIDER: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE

With a long wheelbase, wide rear tire and braked-out front end, the Yamaha Raider is a massive chopper-style bike with impressive looks that are made to turn heads!

The Yamaha Raider is a large displacement chopper-style bike that is loaded with all of the  best motorcycle technology, having remarkable performance in terms of both feel and maneuverability . The air-cooled 1854cc V-twin engine gives this bike enormous power and the raked-out fork, along with the pulled-back handlebars that complement the low, laid-back chopper style. The Raider’s superb handling, riding position, and low comfortable seat offers a smooth riding experience.

Read on to find out the detailed specifications, history, and performance of the massive Yamaha Raider in this article.

The Yamaha Raider debuted in 2008 as an addition to the renowned “Star Motorcycles” lineup. The Raider was inspired by the ongoing custom Chopper trend and featured an air-cooled 1854cc V-twin engine that was capable of producing 100 hp at 4500 rpm and 170 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm.

Yamaha produced the Star Raider from 2008 to 2018.

Yamaha introduced the Star Motorcycles as a new stand-alone brand for their cruiser bikes in the United States in 1994.

The Star lineup has eight model families and 22 different bikes, ranging in size from the small 250cc to the powerful 1300cc bikes.

The release of the Raider in 2008 made Yamaha’s Star series the most diversified V-twin lineup on the market. The Raider was one of the sleekest cruisers ever made by Yamaha. The bike featured a super-low, lean, and long chopper-style body, as well as a powerful 1854cc V-twin engine, successfully leading a new generation of mass-produced custom choppers.

The Raider was produced in two different versions, the Base Model and the Raider S. Both carried  the same V-twin engine and chassis. The only difference was the fitment and finish of the bike. The S version came with more gleaming chrome parts, including chrome triple clamps, fork sliders, airbox coverage, handlebar risers, etc.

Yamaha did not make any changes to the Raider models from 2008 to 2012, except for the color schemes. The 2013 Raider was updated with a new clutch, featuring a light, easy-to-pull lever that required 20% less effort to operate compared to the previous models.

• Color Options:

2008: Candy Red, Raven
2009: Raven, Liquid Silver with flames
2010: Liquid Silver, Candy Red
2011: Reddish Copper
2012: Raven Black, Nebulous Purple
2013: Raven

The next Raider models from 2014 to 2018 did not see any significant changes in terms of specs and engineering. However, small updates were made to the bike’s design and color scheme.

• Color Options:

2014-2015: Rapid Red
2016-2017: Candy Red
2018: Raven

The Yamaha Raider’s custom cruiser look, powerful performance, and massive engine makes it desirable to motorcyclists , and all at an affordable market price!

The Yamaha Raider has a distinct chopper style with a stretched front fork with a  six-degree yoke angle, raised handlebars, a 21-inch front wheel, and a big fat rear tire (widest tire so far on the Star bikes). Yamaha designed the Raider to hopefully  reduce  the need for aftermarket accessories by equipping the bike with various factory-installed features.  From the front to the rear , the Raider is laden with custom chrome pieces which give this bike a vintage look with a modern touch.

The round headlights at the front are accompanied by various chrome parts, including the fork sliders, headlight housing, triple clamps, etc. The Raider has a more extended rake than other Yamaha Star motorcycles and an aggressive stretched riding position. This gives the bike a classy chopper look without compromising its overall performance. 

The heart of the Yamaha Raider is its air-cooled 1854cc V-twin engine capable of producing maximum torque and horsepower at 2500 and 4500 rpm respectively. The Raider features four pushrod activated valves along with twin spark plugs in each cylinder which ensure the engine runs smoothly. The engine’s reliability and endurance are improved by the ceramic composite plated cylinders that help to dissipate heat. Moreover, the engine can also monitor proper temperature control and the mixture of air and fuel in any weather conditions thanks to the twin-bore fuel injection controlled via computer.

The Yamaha Raider is built on a lightweight, aluminum double cradle frame with a six-degree yoke angle, resulting in the bike’s maneuverability and responsive handling. The pullback handlebars add to the informal urban street riding vibe  while the low seat keeps the rider firmly in place. The bike’s overall custom look is further enhanced by its five-spoked wide and tall tires.

Similar to the other Star bikes, the five-speed transmission and a wet clutch with multiple plates on the Raider ensures smooth transitions between gears.

The electronic fuel injection and the throttle position sensor ensure precise fuel delivery. The transistor-controlled ignition aids in a quick startup under any circumstances.

The Raider’s suspension system keeps the bike steady even when on bumpy roads and tight turns. The 46mm fork tubes with 5.1 inches of wheel travel provide an excellent riding experience. The bike also has a single shock absorber tucked out of sight to ensure a smoother rider on roads with different terrain.

The Raider’s brakes stop reliably with a 310mm rear disc and 298mm double hydraulic front discs. The wide handlebars and stretched riding position result in superb handling even on bumpy roads.

The Yamaha Raiders has a low yet comfortable 27.4-inch seat to assist with mobility and ensure the rider feels comfortable during  long rides.

The fuel economy of the Yamaha Raider is 42 mpg with a 4.2-gallon fuel tank. The bike’s switchgear is hidden inside the handlebars, adding to the bike’s sleek appearance. The emissions are reduced by a three-way catalyst and a sensor. The LED lights, quality fit and finish, and cool tank-mounted instruments enhance the overall custom look.

The MSRP (Market Suggested Retail Price) of the 2018 Yamaha Raider is $15,199. However, it can vary depending upon the model year, country, taxes, and accessories.

The fuel tank capacity of the Yamaha Raider is 4.2 gallons or 15.90 liters.

Both the Raider and Raider S have elements of the base model, both being powered by an air-cooled 1854cc V-twin engine. The main difference is that the Raider S features extra chrome parts like the fork sliders, air box covers, headlight housing, triple clamps, etc.

The Yamaha Raider is a heavyweight bike that has a dry weight of almost 700 lbs. The curb weight of the bike after adding fuel is about 734 lbs or 332.9 kgs.

The Yamaha Raider is a fantastic bike in every aspect. The bike is fun to ride, stylish, and very well-balanced. The engine has tons of power and the transmission is extremely smooth. The Raider is heavy yet the handling is superb. The bike features a cool chopper style, a comfortable riding position, and a quality finish that shows off Yamaha's reliability.

The Yamaha Raider can be customized with a full range of high-quality parts available in the Star Accessories Catalogue. You can turn this classic chopper into your dream bike with various aftermarket parts, such as headlights, crash bars, fenders, forks, etc.

Although the Raider is not designed for touring, this cruiser can easily be converted into a touring bike by installing fairings, handlebars, and new seats to make it suitable for longer trips. Furthermore, saddlebags and luggage racks can also be added to transport your luggage while traveling with a passenger. You can also add sissy bars and passenger backrests to make the bike safer and more convenient for longer highway trips.