Disappointed with Stryker

7813 Views 51 Replies 24 Participants Last post by StrykEd, Aug 4, 2011

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · Jul 26, 2011

Well I have had this bike for over a month now and had a chance to put in some long miles over the weekend. The bike looks great and turns heads but thats about it. The MPG has not been good (may improve after service). Riding over 75 mph is simply not cool due to the wind. The engine is lacking overall in the area of power and smoothness. This bike is good for cruising around town for me but I need something that can offer more. Therefore, this Stryker will be going up for sale in the near future.

21 - 40 of 52 Posts

thegreyman

· #21 · Jul 27, 2011

This is my first bike. As a result, I really don;t know any better, I have nothing to compare it too, other than the bikes I test drove. That said, I think the bike needs more power. So I added the cobra airintake, exhaust, and dyno jet power commander. My bike is in the shop getting all the goodies added to it. Will be done next week. I think you should add some mods, and get a windshield. Use this bike as your BLVD cruiser and then for the highways get a BMW or Ducati Diavel!!!

All i know is that just like bicycles one motorcycle is not enough, ie I have one road bike, one hardtail, and one fuel suspension. All used for different needs. Additionally, the same goes with cars. That's why I have a truck and a sports car. All that said, I think you need more than one motorcycle!

good luck

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StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #22 · Jul 27, 2011

thanks for the feedback all. Grey, you are so right man. This is why I am picking up my Ducati Monster Evo today! Should be fun. I think a windshield for the long rides would really help this cruiser. My Cobra air intake is arriving today so that should help with the power a bit. At the end of the day, this thing is a joy to look at everytime and rides well.

SillyFingaz

· #23 · Jul 27, 2011

I'm sorry... I keep hearing peeps complain about the power? Wait a minute.. it's a 1300CC V-Twin... What type of power are you all expecting? I think it's got great power for only a 1300. Again don't come close to my Sport bikes but I just don't understand the complaints about the power? It's perfect for a 1300CC! Get a bigger engine or a sport bike if you're looking for more. I curious as to what the star owners of the 650's, 950's and 1100's would say about the power of this bike. You bought a 1300 and you're getting the power of a 1300!

ironman1964

· #24 · Jul 27, 2011

Coming from a vstar1100 myself I can say that the stryker has way more power, and a lot smoother at highway speeds as well.

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #25 · Jul 27, 2011

SillyFingaz said:
I'm sorry... I keep hearing peeps complain about the power? Wait a minute.. it's a 1300CC V-Twin... What type of power are you all expecting? I think it's got great power for only a 1300. Again don't come close to my Sport bikes but I just don't understand the complaints about the power? It's perfect for a 1300CC! Get a bigger engine or a sport bike if you're looking for more. I curious as to what the star owners of the 650's, 950's and 1100's would say about the power of this bike. You bought a 1300 and you're getting the power of a 1300!

thanks Silly, its a matter of perspective right? I think its ok to have different opinion on things. Chill bro.

SillyFingaz

· #26 · Jul 27, 2011

No...it's not directed at you in any way.....It's just that I'm trying to figure out what all of you peeps were expecting from this bike... **** my 600RR blows the Stryker away but it's a completely different animal. I could've gotten a 1900CC but I just wanted something that had a lot more power than the 650'sto the 1100's but wouldn't kill my wallet on gas. Once I broke this ***** in, I beat the **** out of it and amVERY impressed with the torque and power for just a 1300! I'm wailing into work every morning at an average speed of 90 every day and take it up into the triples and am more than satisfied than what I originally expected. Some of those here that are complaining of the power: Take a test ride on a Kawi, Suzuki, Harley, etc within the same CC range and I guarantee you'll see and feel the difference!

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SillyFingaz

· #27 · Jul 27, 2011

Some of my cruisers and rockets:

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deadite84

· #28 · Jul 27, 2011

ive been primarilly a sports bike owner (gsxr750 to a 1000 than a busa) at which point i decided i was tired of being uncomfortable and i didnt need that kind of performance in a real world situation, so i bought a harley sportster 1200xl. I hated every second on that ugly cluncky weak piece of junk. i traded up to my stryker and i can tell ya, it has tons of torque and power for what it is. and at my size 6'2'' 260 pounds it is extremely comfortable. i love it, and it makes harleys look like junk.

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #29 · Jul 27, 2011

Silly, I hear you man and **** you have had some cool rides!

Dead, you are right, this is way better than an HD Sportster for sure. Didnt mean to stir the pot when I posted this but was merely expressing my feelings after a long weekend of riding my bike. With that said, it is still a good bike and fun to ride. My Cobra air intake arrived today so perhaps that will pep it up a bit for me. Thank you all for your input on this and hearing your perspectives really helps! Keep in mind, this is a forum and not a cult so we can agree to disagree as long as Silly is right at the end........LOL.

dejablu110

· #30 · Jul 28, 2011

Ed, I am sorry to hear of your disappointment and hope you find what makes you happy in the end. If you aren't happy now spending more money on it won't fix that......find the right fit! Maybe try a rally where you can test many type bikes.

clar2001

· #31 · Jul 28, 2011

The thing I have noticed most is how smooth this bike is on the freeway at any speed.
Has good throtal and plenty of power , however with the heavy rake and low profile it took some time to get use to a different style and handeling.

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #32 · Jul 28, 2011

Thanks Clar. I think the lack of windshield at high speeds in the cold jacked me up a bit. Happy that you are enjoying it.

canyon1

· #33 · Jul 28, 2011

You gotta respect SillyFingaz opinion cause it sure looks like he's thrown a lot of time and money on many types of machines. Sure, it's a matter of personal preference and taste for riding styles, but all bikes have their limitations. The only ones I really don't get are the adventure tourers. Unless you're going to travel through 3rd world countries on your quest to circumnavigate the globe, there's just too much compromise to adequately enjoy any one type of riding. Maybe you need a v-rod or Victory.

Raven1229

· #34 · Jul 29, 2011

I'll have to agree with the advice on the raider. My dad has a raider and I got the Stryker. Love the look of the Stryker but that raider is just a down right mean bike. Amazing power and comfort... Give it a try

dejablu110

· #35 · Jul 29, 2011

No doubt! It is amazing!

crazy8ight

· #36 · Jul 29, 2011

my wife wanted me to get the raider just cuz she liked how it looked in the showroom.. but this is my first bike, and well i dont know any different. i like how it looks cuz its different with the raked fork and all the black with the limited chrome. and now.. i just love how it rides. i've grown attached it to mind you. the only thing off the bat was i could have used just a little bit louder, but nothing V&H's cant fix. but i am very happy with my purchase.

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #37 · Jul 29, 2011

Ok maybe I should not have started this topic and perhaps spoke out of line when I was tired. I installed the Cobra air intake today and it has brought some zip to the bike. The Power Commander is working well with this intake and the power and smoothness of the engine is very obvious. The install was simple due to the great instructions provided by Cobra. The unit and parts are well made for sure.

I love the new look and the new feel of the bike. Sorry for stirring things up guys!

SillyFingaz

· #38 · Jul 29, 2011

For that, you have to treat each and every one that posted on this thread to a Lobster dinner!

ironman1964

· #39 · Jul 29, 2011

StrykED. Glad you are seeing things differently. I too am impressed with this bike after the cobra fi2000r and the air intake. Loved the bike before, and now really love it. I just can't wait for the pipes to come in.....but of course it looks like I am going to have to wait some more

StrykEd

Discussion Starter · #40 · Jul 29, 2011

SillyFingaz said:
For that, you have to treat each and every one that posted on this thread to a Lobster dinner!

yes sir!

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