Raider vs. Stryker! Side by Side Comparison 0-60 Yamaha Battle! Which is Better or Best Walk Around 

Which is your poison? Stryker or Raider?

I love my Stryker. I wasn't afraid of the Raider, I just thought it was overkill. The Stryker looks great and runs great, and I commute on it throughout the week and tear it up on the twisty mountain roads on the weekends. Love it.

Both are awesome bikes. If you are an exoerienced rider it would be a matter of choice. Stykers are 1300 (80 cu.in) with the speedo on the bars and are liquid cooled. Raiders are 1900 (113 cu.in) aircooled with the speedo on the tank. They both pull hard when you want them to. I think they handle the same which is amazingly good considering the rake. But Yamaha designed it that way. Yamahas transmissions can't be beat. They shift nice with a definitie "rap" into gear that is smooth and yet deliberate. The Raider seeming a little bit more refined. You can't go wrong with either bike. Additionally, I do want to point out that though the Stryker has lower displacement, by being liquid cooled it generates a lot of power. The air cooled Raider has the beef to back it up... But in the heat of the summer... Sitting at a stop light on a Raider, you can definitely feel the "hot" blooded beast that makes you want that light to turn quick. Lol

My wife and I test drove both the Raider and the Stryker, we bought 2 raiders. Awesome Bikes. She went from a 650 to the Raider, I went from an 1100 to the Raider. Never looked back.

I have a 2017 Stryker, and it is a badass machine. Can't believe Yamaha stopped making them. Not a fan of their new lineup, but I'll keep my Stryker for the rest of my life so it doesn't matter to me, I guess.

Would have loved to see a Warrior in this line up as well. As an owner of one, I'm just curious where it stands with these two.

Videos don't do these bikes justice! You need to see one in person to really appreciate the size of these monsters! Truly a work of art for a factory bike.

Yamaha 1300 engine is just amazing. Blows all other engines of similar cc away. That being said, the raider 1900 is just a monster. You do the Ivan's tune, and it's unbelievable.

It's crazy how fast my taste in motorcycles have changed in just like 5 years. I used to loathe cruisers and nakeds, now they're my favorite. Next year I'm gunna be all about a touring bike. Or an adventure bike!

Just brought a Stryker after recommendations for you Jon after you gave me your thoughts on a warrior , Stryker and Boulevard 109 R . Compared to my VStar 650 its like a V8 muscle car , sounds great ,looks good ( ordered some low and mean parts as soon as i got home ) Let a work mate who just recently road a night train 1800 kms ride it and give me his thoughts and he was absolutely blown away Ive only ever ridden my 2018 Vstar 650 and my wifes 2023 Vulcan S 650 so i didnt have much to compare it to in terms . Needless to say i was pleasantly surprised with his response but it did get me wondering watching your reviews on the Boulevard and Warrior how fast those things must be. Think I'll try and test ride those out of curiosity Would love a Raider but can't get one in Aus Keep up the great channel and by the way I never really knew much about Japanese cruisers but after watching your channel and SKR Cycles can honestly say im glad i do now . Excellent bang for your buck - saved me thousands on buying a Harley

Own a 2011 Stryker, handful of mods...gotta say, my absolute favorite bike. It just looks so good and has great power. I have forward controls and that little bit of extra stretch makes all the difference for any sort of long hauls. Would love to own a raider for weekend rides though. Great video!

i bought the Yamaha Stratoliner S Model with the added chrome and absolutely love it! Same engine as the Raider but i believe its geared and tuned different and thats what gives it a little more power (someone please correct me if im wrong about that) but whenever i do get another bike im definitely getting a Raider. These bikes are so dependable and honestly they all 3 look Amazing! And you can't beat the power these things are putting out while having the unique looks they do. I highly recommend all 3 of these Yamahas. I love Harleys as much as the next person but i'll take these on the long rides over a Harley anyday.

I bought the 2015 Raider Cowl new. I traded in my 2015 Vstrom 1000 for her. I love both bikes. Yes a lot of people never heard of a Raider or did think she is a Harley.

My wife’s got the Stryker and I have the Raider two beautiful bikes. I’ve owned more than my fair share of cruisers and these are my favourites. Top 5 cruisers for me are 1 Raider 2 Stryker 3 Honda Fury 4 M109r 5 Yamaha Warrior.

Three seasons with it and I’m still in love with it. Me and the Raider will stick together for a very long time. I have the 2008 and will buy a younger one next year or in two years. I’m sad that they stopped to do it because it’s a bike apart. It’s a master stroke from Yamaha. And I love so much the stock pipes, I don’t want to change them. The only thing that annoying me is the sewing machine sound.

I just got myself an '08 Raider S. Oh my GOD! She's dragon that should have been left slumbering. She came with a full exhaust swap and Cobra power commander chip. As well as a sexy fat 240 rear tire. She ROARS, GRIOS, and RIPS! It feels as if I'd look back and see her throwing asphalt. I'm in love! Coming from my old Yamaha Bolt makes her seem only meaner. 😎

I am not into the fairings that come on the touring models. But I use my Raider for long rides and will be riding from Austin to Colorado next month. You stated it's not good for touring but you can go on long rides. I am glad you cleaned up that comment. I changed out the stock seat for Mustang Wide Touring seat and I can ride for hours without numb butt. The engine is more than big enough for long rides, no fairing so it doesn't look like an old man's bike, just change the seat for more comfort and enjoy loooooooooong rides. I only ride Raiders have owned more than one and have owned Hondas, Kawasaki, and Harley, kept the Raider, wrecked on Raider got another Raider. 💨

i had a Yamaha Stryker 2012.. i sold it to get back to a sport bike ( zx10r ) biggest regret of my life. Well… im selling the zx now and even though i loved my Stryker, im picking up a raider next saturday. 2011 Yamaha Raider with 17 on the odo and im excited as hell. wanted to try out the raider but now if i some how dont like it ill sell it and get a stryker🤝

I bought a 2012 Stryker, added sweeps, upgraded air filter, and a power commander. Custom paint, and it's so fun and comfortable! I'll never sell it...

Coming back a year later and I still think the Stryker is the better choice. If I want a human catapult I’ll go with the 109r.

I have had 2 strykers , I still have 1 left, I have absolutely zero regrets. In my opinion the Stryker is a better looking bike. More nimble too with plenty of power.

As far as I know the Yamaha Stryker was not an EU model, and so probably never officially imported by Yamaha EU in to the EU (I could be wrong though). We did have the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog, which, again, is a typical European bike designed for the European continent, and who knows maybe was available in different locations across the globe as well. The general statement I am about to make is this: The models and makes available to your very specific country may be just exactly that and No more than that ! and be aware of that fact that every importer makes choices based up on the market out of all available models and makes. So for example; Yamaha motors: there are so many models that are very normal to you in the USA but never to be seen here in Europe since the local Yamaha EU importer decided not to import these models and the other way around is valid as well. So many models that are known to us here in Europe; you never may have heard about, or not even have seen in your life. Sometimes local importers: say Yamaha Canada, can import certain Yamaha's, which are not imported in to the USA: Take the Yamaha MT-01 as an example. And maybe this also works the other way around as well. So do not think that the bikes you can choose from are actually the current global Yamaha assortment; All possible models. No; you will only be able to choose from the list of imported models especially for your country, which obviously can be different from the country next door (like Canada)

Jon, what is old is new - You should have had a stroliner in this mix, or Stratoliner vs Raider.

Man, I really like the Raider with a tail look of the Stryker. :). Thx for sharing video bud.

I love my 2012 Raider. Best bike I've ever rode. I've even gone on a coast run with her 2 ½ hrs

Awesome review, Jon. How about a side by side of you and Raider-Bro doing a head to head through some Twisties , so us groupies can see how the bikes handle through the curves, etc? Ciao.

i'm very much a guy that likes to change bikes ev couple years,going through several diff hd's over twenty year period,always favored dyna n sportster models,loved em,i've had this raider couple years now,getting that familiar itch,but man i look at the raider,read reviews,watch vids like yours about them,and i think it'd be very hard to match this bike,feel like it'd be a mistake to sell it just to get another,the urge calms,i'm satisfied,love the raider.have cobra curved exhaust,really liking the 2 into 1 systems,might do that

I believe 2006 was the first year for the Yamaha 1854cc aircooled engine. As I mentioned earlier, the Fury, (or Stateline) and the Stryker are the two you should spend time comparing.

I've been riding for 30 years. Recently went from a FZ1 and now on a Stryker. I love the bike. I honestly don't feel that much power difference between my Stryker and any other Big Bore Harley. Torque numbers are obviously higher on the big bikes, but the HP isn't great on any of them. If you want a fast bike with a V Twin, these are not your bikes. Ducati and KTM have the HP V Twin Market. I'd love to see a side by side drag race with the Raider and Stryker all the same to actually see the results.

i agree, to big of a bike for ones experience seems to be a real issue.considering the concequences if you get it wrong in busy traffic.i had a friend with no experience at the tim lookin for a harley dyna.he bought an 883 sportster & later thanked me when a car cut him off without warning.fortunately it just scared him how quick things can go bad.

I have a 2018 stryker and absolutely love it. But I probably would have gone raider if they were readily available in Aus. The stryker is so much more agile than I expected, but it needs another gear.

Currently own a stryker, but both the stryker and raider sell used for similar prices(older raiders anyway, like 08-12)..tempted to hop to the raider simply because they look better and are more refined. That low rpm sluggishness in the stryker is seriously annoying even with ivans tune.

Such a shame Yamaha stopped making both of these

Yup....I'm still stuck on the Stryker, man. The raider is just too............harley....lol Those Strykers are stylish and subtle. You already know what I'm saying next.. hahahahaa.......and a small smoked glass windshield.

I have a 2007 Vstar 1300. Does the stryker have the same 1300 engine?

Both are nice. I wouldn’t be able to pick just one. If I had the money I’ll pick both. Both aren’t beginner bikes even if one is lower cc the rake is what requires the skill set.

RaideR life! The Easter bunny helped me finally get mine dug out yesterday!

Think I'm gonna start with Stryker. Great looking bike and reliable.

Yamaha Stryker. ⛽ Over 40 miles to gallon ⛽ which is good during these 2022 high inflation times ♥️ Love from Mississippi USA 🇺🇲

Never realised either of these existed lol both look incredible

If someone is into modifying cruiser engines, the Stryker offers liquid cooling, higher rev ceiling, OHC, and it's a lighter machine. Power to weight ratio doesn't put it at a deficit to the Raider all that much.

Stryker is not enough power and keeps you needing more plus the rear suspension is very hard and at the slightest broken surface will bounce just not safe to ride in IMO

I’m brand new to riding so a beginner I’m 5’5” weigh 140 an for my first bike I got a 2009 Yamaha raider an I do just fine on it

I just found a 2015 raider with 0 zero miles on it. Guy was a dealer he was keeping it as a show room bike but shut down due to covid. It's still on the trailer didn't have gas or a battery in it. Are these bikes reliable, I am coming from all R1's. Thanks

Thx Jon I like all of them, but you make it look much easier to handle them than it really is. I dead set wanted a fury but when I sat on one at the bike shop I couldn't even push it out of its parking spot. There would be no way I could park it at home, just too heavy. The only bike in this class that I could manage was the bolt. How did you like the c-spec, never hear much about them?

I want a raider, unfortunately limited amount have been imported privately into Australia...

Another BADASS Video!!! ill eat up anything Raider! and that Stryker is F%CKING Beautiful too!!

Hey Jon I’m looking at a Stryker, HD Fat Bob and Indian Springfield Dark Horse as a beginner bikes. I’m 6’4 and most of the beginner bikes are too small for me.

My poison would be both. Stryker Saturday’s and raider Sunday’s

Stryker will he good for me if I can swap the front boots and rims. I dropped the vs1400 because of the brakes and looking for big cruiser with two disks upfront ( with little upgrades it will stop even better )

Keep in mind that the Stryker is water cooled, Raider air cooled, so using plastic on top of the hotter engine would not have be a wise choice by Yamaha. Stryker likes; weight, watercooling, and amazing near vibration free motor, excellent feeling power and torque curve...Dislikes: Clunking sound from left side of lower engine/transmission (might be the clutch assembly) Raider Likes: boasting rights, more power (not by much when you factor in the power/weight), deeper rumble, little less plastic. DIslikes: Loud alternator wine, Air cooling esp on a hot day.

Had a Raider, my favorite!

I really dig the Raider style. I don't think we have it in Australia though.

I have a 2014 Yamaha Bolt, but looking to upgrade in the near future. I'm 5'5", and put mini apes to help with some lean back for better comfort. I've had it for about 4 years now and looking to upgrade to something bigger where I can make it a bagger style and comfortable for longer rides (also with my wife riding pillion). I'm reluctant though with upgrading to either the Stryker/Raider due to them still being 5 speeds. Can anyone chime in on how the freeway RPMs are? Trying to find a nice bike that doesn't scream at me when going 75mph. Thanks in advance 🤘🏼

the raider is a michael jordan slam dunk.whole nother level

Why are there so many RU-vid videos listing reasons NOT to by buy the Raider?

I’m pissed we can’t get the raider in Australia.

I have a warrior but need a raider too!

Yeah 0-60 sure... I saw that speedometer.😆 I love my Stryker! Never had the pleasure to get on the Raider.

Hey Jon - great review and great channel. Question : I am 6.3 215 pound and beginner. Stryker or 2015 bolt? Ur thoughts...

You’re totally forgetting the Victory bikes when it comes to big engines and chopper style.

They both look good

WARRIOR!!

'06 Stratoliner S will most probably be my last bike, same engine as the Raider...

I’m sure you can modify the gearbox for the Stryker, right?

I own a stryker. Among the bikes I tried this is the one I prefered but I never tried a Raider. I ride mostly in the traffic and at low speed, don't know why but I like it even if I like long rides out of the city too. Has anyone used the Raider in dayily traffic? Does it heat more because it's air cooled?

Deeper Rumble to it, than the 1300. Like comparing a 175 Honda to a 450 next to one another.

Don't forget the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. 125cubic inch. 2053cc

So Jon,tell me what the Breakout will do for you that the Raider won't. (For 1/3 the money)

8:06 Stryker seems to sound a lot better than the Raider when your in the drivers seat. The Raider sounds like a Jetski!

You say Raider is powerful , and then at 3:03 you say it didn't keep up, i am confused...

SK8 PARK action. 🤘

As an owner of an 08 Raider. I wanted to hear the Stryker by itself. Oh well.....

You know that Harley Davidson is doing something right when all the Japanese bikes are trying to copy them.great video.

What s the bigest rear tyre syze that u can put on stryker? Whitout modification

Scraping the knees! 🤟🏼 Try getting the elbow down next 😉

I have a Suzuki Madura and the raider is pretty much the same in numbers wise beside the Madura being lighter lol but I’m about to purchase a 09 raider with 15k on it what do you think I should look for as far as problems with them and do you think it’s comparable to my Madura so I know what I’m getting into

I'm a newbie and I want a raider

Unless you are really rich you can't keep all of them. V twins by nature can't produce good Hp numbers. Torque is their forte'. Unless it has a 90° angle. The RC51 and Suzuki TL models really rock out good Hp numbers.

It's the Raider on the wall of death, well, more like the wall of a sore throat!

Need a Warrior in there!

I agree !!!!!

Why does yamaha bolt cylinders stick out from the left side more than from the right sideit isn't it intimidating?

did you clock it and if so What was the 0 to 60 time on each bike?

Hello, I have a question, I bought a Yamaha Raider SCL today in Germany. It looks like SCL and even has this stamp on Baku. I don't know why but the registration document shows only Yamaha rider without the addition of Scl. I don't know now if I bought a pig in a poke, do you know that? Maybe this scl wasn't listed in the proof Thx

It really doesn't seem like the raider is much quicker to 100. Don't underestimate a good Rider on a good running Stryker.

I love my Raider it's a 2008 Tommy Blue. I think it's the best looking Raider there is.

0-60 times?

Your not showing us a race between the two. Embarrased that the Stryker was quicker ?

Jon,would you purchase a bike that has a lien on it.Any tips if the bike is financed through Honda.

I would be 1900 to 2000 kind of guy.

call me biased but I've been riding for over 40 years. Bikes should be air cooled. I just have a "thing" about liquid cooled. Dunno why. Hear good things about the long haulers and no issues but I will never buy a liquid cooled (unless it's something like a goldwing/aspencade or something).

I also regret selling my Raider.

Are the forks able to switch on these bikes so they're less chopper like? I want a metric bike like a your dynas.

How you get those in the bike park? I cant even get my scooter in there for five minutes without the ranger kicking me out 😂

Is the stryker big enough for a guy thats 6'4 280lbs?

I hate to be that guy, but 1900cc= 116ci not 113. Don’t sell my favorite bike short! 😂 just kidding man love the vids!

I gave you a thumbs down for the banner ads at the end that interfered with reading the captions.

Where would you put the warrior with these 2 bikes? Definitely need a comparison between all 3

Sadly to know that Yamaha stopped cruiser