Yamaha Raider reviews

The Raider S is by far, the best bike I have ever ridden. It has great power and comfort! Show less

I loved the look of the '08 Raider S (Candy Red) and just had to have one. I was a bit concerned about the handling of the raked bike, but it handles very well. Engine has plenty of power (even riding two-up). I have taken the bike on 5 trips of more than 1300 miles and have had a great time. Just got back from a 2400 mile trip to Utah. The only problem I have had with the bike is some valvetrain noise (planning to take to to the dealership next week for a look/see). Star really hit a homerun with this machine! Show less

I first sat on a Raider last summer at an open house at a dealership. I wasn't looking for a bike at the time rather I rode my 1980 XS1100 Special there and thought I was happy with that bike. I took a Raider for a test ride and when I returned, my response was, "Where do I sign?" What an unbelievably comfortable ride. Low and well balanced, PLENTY of power, smooth as can be and a great looking bike that turns plenty of heads. The only negative thoughts were the exhaust pipes as I thought they were way too bulky. I immediately replaced them with the Vance & Hines pipes. No issues at all with attempting to get around large trucks on the highway. Just a slight turn on the throttle and you'll go from 60 mph to 80 mph with barely any effort. Riding with a passenger is effortless for the powerful 1854 cc engine. This bike is my absolute favorite. I wouldn't trade it for anything...except maybe the new 2010 Blue Raider. lol Show less

When I decided to get back into riding I bought an 800cc cruiser to get back my motorcycle legs. Then went to every manufacture demo ride that I could find to see what the all the new bikes were like. When I went to the Yamaha demo I like the look of the Raider but thought that it would be too heavy and it would be hard to steer. I was so surprised with the Raider. All of the other bikes I rode from then on I compared to the Raider.. I rode the HD V-Rod and Rocker along with the Suzuki M109R and Victory Vegas but none of them matched up with the power, ride and handling of the Raider. It's got the looks with lots of muscle but it's agile too! It's The Power Cruiser to beat at this point! Show less

I've owned a Honda Aero, a Kawasaki Nomad, a Harley V-Rod and a Yamaha Raider. I like them all but the Raider stays on top. It's very fast just like my V-Rod and comfortable. I like it very much. I upgraded the rear tire to 240/40-18, it fits like a glove. I like it...it's way better than the stock 210. No issues at all in the corners. Easy to maintain. I thought it's hard to change oil on this bike but with proper tools, it's not that hard at all. There are 3 drain bolts on this bike. The same thing with Transfer case, Filling bolt, oil level bolt, and drain bolt. I would recommend it to all who are looking and dreamin' for a bigger bike like this Raider. 113 cubic inches of raw attitude. GO GET YOURS... Show less

This is my first cruiser. I've had 35 motorcycles since 1974. I have ridden many cruisers, but this has got to be the smoothest and most comfortable with the most power and agile handling for a long wheel-base! Thank you Yamaha for showing the rest how it should be done. Show less

Now that I have put 6000 miles on it, I thought I'd share some more. This is my sixth bike and it would be hard to beat this one. The motorcycle is very well balanced, fun to ride and looks great. I have not had any trouble with the motorcycle so far. Two oil changes (600 mi, 4000 mi, with tune ups) and a rear tire replacement is all I have done so far. Show less

The Raider is the most impressive bike when it comes down to it. No other cruiser can compare to the bike in any aspect of the ride. It simply blows any cruiser out of the water especially Harleys. Smooth ride with the wide rear tire and amazing torque combines to make it the best. I traded my 2007 Honda vtx in for the Raider and that was the best decision I have made. Show less

I have 4 bikes in my garage that I can ride, BMW R1200RT, FZ1, SV1000S, and the Raider. The other bikes where made to handle well and they do. The Raider S with the racked out front, does not give the appearance of a bike that turns well. But after a couple of hours on the bike, dragging the foot pegs is no problem, and it is fun to do. The bike has one bad ass motor also. Put the V/H 2 into 1 pipe and WOW, it sounds better then any Harley that I have heard and does awesome burn outs. Show less

I bought this in Feb 09 as a demo with 600 mi. I have the Tommy Blue S. It's cool that the color has been discontinued as not many others on the road. Also, not many in Gainesville, so I get a lot of comments from other riders. The bike is very easy to ride and is well balanced. I think it's kind of easy to corner, but you do have to give it a little more throttle into the turn. Plenty of power. A sixth gear would be nice. Only add on so far is a sissy bar for my wife. I tried a windshield, but it seemed to add to the wind noise. Comfortable saddle too. Would get another one in a second. Show less