[slamm215]

Hey guys I've been stuck on a decision for the last couple months.....should I buy a Stryker or a Raider. Before the Stryker came out I had my eye set on the Raider, but every since I saw the first pictures of the Stryker I've been torn. I like the look of the Raven stryker over the raider, but I'm worried about what I'll give up in size/power. I'm 6'4 240lbs and I ride two up on occasion. I went down to the dealer and sat on both of them back to back and really they seem pretty similar in the saddle. My question is will the stryker be enough engine for me? The fact that some have labeled the stryker as a girl's bike also makes me second guess it as well. My last bike was an 1100 honda shadow but I was never 100% satisfied with the amount of power it had. I'd appreciate any opinions you guys have on the subject. Thanks for your help in solving my little dilemma.

Brian 8)

 

[dejablu110]

http://www.yamahastarstryker.com/index.php/topic,294.msg3256.html#msg3256
here you go.....this was discussed in another thread...persoanlly I love my raider
and I have not heard ANYONE refer to the stryker as a girls bike......the fury, is a
different story though

 

[ironman1964]

I am pretty similar to you in size and I do not feel like the bike is lacking in power at all. I am coming from a vstar 1100 that I always felt was a little weak especially at the top end, and this bike has power to spare all the way. I'm sure the Raider has even that much more power, but in the end it all depends on what works for you. I haven't seen anyone literally say "girls bike", but the term "baby raider" has been thrown around. I don't have much respect for people who have to cut down other people's rides, and when it becomes a "size" issue, well they are usually compensating for something else.

 

[dejablu110]

I gave an honest opinion on both in that other thread and someone took it
wrong.......that's all I do, as stated before, I love all bikes but sill tell it like I see it.
Sorry if it offends.

 

[dejablu110]

Id have to say for you to do some research.....as I did before my purchase
You are welcome to browse here and the raider forum
www.roadstarraider.com you will gain more insight from the people who
own and love each bike.

 

[slamm215]

Thanks for your input guys. Really I'm sure I'd be happy with either bike. I just don't want to regret purchasing the stryker and long for a raider. The extra $2-4K in my pocket does sweeten the deal though
@Ironman: Do you ever ride 2up?

 

[ironman1964]

Slamm,

I have only had one chance to take my wife for a ride since I got the bike(about a month ago). I did feel that it had plenty of power, which was another area that my vstar did not.

 

[chris]

I'm 6'4 220 and my wife is around 110 pounds, we got the stryker and It has more then enough power with both of us on it I can't tell the difference from her being on it to me driving solo. I to was in your situation I sat on both and they felt pretty much the same. My buddy had just purchased a stryker so he let me test drive it and that was it the next day I bought one. The stryker has more of a chopper feel with the drive ability of a sporty bike.

 

[dejablu110]

I really dont think you would be disappointed in either bike.
The raider handles extremely well also.

 

[ares x]

I own a Raider and I wouldn't give it up for any other bike. And even though my wife owns a Stryker, the Stryker is by no means a "girl's bike". I have ridden her Stryker a few times and back when I rode her V-Star 650 I felt awkward and did not want anyone to see me because the bike just didn't fit. I do not feel that way in the slightest riding her Stryker. I am proud to ride it. It's a bad ass bike.

Which would I recommend? Probably the Raider because I love the power and the look and I get a ton of compliments everywhere I go, but now so does she.

I seriously don't think you'll regret either of these wonderful machines.

 

[ktmmarco]

I've ridden both and picked the Stryker. I've rented the Raider four times when I travel up to the Pacific NorthWest and rode the North Cascades with trips to Grand Coulee. Love the Raider but always returned it with the thought of "If only Yamaha made a lighter, smaller, more nimble version" and do I really need 1800+cc's of power. A month after I came back from the last trip in 2010, I saw the first pictures and reports of the Stryker and thought that's the one. After seeing it in person at the Motorcycle show in Dallas last year that did it for me. I love it and would make the same decision again.

 

[roger]

I agree with KT although you are bigger than me you might find the raider easy to handle. To me on my stryker it's like 5th gear is an over drive gear i rarely use it the bike only likes it when i'am on the highway going above 65-70 mph.

 

[KenMcCoy]

I think it really comes down to which one you think looks better. For me, the Stryker looks more aggressive and the raider more laid back. As for the size; the Stryker may be smaller than the raider, but it is still bigger and more powerful than anything in HD's line up (excluding the v rods and 35k cvo's).

 

[chubbleyum]

im a small guy so i didnt have the choice. rode my brothers 08 Raider and it didnt fit me or I would have bought one too, loved the power. hate to say it but i think a guy of your size would be better on the Raider.

 

[Cuz I Ken]

Well I am 6'4" 265 and I think it has plenty of power for me and also my wife when she rides! Combined we are 415lbs and I dont see any problems with power! See how I was nice and didnt say how much she weighed. Such a good husband! lol

Only issue I had was footpeg placement but i think the 3" extentions will fix that. The Floorboards have made a major difference in the feel of the bike. Alot more comfort on those long rides.

 

[dejablu110]

I am only 5'6" and I love my raider. I was disappointed in the stryker power.

 

[AHam]

I don't know about the Raider's power, but I'm pushing 300 lbs and my Stryker has enough power to snap my head. And I do 75 mph just fine. Comfort is where I'd make my choice.

 

[dejablu110]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.....do your homework and pick the best for YOU. You will get as many different opinions as people here.

 

[AHam]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.....do your homework and pick the best for YOU. You will get as many different opinions as people here.

Hey Deja, you're absolutely right, I think there's an addage about opinions, something everyone has, and something about smell. LOL

 

[dejablu110]

No doubt.