08 raider - Harley Forum

harleyryder2007 · #1 10-05-2007, 06:34 PM

what do you think of the new yamaha 2008 raider?

humpbackbob · #2 10-05-2007, 11:38 PM

Looks like a lot of money for a "knock off".

Carter · #3 11-19-2007, 04:09 PM

I like the blacked out version. All the magazines say Star (Yamaha) is making great bikes these days.

#4 11-24-2007, 05:37 AM

My first impressions:

Not bad, the fender and pipe angles are more than a little strange... the pipes can easily be fixed with aftermarkets though. The tank appears too small for the bike. The seat height seems a little high. The air cooled engine is a turn off. I like the fat tire and cool looking engine. The 113 ci should pack a lot of punch! Looks like a pretty good platform for customizing your own street rod!

4cams · #5 11-24-2007, 09:56 AM

I know and have seen guys with import bikes and to each his own. But there is a big difference between a H.D. and the rest. For example, take the Sportsters, old and new, nothing sounds like a Shovelhead or Sportster. You can hear those 4 cams in a Sportster, whirling around and all that mechanical noise that an import will never make no matter how much you spend. It's about character. I have nothing against imports, they are well made, just different. There is more to a bike than looks.

#6 11-24-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4cams

I know and have seen guys with import bikes and to each his own. But there is a big difference between a H.D. and the rest. For example, take the Sportsters, old and new, nothing sounds like a Shovelhead or Sportster. You can hear those 4 cams in a Sportster, whirling around and all that mechanical noise that an import will never make no matter how much you spend. It's about character. I have nothing against imports, they are well made, just different. There is more to a bike than looks.

Funny you mention engine noise... the majority of VTX owners complain about the engine making too much noise! I don't, it's the nature of the beast! A single pin crank engine. Combined with 2.5 HK Double D American Classic Straights the sound is sweet! The local Harley boys compliment me about the sound of my bike all the time! That's a VTX 1300... now, the VTX 1800 is a completely different animal, dual pin crank, FI and sounds more like a V8... okay, but not for me!

Comparing a Sportster and a Raider??? It's like comparing a Cumquate to a Grapefruit. Sportsters are fine if you are short and weight less than 150 Lbs... but any taller or heavier!

What import are you talking about? The Yamaha Raider? I'm pretty sure it's built in California! Not an import at all! Made in America...