[Derek Short]

Located here in the lovely So-Cal and looking to pick up a new bike.

My boss has a 09' blue yamaha raider and let me take it for a spin around the block a month back or so.... recently he has been telling me about the yamamha stryker and hes got me looking... im pretty much sold on the all black model.

some of my background riding history is grew up on motorcross...
purchased a r6 raven in my early 20's almost killed myself a few times and sold that within the first year.
currently in late 20's and have a DRZ400SM

now looking to get a cruiser type bike now to ride with as well.

now for questions....

should i look to buy new or used???
from what i see online they all seem to be priced around $10,900
ive seen a few used ones for sale but they are not much cheaper than that price....
for those of you who purchased your bikes new were you able to get the dealer to work much on the price? or they pretty much firm on that price and have very little room to work with?

also are there any difference in the 2011, 2012, 2013 models?

for those of you who have had your bikes for a bit any issues with them?

any other great advice you guys can toss my way would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!

 

[reedyjm]

Hey Derek. I come from a similar background. MX, sportbike, supermoto, etc. The Stryker is a great bike. I had an 08 Raider and that was terrific as well. The Stryker is one of the best "bang for the buck" bikes I have ever had.

In my area, a new '12 model can be had in the sub 10k range all day long. Not sure about SoCal though. Used bikes are certainly out there. Just a matter of luck/chance.

'11, 12, 13 models are the same. They have just gotten the BNG(bold new graphics) treatment.

Good luck!

 

[kraaazymike]

I bought my bike in San Juan Capistrano last year at 10,200 otd. Don't expect any killer deals from dealerships here. Best buy it lightly used and save a couple grand. They pop up every once in a while. The only differences between the years so far are the color schemes.

Good luck!

 

[Derek Short]

thanks for the info so far guys!

gonna make a stop by the dealer this weekend and see what they got and what kidna pricing they can do. also going to keep checking CL. im willing to travel to get a great bike. i purchased my SM up in nor-cal and was able to get the guy to meet me half way. paid him a few extra bucks for doing so but was worth it.

if you guys know of any great bikes for sale in the so-cal area lmk i prefer not to have to travel to far but am willing to do so for the right bike.

 

[nogard]

Good luck on the purchase. Should easily get a 2011 for under 9k

 

[Strykeback]

Welcome Derek

I'm in south OC. Just bought my used 12 copper last month and feel i got a fair deal with the added accessories. You picked a great time to buy as its a slow season for cruiser sales. If you are sold on black especially a 13 you are not going to get dealers to come down much. There are no incentives from the factory on 13's yet. I was looking at a new copper in San Juan Capistrano and the dealer had a firm price before the new year. Eight weeks later I see he lowered it $500 which may have changed my decision to go new. (still would have cost me more but closed the gap) The black sells the easier and faster and dealers sell more of them ( regardless of make/ model). For the best deals look at a 12 or 11 and other colors.

 

[WOLFStryke]

last week there was a new 2011 blue one on ebay for $7800 zero miles. I beleive it was in Ohio so shipping would be necessary

 

[Strykeback]

last week there was a new 2011 blue one on ebay for $7800 zero miles. I beleive it was in Ohio so shipping would be necessary

On that note, there are 49 state bikes and a California version with a special VIN and emissions sticker along with a emissions canister for CA. You may have an issue getting it registered with DMV initially. There is a loophole to get around this per another member on this site but I think it involves registering it out of state in your name first for a period of time. Too much hassle for me to save a few hundred bucks. Just beware of buying non CA bikes.

 

[kraaazymike]

Welcome Derek
I was looking at a new copper in San Juan Capistrano and the dealer had a firm price before the new year. Eight weeks later I see he lowered it $500 which may have changed my decision to go new.

That's the same place I got mine. They're actually great people. I didn't have a ride down there and I told them if they could pick me up in Anaheim I'd buy a Stryker in cash. They picked my 'ass up an hour later at my door :thumb:

 

[Skwerlee]

On that note, there are 49 state bikes and a California version with a special VIN and emissions sticker along with a emissions canister for CA. You may have an issue getting it registered with DMV initially. There is a loophole to get around this per another member on this site but I think it involves registering it out of state in your name first for a period of time. Too much hassle for me to save a few hundred bucks. Just beware of buying non CA bikes.

God I love TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kraaazymike]

God I love TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's the price I pay with having great riding weather all year long without the humidity you get. I have to live with hippies and abide by their rules.

 

[BOOLSHOT]

Located here in the lovely So-Cal and looking to pick up a new bike.

My boss has a 09' blue yamaha raider and let me take it for a spin around the block a month back or so.... recently he has been telling me about the yamamha stryker and hes got me looking... im pretty much sold on the all black model.

some of my background riding history is grew up on motorcross...
purchased a r6 raven in my early 20's almost killed myself a few times and sold that within the first year.
currently in late 20's and have a DRZ400SM

now looking to get a cruiser type bike now to ride with as well.

now for questions....

should i look to buy new or used???
from what i see online they all seem to be priced around $10,900
ive seen a few used ones for sale but they are not much cheaper than that price....
for those of you who purchased your bikes new were you able to get the dealer to work much on the price? or they pretty much firm on that price and have very little room to work with?

also are there any difference in the 2011, 2012, 2013 models?

for those of you who have had your bikes for a bit any issues with them?

any other great advice you guys can toss my way would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!

Where in So. Cal are you? I had an 09 DRZ400S before this bike. I am sure the SM is a smoother ride on the freeways than the S, but the Stryker is a million times better. Not as maneuverable of course, but so much smoother, comfortable, and when you are going 75mph.. you aren't revving the piss out of the motor, you have power to spare.. The DRZ was the only other bike I ever had, so I am not sure how the Stryker compares to other styles, but from what the guys have said on here... it's one of the best riding bikes out there. Great choice.. Good luck in your search. I got mine in Simi Valley last year.. It was on sale for $9500.. it's a Raven '11. Check ebay.. I have seen some pretty cheap ones.

 

[Derek Short]

That's the same place I got mine. They're actually great people. I didn't have a ride down there and I told them if they could pick me up in Anaheim I'd buy a Stryker in cash. They picked my 'ass up an hour later at my door :thumb:

lol that is awesome! :nod:

 

[Derek Short]

Where in So. Cal are you? I had an 09 DRZ400S before this bike. I am sure the SM is a smoother ride on the freeways than the S, but the Stryker is a million times better. Not as maneuverable of course, but so much smoother, comfortable, and when you are going 75mph.. you aren't revving the piss out of the motor, you have power to spare.. The DRZ was the only other bike I ever had, so I am not sure how the Stryker compares to other styles, but from what the guys have said on here... it's one of the best riding bikes out there. Great choice.. Good luck in your search. I got mine in Simi Valley last year.. It was on sale for $9500.. it's a Raven '11. Check ebay.. I have seen some pretty cheap ones.

im in the san diego area.

my drz400sm has been re-geared so its not 2 terribly bad on the freeway. but i hear ya about revving the crap out of them. i mostly have it for canyon fun and putting around town here and there...



my boss has got me itching to get a cruiser also and enjoy the best of both worlds.

my boss owns a yamaha raider and has let me ride it a few times.
he has me thinking about maybe getting a raider instead but personally i think it may be a little bit 2 much bike for me. but i would like to get on a stryker first and see... not in a rush to buy one just yet. so i want to make sure before i plop down the cash for one i am sure its what i want.

my question for all of you out there why did you chose the stryker over a raider?????


thanks to all the other posters about the great info. much appreciated guys!

 

[BOOLSHOT]

Better price on the Stryker, but to be honest, I think I would of bought the Stryker even without the price difference. I prefer water cooled..and I just like the look of the Stryker better. They do have a similar look, but its the little details that I think look better on the Stryker. I haven't tried a Raider, so I can't say what one rides nicer, but that would vary on rider anyway.

 

[Axorr]

I chose the Stryker because of the water liquid engine as well. Iwas looking at all bikes with displacement in the 1200 to 1500 range. The Stryker had styling that was very different from the rest in that range - and it just 'fit' me better. I like the lower seat and the stretched out front end - and the wider tires.

 

[Strykeback]

Before I bought I had a chance to drive the Raider back to back with Stryker when the demo truck was in town. I am new rider but did not feel the Raider was too much by any means. Lots of power when you need it but very manageable. For me the Stryker was more city friendly. Easy to throw around, maneuvered easier in traffic and just being out of a MSF class it felt I had been riding for years. For me it was a sensible choice with price and to keep my speed addiction in place. The price thing was tough because I found a 0 mile Raider for only $2500 more but when I checked insurance prices the average was $300-350 a year more for those extra CCs. I also became Anti-chrome and love the blacked out look. Your gonna have to like a lot of chrome with the Raider. And while it maybe silly it bugged me the speedometer was on the tank with the Raider. With my full face helmet I had to tilt my head down and take my attention from the road to see it. The Stryker has on the handle bars and I can see it with a quick bounce of the eyes without moving my head.

 

[immortal13]

God I love TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No doubt man. If I had to put up with all that I would get the **** outta there. F#ck all that b.s.

 

[Stryker Lunatic]

God I love TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

x2 :thumb::nod:

 

[Skwerlee]

No doubt man. If I had to put up with all that I would get the **** outta there. F#ck all that b.s.

amen brother!