[Stacydmcc]

I have been looking for a bike off and on for about 2 years. Not real serious but a kind of "if it really strikes me then I will get it" type of thing. Well...the Stryker struck me. I really like the bike and the dealer is offering me a dang good price. My only concern is the comfort on a long distance ride. I am talking 300-400 miles in a day. Or more. A buddy of mine and I are planning to ship the bikes up to Alaska and ride back over an expanded period of time. He just bought a used 2007 v-star 1100 all decked out. It is a nice bike and I like it and it sure looks comfortable...but I don't love it. I would much rather have something like the styker. I think it will be a bike that I will enjoy even after I return from the trip. He was looking at the stryker too but he plans on selling his bike when he gets back so he opted for the cheaper path. I don't plan on selling so I want to get what I want and look good on my trip. 8)

I am just wondering if I will be okay with the stryker. I know it won't be as comfortable as the big cruiser bikes. I just don't want to buy it and then be absolutely wore out after a day of riding.

You guys got any input? I really do like the bike. I would put a passenger back rest on it and figure out a way to have a driver back rest. even if it is my backpack stuffed with clothes and a sleeping bag . I will be getting a windshield too. Don't think I can handle the wind beating on me for 5,400 miles.

 

[wlfpak65]

Check It Out.... I Bought My Bike On March 22nd Over 2Mo Ago...... If This Doesn't Answer Your Question The I Dunno lol

 

[wlfpak65]

I Have 4,600 Mi On It Now...... Rode From San Diego To El Centro CA. About 220mi Distance Total Their n Back And I Was Good.... No Numbing Of The Butt For Me lol

 

[Kollar]

I ride to work twice per week - about 100km (60mi) each way - perfect bike. Went on long ride (from London ON to Michigan and back) - bout 6 hours round trip a couple of weeks ago. We found the last hour or so to be a bit much - especially for my girlfriend. Since then, have done the peg relocation which she feels will be a huge help. Will be trying a longer round trip next weekend pending good weather. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Stacydmcc]

Thanks for the input. That makes me feel a little better. We will take breaks to break up the mileage so I think that will help too. I don't plan on have a passenger much but I do think that I will get highway bars for the trip. They will at least provide an additional place to rest my feet. You guys got an suggestion on things to make it better for the long trip. Below is a list of options I am considering (please feel free to suggest any brand or type you would recommend for anything below or anything you think I need and don't have listed).

1.) 22" Tall windshield
2.) Passenger back rest with rear luggage rack (so I can have a bag facing forward for me to lean against and a bag facing backwards for additional storage)
3.) Was considering the small yamamha cruiselite side bags for additional storage but I don't know that I need them.
4.) Highway bars. I saw a black set on ebay that looked pretty nice. They look like they would provide an additional place to rest my feet.
5.) Soft seat of some kind?????

Anything I am forgetting?

 

[11Stryker]

Tall Backrest for sure.

 

[backinblack]

I rode from Huntsville AL to Panama City Florida and it was great. For a stock seat, its pretty comfy. I got a Kuryakyn Ultra tour bag and it attaches easliy to the back rest. I think you cant go round with the Stryker.

 

[iweldit]

I'll second what backinblack said. I also have the ultra tour bag and also the daily tour bag (will post some pics soon-on a bike trip now as I type on phone) and they are working out great. Also the bike is plenty comfy, we have been riding the roads around asheville, NC for several hours a day for the last three days (1 more to go then back to the real world unless I can win the lottery and turn this into a full-time gig), and I haven't had any problems yet.

 

[Stacydmcc]

thank for all the replies. I feel a lot better about going ahead and buying the stryker. I took my buddies v-star 1100 out for a 52 mile ride tonight. I was comfotable but I sure like the seating position of the stryker. The back of the seat on the stryker actual gives more lumber support than his does. You sit pretty straight up and down on his bike and I found myself slumping over a lot.

I will google the ultra tour bag and the daily tour bag. Thanks for advice.

 

[Stacydmcc]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I pick up my new Raven Stryker last night. I have been reviewing a lot of threads and getting a lot of ideas. Now I have TOO many decisions to make. But that's half the fun right.

anyway...thanks again for the help and if you have any more suggestions feel free to throw them my way.

 

[11Stryker]

You picked the right color friend!!

 

[Stacydmcc]

I think so. I was really torn between the black and orange. Even changed my mind twice while on the phone with the dealer telling him to get the paperwork ready. lol I figured if I ever wanted orange I could paint it. then I would have a blacked out orange bike. I think that would look nice.