[Misnthropia]

So here in Australia, we need to ride little 650cc bikes for a few years and I looked like a huge bear on a scooter. Passed my upgrade test in December and was immediately looking for a new bike. Test rode a Victory Jackpot before I stumbled across a Stryker and it was a very hard battle picking between them. In the end, black > chrome.

Picked this up from a guy interstate, 11,000kms on it (7000ish miles for the non superior metric users ) Got it far cheaper than the dealership I test rode one at and it has most of the basic stuff done to it. Best part is, it looks absolutely brand new.

• Vance and Hines Pipes
• PowerCommander V
• Justified Cruiser Customs Tail Tidy
• LED Headlight
• Battery charger under seat

Next:

• Take it in for a service and look over
• Justified Cruiser Customs Forward Controls - Ordered
• Look at perhaps getting the seat redone to better suit me.
• 240 rear tyre (this one looks fairly new).
• Get rid of the last bits of chrome - handlebar bar ends, headlight trim, forks.
• Id like a hypercharger but seems finding one for a stryker is quite difficult now.

Wouldnt mind some of the Low and Mean stuff - but shipping just makes them a bit silly priced.

 

[Draeger]

Congrats! Fine lookin' ride.

Since you seem to be a fella who likes nice looking de-chromed bikes... Notice how the rear brake disc inner is a silver giant finned plate thing offsetting the rest of the bike visuals? You can either buy a black one from Yamaha, paint it, or remove it entirely.

 

[Misnthropia]

the rear brake disc inner is a silver giant finned plate thing

It'll vanish when I do the rear tyre, Im waiting for the control extension to arrive, but we have to take our bikes in for a full safety check when we buy/sell a vehicle. Im lowkey hoping they tell me it needs a rear tyre just to make me to do it.

But also not because I just spent 12 grand -.-

 

[Last1]

Sharp ride, congrats. By the way, the forward control extensions have become one of my favorite mods on this bike, totally made it more comfortable

 

[Misnthropia]

the forward control extensions have become one of my favorite mods on this bike, totally made it more comfortable

Yeah i kinda dont really have a choice either. I have to physically move my entire leg, instead of simply moving my feet. I can operate the bike fine enough but japanese bikes just arent made for 6 foot 5 guys.

Even the Jackpot I rode I would've needed to move it forward slightly. I came off a Kawasaki Vulcan 650 and it had all the extended parts. Really keen to do it, then once that changes the seating position ill look at the seat and see if I need to bother. Might just be one of those really down the line things thats nice to upgrade rather than need to do.

 

[Last1]

japanese bikes just arent made for 6 foot 5 guys.

True statement. I’m only 6’, so I can imaging the challenge you face to ride comfortably. One is almost compelled to go with a bigger bike just to stretch out. The most comfortable bike I ever owned was a Suzuki Boulevard C109R - that bike was huge

 

[Misnthropia]

True statement. I’m only 6’, so I can imaging the challenge you face to ride comfortably. One is almost compelled to go with a bigger bike just to stretch out. The most comfortable bike I ever owned was a Suzuki Boulevard C109R - that bike was huge

Eh the Stryker is a pretty decent size, its almost the same length as the C109, I actually test rode one and it was probably the comfiest bike I have ever ridden, however I didnt like the styling, it just looked a bit too "old". Its just the foot control placement and we can fix that fairly easily.

Reality is, the bikes that are made for me are those baggers like an Indian Challenger or Cheiftan and I just dont like them, theyre too bulky and not sure how much they are in the US, but we pay through the nose for them here. 40k is just getting started on one. I also wanted to avoid Harley (which is why I was looking at Victory's - I actually love the High Ball but it was just a bit too small).

 

[plisken]

Hi welcome!. Big GS's or similars maybe are better suited for taller guys but aren't our game, right?. True that the stryker is not short at all, ergo at ride is a personal thing..; In first rides I encountered handlebar too much raked and replaced for a more straight one, just my habits!.
The closets thing to a hypercharger is the Cobra powrflo but I don't know If It's on sale.
A friend has a High ball, a similar one CC apart, a very clean bike in design and detail.

 

[Misnthropia]

In first rides I encountered handlebar too much raked and replaced for a more straight one, just my habits!.

Yeah that is also on the list maybe at some stage. Drag bars would be my preference over apes, but from what ive read, the mounting of the speedo is somewhat a hassle.

 

[plisken]

Yeah that is also on the list maybe at some stage. Drag bars would be my preference over apes, but from what ive read, the mounting of the speedo is somewhat a hassle.

True, easiest way It's a handlebar/risers combo inserting a thin (better steel) speedo's adhoc bracket in the risers and not changing his place.
I preferred the hard way..

 

[Misnthropia]

Been incredibly hot and steamy here for the past few weeks, wet season here in northern Australia, 35 degrees Celsius+ and 90% humidity.

FInally got a chance to go for a bit of a ride the other day where the leather jacket wouldnt just stick to my skin.

 

[plisken]

Having a varied winter here in your antípodes, north or Spain, co!d weeks, others not so. Days get longer, good!. I must start thinking about my spring ride!.