Howdy Folks - I gotta a couple of questions about the Raider.....

[Strider]

I am new to this board, but not to BigBikeRiders. I know Lamonster and ride a Valkyrie at present. I tend to be a long haul cruiser and have a couple of questions about the Raider.

I love the look of the Raider and think that Yamaha did an awesome job with her. I love the style and from what I read, she is a very dependable, well engineered bike. To start off with, I am 6' 2" and about 250 lbs. I average around 15-25,000 miles a year in the saddle.

Ok, now the questions....I know I don't have to ask what you think of the Raider since you own one. ;D

What is the Raider like on a long haul? Comfortable? Has anyone done much touring on one? Is this the right bike for touring? Is vibration an issue?

What is the air cooled engine like? I have been riding water cooled for so long, I don't even remember what an air cooled engine is like. Any problems with overheating in traffic?

I will eventually sell the Valkyrie and am looking at either the Raider or the M109 at present. Both are awesome rides I hear. I have sat on both and like the feel of both but have yet to test ride either.

Ok, so pros and cons - what are the good and bad points found thus far on the Raider?

Thanks in advance! Keep this board going - I have been guesting here for awhile! ;D

Thanks again! Safe winds everyone!!!!

http://photo.vrccservices.com/albums/userpics/11437/100_3630.jpg

[gman]

The Raider will make a nice ride for you. As you know you will want to mod it to fit your needs for touring. Seat, Bars, Windshield, Floorboards etc... You have a nice looking Valkerie.

[RuneRaider0508]

We have a lot in common, I to know Lamonte, I own a Honda Rune, last of the Valks (which I would NEVER part with) use to OWN a M-109 and now own a 2008 RED Raider. I'm 6'4" and 250#. Man we must be "TWINS" Of course I'm the better looking one!
I haven't put any long miles on the Raider yet, but I didn't buy it for that reason, I have the "RUNE" for that situation. But would recommend it to you if you are looking for this style of bike. If your concerned about "VIBRATION" Stay away from the M-109, Next to a Harley it SHAKES more than any other bike I have ever riden on, and believe me I have been on a few, this makes my 50th year on Two wheels.
I too hope this board survives Lets all do what we can to make it so
Give the Raider a try, I have seen a few set up for touring and they looked great.

.

[redstarraider]

PLEASE DONT F UP YOUR RAIDER BY PUTTING BAGS AND A WINDSHEILD ON IT. I JUST CANT UNDERSTAND YOU PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE A BAGGER OUT OF A RAIDER LEAVE IT ALONE AND ENJOY IT HOW IT IS FOR WHAT IT IS. DUMMIES!

[gman]

I installed the Yamaha 14" Quick Release Windshield and it looks great. Feels great too. Now I'm not a fan of the Yamaha saddle bags for the Raider, so I'll use a tail bag. Easy on and easy off for both. Different strokes for different folks.

[RaiderJohn]

I have had no trouble with the air-cooled V-twin. I have both the Raider and the Stratoliner. Mountain riding with two up in hot weather has not been a problem --- on the Stratoliner. I use the Raider for day trips with one up and the Strat for longer hauls with two up. Neither have been anything but a joy to ride.

I'm another one of the Raider Riders who will NOT bugger up a bike that is more chopper than tourer with bags and a shield, that is what my Strat is for. Same big V-twin, same belt drive, but bigger gas tank, floorboards, touring riding position for both riders, and it is desgned/syled for bags and a windscreen. Take a look at the Corbin website to see what they can do with a Roadliner/Stratoliner. They can do the same thing to a Raider, but why do it? If you want fists and fae in the wind and feet forward, ride a Raider. If you want a salon, get something else.

Just my opinion...and we all have one.

[dmritter1]

I am 6'-1" 260#s and have been riding my Raider S for over a year. I have made several trips on the Raider. The trips are 400 miles one way and it is do-able. I bought the Raider for one purpos, I wanted a chopper style bike without spending a fortune. I do not like the big cruisers but would probably enjoy the big bike on trips. I put on the removable windshield and sisy bars that are made for the Raider. To tell you the truth, the bike looks great with them on and they do function well on trips. The sissy bar allows me to put my luggage behind me and that acts a backrest that really improves the comfort level. Add that to the frame mounted highway pegs, it works very well on the trip. I do have to stop about every 100 miles for refuling but after a 100 miles, you are ready for a stop. I live in North Texas and ride my bike down to South Texas during the spring and summer months and the bike does real well. No problems after about 4 trips. The only thing I hate about the Raider so far is the oil change aspect. There is one bolt that is a pain to get to for the drainage. A good jack would help that out for sure. Oh well, if you get a Raider, enjoy it!

[gostr8r]

I know wasn't a very popular thing to do. I was going to get a full touring kit on the Strat' but then I saw the Raider and fell in love with it. Riding it sealed the deal for the wife and I. The Corbin kit for it was also very attractive so I went that route and then some. Kim has four rides of 400 to 500 a day without wining, or soreness and I have 21K in the saddle now on it, with one 850 mile day on the stock seat. My ride last month from Orlando to the Minnesota state line and back proved to me that it was a very touring friendly set-up and I wouldn't go back to the sweet Strat' now even if I had the chance. I'll be doing a Saddle Sore Iron Butt Ride on it during my Alaska trip in July. It was a personal choice not made to impress anyone else but the wife and I. I have 3 trophies now with the SNOHOG [is not hog]. If I had the means I would buy another Raider and make a solo street fighter style hotrod with it. No regrets or apologies at all!