Watch BEFORE Buying a Yamaha Raider: 0-100 mph, Ride, Review, Impressions, Walk Around, SkatePark? 

Dang, I need to practice my drag times. Lol. Thanks for taking the time to do that. Ride safe, brotha! 🤘

@@JonsMotoGarage wow! Thanks! That's the first time anyone pinned a comment of mine.

​@JonsMotoGarage Hey, I'm looking for a beginner bike and went to all the shops nearby and could not find anything that fit me. I'm 6'3 / 6,4 (in between ish) and weight about 300 lbs. I'm 20 years old and looking for a first bike. There is a 2016 Yamaha Stryker with 2000km for sale near me. Would the bike be a good fit. Are parts easier to find. Is it reliable. Will I make the bike look like a grom? Thanks

Heck yeah! Apparently yamaha didn't market the bike too well. Seems like most people ran across these almost by accident (myself included). You hit the nail on the head - hard to find a better big twin cruiser for the money. Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

Wow, in 2019, found a 2013 Raider, like 5000 miles, mint condition, $6300.00. Haven't seen one that new, that nice, that cheap since. It looks great next to my 2 1800 vtxs' , and 06 R1.

Eunoe might i jhistory

They really are super fun bikes! Thanks for watching, and ride safe!

@@JonsMotoGarage bought the first raider in Ontario Canada in 2008 still riding my monster Larry t

Yep , still have my '08 . 48 mpg on average also :)

48 miles per gallon? I get 120 miles to the tank at 4.2 gallons.

Hey, brother! I appreciate the comment and support! It means a lot! Ride safe!

Nice! I love hearing from long time raider owners. The consensus is always the same - it's an awesome bike! Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

hp still building at red line? I don't see how but you own one, I don't.

Not sure if you'll get this message after 2 years but: what 1100 v star do you have? I have an 1100 custom and I find it really "wobbly" at low speeds (puttering). Seems like it wants to flop over and I have to fight it to keep it upright. Once I get going I'm fine. Now, I'm only 5'8" and find my neck and shoulders start to ache after about 30 minutes. My last bike was a 1200 nightster and I didn't have these issues at all. The only reason I got rid of the nightster was the suspension was WAY too short for the rough roads I ride on. It was always bottoming out no matter what I set the rear suspension at.

I know this is a year ago, but are you sure you don't have any bubbles in your tires? Also there's a big difference in balancing between a V star and a nightster. Example I went from a dirty bikes and riding a dual sport to my midnight roadstar (bigger version of the V?) And the balance for riding and cornering/turning was so weird to me at 1st, but now I'm a pro at it and keep up with rockets on winding roads.

Thanks so much for the comment! It's good to know that some people are getting some entertainment, and hopefully some useful info from the vids! Shout out to my Sweden friend! Ride safe!

NICE! I watched your "who said the raider doesn't do turns" vid a few months back! Every time I think the raider isn't for touring, I remember your set up. Looks pretty awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

@@JonsMotoGarage Thanks Jon!

This motorcycle should never have bags, large or small hard or soft.

The tank is small. How many miles did it last? I would hate to stop at every gas station. Thank you.

Yeah, so many options makes it a tough choice. Half the time it comes down to what happens to be the best deal on the market at the time.

Raider has way more power than m90. Now, m109r is different. M109r has great power, but worse handling IMO, and it is known to have a janky transmission.

Right on! Thanks, man!

Prime example of how to start out on a big v-twin without killing yourself! Smoking deal btw! Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

I am looking heavily at a low mileage warrior, but have also stumbled across several low mileage raiders. Im kinda torn between the 2. I currently have a HD Superglide sport for cruising duties but am looking for a big bore Japanese machine. These bikes have always been interesting to me. Im concerned that the Raider will be too long and chopperish for me since I am used to the Superglide sport with mid controls. Those inverted warrior forks look solid, and the more aggressive rake/trail numbers may suit me more. Opinion?

@@thatoneguy2756 crazy you mention the warrior! I'm literally sitting here editing a warrior ride/review/warrior vs low rider s (sort of) video. Should be live by wnd of day. I've sold/ridden a few warriors but it had been yrs since I rode one last. They have always been my favorite muscle/performance cruisers. Not necessarily the highest ranking in terms of performance (against vrod, vmax, m109r, vyx 1800, etc.), but overall the coolest looking and best ride IMO. A buddy of mine picked one up recently and let me take it for a spin. It was better than I had remembered. And his is a 2002! Anyway, I think either would be a great bike, but I would opt for the warrior personally. Not as comfortable or good for the long hauls, but a lot funner ripping around.

@@JonsMotoGarage Im gonna subscribe! Looking forward to this video! I currently own a Superglide sport, and the lowrider s is the updated version of mine.

@@thatoneguy2756 Hecks yeah! Much appreciated, brotha! Also, if you wanna have your bike featured in the next subscriber shout out, send me pics and any info you'd like to share to jonsmotogarage@gmail.com. 👍😎

Yeah, I think Yamaha really did a good job with it. Probably a bit ahead of its time, and they must not have done a good job marketing it. I've yet to ride a breakout, but hear they're complete monsters as well. I should've mentioned that as well. Thanks for checking the vid!

It’s a sweet bike. My buddy is getting one. Can’t wait to line up my Vegas with it

Yeah, I always say that the raider is the best kept secret of motorcycles. Truly the most moto for the money!

Try a Gen 1 VMax, about 90 miles a tank! But I LOVE it

Just bought an 08 Raider. Had a 1300VTX before. This Raider has the power to do whatever you want.

Hahaha...thanks for watching. Yeah, the skatepark was sketch. Lol

I've had one venture and a few royal stars over the years (ones that I was selling, not necessarily riding a lot). For a 1300, they pack a big punch. Lol. I always liked em, but stopped buying them only cause people stayed getting picky about wanting fuel injection over the carbs. And I hear ya for sure as far as not having the payments. Nothing like owning it outright. Thanks for checking the vid!

It has a 2-1 Vance and Hines exhaust, power commander 5, and a 240 rear tire conversion

Congrats on the new ride! That's an awesome deal!🏍🤙

Hahaha..."hood ornament for a cager!" I'm gonna steal that phrase (I'll give you credit!!). You're probably the 12th person to recommend learning on dirt first. I think you're all on to something. Lol. Yeah, the Raider definitely has the comfort and power. Sounds like you've gotten some solid miles on yours. Thanks for watching and commenting, brotha! Ride safe!

I am looking heavily at a low mileage warrior, but have also stumbled across several low mileage raiders. Im kinda torn between the 2. I currently have a HD Superglide sport for cruising duties but am looking for a big bore Japanese machine. These bikes have always been interesting to me. Im concerned that the Raider will be too long and chopperish for me since I am used to the Superglide sport with mid controls. Those inverted warrior forks look solid, and the more aggressive rake/trail numbers may suit me more. Opinion?

@@thatoneguy2756 The raider is a better version of HDs Rocker C. The warrior is the answer to HDs Vrod. If you want more sport the Warrior is alot shorter, smaller and more nimble. Its also several hundred pounds lighter. If you want something that feels different than a regular cruiser I would say go for it as it has Yamaha R1 front and rear end. But......I still can do everything I did on the Warrior on the Raider. It just takes a little more handling in the corners.

Thanks for supporting the channel! Just off the top of my head, not having ridden either in quite some time: The raider ergonomics make for a more comfortable ride, but I think the warrior would be the better bike in the twisties given the shorter wheel base and all. Both fun bikes for sure! I may pick up a warrior this week if it checks out.

You sit more "on" the Warrior and "in" the Raider IMO. My buddy had a Warrior and we swapped.out and rode back through the twisties. He agreed that the Raider tipped.in quicker and felt more nimble.

First off, thanks a bunch for watching and commenting! It means a lot! It's funny you ask about the raider wheelie cause I've been wondering the same myself. I'm sure someone skilled enough could pull it off. I'm trying to sell mine so don't wanna find out the hard way. Lol. From my experience with the harley, I bet it'd be easiest standing up. I saw someone wheelie a stryker with a passenger on the back. I'm sure it can be done! Let me know if you pull it off. Lol. Ride safe!

I used to owned a gsxr 1000 and that thing would do wheelies no question about it but i never master it lol awesome videos man.

@@humblewarriorus Dude, the liter bikes are monsters! I know why you mean. I had a cbr1000rr recently. Never tamed that beast with the wheelies. It was SCARY getting the wheelie up and hitting 80 without trying. Lol.

If you put someone on the rear the Stryker will wheelie if you launch hard enough

I'm 5'4" 135 lbs and I own a Stryker. I have no troubles whatsoever on either the Stryker or the Raider due to my height or size.

@@albertogarcia6332 I forgot I even commented this, I ended up getting an 08 VRod and loved it but now I’m looking to sell it and get into a hyper naked bike, preferably an MT-10

It is. The Mean Streak is a better handling bike, if you like to carve.

Hahaha..classic! Lo. Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe, and be careful or your chic may ditch you for a motorcycle. Hahaha.

That don't even sound possible

Yeah, I always say the Raider is the best kept secret among cruiser motos. You just can't beat it! Ride safe, brother! And as always, thanks for checking the vid!

Aprojeep and still, I would not advise to get this bike as the first one. I have the red 2008 and I freaking love it.

Lol. Yeah, I actually had a handful of people asking that. Hahaha!

Yeah, I've ridden the stryker a few times - perfect balance for pretty much any rider. I really dig the 1300 engine they have in those and the vstar 1300. Thanks for watching and commenting! Ride safe!

WTF is a "Hundo"?!

Hahaha...yeah, that's almost as crazy ad the dudes who start on busas or liter bikes. But at least you're still alive to tell the tail. Lol.

Nice touches! I ended up selling this bike (vid to come). The dude who bought it already has tons of plans for it. He's gonna send me pics of the upgrades, so I may repost some on the channel. Thanks for watching, brother! Ride safe!

Yeah, the warrior is definitely more suited for that with the inverted front forks and rear swing arm. I miss when I could find warriors reasonably priced. Lol. Thanks for watching! Ride safe!

Heck yeah! The raiders are great bikes for sure!

I have a streetbob as well. Great choice! Either one is a blast to ride! Thanks for watching!

Shout out to another Sweden viewer! (I know at least one other dude is from there as well.) Yeah, I agree for most the raider is too much bike. I've got my eye on the rockets. Have you seen the new concept/redesign for the rocket? It looks pretty awesome! I've never ridden one, but hear good things. Let me know what you go with - I'm a big fan of the rk special (never ridden one, but they look sweet)! Ride safe, brother!

Yup, the Rocket 3 is a lump, to bad it doesn't handle better. If I want a crappy handling bike I'll go back to Harley's.

Great question! I don't know to be honest. I'll have to do some research when I get a chance. Thanks for checking out the vid!

1900cc IS 113ci.

@@BullHammer-jt3fp No it's not. 116ci is 1900cc.

They round up. It’s 1851cc rounded up to 1900cc like most manufacturers do.

For me, the shadow vlx 600 was too much bike ad a starter. I would've killed myself on the raider, no doubt about it. Lol.

Right!? I think Yamaha did such an awesome job with the Raider. And to think it was available as a 113 ci back in 2008! Way ahead of it's time. Thanks for watching and commenting! Hopefully you can pick one up eventually. Ride safe!

💯🙏

Thanks for watching! Ride safe!

Yeah, I wouldn't recommend for a beginner either. I really dig the metallic red! The metal flake looks awesome!

Jon's Moto Garage yes and here in Canada I got it for less than 8k and 41k km. Best bike that I ever got.

Honda F6B

Did you ever get one? I'm your height and it fits me perfectly!

I've had it for a while, but it had been a while since I got out and ran it through the paces. What a blast!

I've had a handful of guys make the same recommendation. Definitely seems like the best way to dial in your skills and learn the fundamentals. I've still yet to ride a real dirt bike. Lol. But I hope to pick one up at some point. Thanks for watching and commenting!

I’m not necessarily a beginner, but last I rode was 5 years ago and that, too was a 160 cc engine. Would this one be a too big of a bike for me?

Yeah, I was surprised they didn't have a 6 speed; although the 5 speed seems pretty well geared for what it is. The tach would definitely be nice as well.

Nice! That's awesome! Those low mileage raiders are hard to find these days! Enjoy the ride!

I want one in north East England but rare any GB info

absolutely.... not.... the power band is more manageable than a sport bike, but way to much weight for someone just starting to get the feel of things. I move through bikes quickly, but would not suggest something this size as a first bike at all. rebels and shadows are good "starter" bikes, the shadow not being outgrown so quickly of the two. there are similar bikes with other companies that fall into the categories/style of those that would do well too. I jumped to a 1800 within Id say 3 or 4 months of riding time, in ways I both regret and don't regret it at the same time. the 1800 was way to heavy (granted a couple hundred pounds more than the raider) but the jump in weight was a lot. but was the exact bike I wanted for all the riding I do (about 1,000-1.500 miles per month) the 1100 I had bought as my second one would be great but the value of the bike limited how much I wanted to customize it to suite my style. and I still have it. so if you wanna add another one to your little collection ;)

Well said. My first bike was a shadow 600 - probably should've started on the rebel. Lol. I agree that, in general, the raider is too big for newbies. Heck, I can still barely handle it! Lol. I've sold a few vtx 1800's (been a while). If I recall correctly, those seemed to be torquier (if that's even a word) and felt a bit more gnarly from a new rider perspective. It seems like the raider is somewhat tame, despite being such a big engine. All relative of course. Anyway, thanks for checking the vid and sharing your input. Ride safe!

@@JonsMotoGarage its not so much the torque I had problems with. it had a very smooth power curve. it was than it was almost 400lbs heavier than my 1100 and leaning in and out of corner were more challenging, specially at lower speeds. every 200lbs of weight even if the weight is lower center of gravity is like having another passenger. sport bikes you dont want to jump up to high to fast cause of snappy power and the curve jumps with small adjustments and you have a light weight bike that can literally get ahead of you. cruisers its not so much the power or torque (all tho you hit the throttle and you can break traction for a block and a half) its the weight and turning capability. (specially if its what you take your first road test on) but I did enjoy the vid! and would easily recommend the raider as a second bike as I have test rode a friends and it was a really nice bike. keep the shiny side up!

@@brettleisy356 I hear you for sure. Ride safe, brother! And thanks again for watching!

I rode a 100cc trial bike, (Honda XR100) from ages 13-28, (15yrs). And my first street legal motorcycle? 2012 Yamaha Raider S in May of 2018. Of course I was 38yrs old. It was new with 1 mile in the Yamaha dealership. Would I recommend it as a first bike for someone? NO. I would recommend a rider buy a trail bike motorcycle. That way you learn the controls, how to shift, what gear to be in, when to down shift to slow down, leaning, turning, braking, and so on. Learning all of this OFF ROAD! Then after a year or two off road then I would recommend a used street legal motorcycle if your over 18yrs. If your 18-30yrs old I would recommend a cruiser as I would NOT recommend a sportbike, (crotch rocket, streetbike) for anyone under 30yrs old, preferably no one under 35yrs old. Under that age young adults still have a lot of "play" in them and do stupid stuff on bikes. And yes if you get a cruiser you can still do stupid stuff on it like accelerating too fast, taking turns too fast, and passing other vehicles with oncoming traffic to close, but it is not as easy as it is on a Sportbike. So would I recommend a Yamaha Raider for a person's first motorcycle? NO! I would recommend a off road motorcycle for at least a year or two to get all the basics learned off road. Then a used cruiser on road if over 18yrs old. And if your over 35yrs old then after learning on a off road motorcycle and driving a cruiser for at least 2yrs then yeah maybe try a Sportbike. That's my recommendations for a first time motorcycle rider.

Heck yeah! I forgot to mention the stratoliner and roadliner are basically the raider in touring form. Lol. I've had a few that I sold over the years. Awesome bikes! The camera is a gopro hero 4 (I think). There's a link in the description of some of the gear I'm using. Thanks for watching! Ride safe, brother!

I also started on a shadow, and ended up on a v star 950, putting in about 40,000 miles on it. I'm looking for something bigger now, maybe the raider?

@@davidrayas9491 The raider is a great bike! I don't think you'd bdisappointed.

Hahaha...I hear ya. The raider is a big bike. The Stryker is pretty long too though. At the end of the day, both are a blast to ride. Thanks for checking the video!

First off, thanks for checking the channel, and thanks for reaching out! If you dig the look, feel, and ultimately, the ride of the raider or stryker (I think you will), then I would highly recommend it from a ride perspective. From the bit of research I've done, you'll be solid in terms of reliability as well, but I haven' ridden one enough to really speak to the longevity (I think you'll be good). Pricewise, you're going to get a whole lot more if you opt for the raider or stryker compared with the harley counterpart. Where I live, they're both a bit hard to come by. It's very hit or miss if you'll find them on the used market, but they do pop up from time to time. in fact, I might pick up a stryker this coming week. Hope this helps. I'm on my way in to work. Otherwise, I'd elaborate a bit more. Keep me posted! Ride safe!

At 61, about 6 months ago, picked up a 2008 Honda 1800 vtx, and a 2013 Raider. My vmax is jealous. Ride em all, and enjoy.

Lol. No kidding. Your not the first to mention that. Here's a vid of one I had a while back with the cobra side swept exhaust. That might hit the spot. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NUpa0KHhtH4.html Thanks for watching!

@@JonsMotoGarage Now that's what in talking about. I sub' d 2 hours ago. So far I love the vids and the content. Just straight forward no bs opinions. Keep the vids coming. I've been tuning and building old school 2stroke street bikes for a long time and I really want a bad ass cruiser and you channel is just what I needed to hear. THANKS ALOT

My Warrior has Vance & Hines pro-pipe with no baffle, I have yet to hear a better sounding bike!! The neighbors not so fond of it 😬👀😏

Not yet! I finally got my hands on the vmax a few months back. The valkyrie has been on my list as well. 👌💯

@@JonsMotoGarage im subscribing now. Need your feedback before I commit lol.

@@moultriet.3262 hahaha! No guarantee I'll get one soon, but ill try my best. 🏍🤘

@@JonsMotoGarage cool. Also does the Stryker have more ground clearance than the raider?

Hahahahaha...thanks for checking out the vid!

The engine is powerful but feels tame compared to bikes like the m109r for example. Handling isn't near what you get with the warrior cause of the raked out/longer wheelbase but it doesn't feel like you have to muscle it around either. It's more comfortable than the warrior imo.

Hahaha...deaf as a post. Lol. The goldwing is a monster to be reckoned with, no doubt about it. No wonder he can't keep up with you. Thanks for watching! Ride safe!

Both awesome bikes for sure! I've had the itch as of late to get a warrior again! It's been too long since I last rode one! Thanks for watching, bro!

My friend has a Warrior with motor work done, VERY torquey!! Great bike. I ride a Gen 1 VMax

Couldn't have said it better myself. The size of the rider and common sense are key! Lol. Thanks for checking the vid, brother!

@ Jayson Leavelle. I agree. Had a friend start out on a VTX 1800 as a first bike. Couple days practice in an empty parking lot and he was good to go.

Yeah, I just talked to a dude the other day who started on a vtx 1800 and is still here to tell the tail. Lol. He was looking at the raider actually.

I'm 6'4 too and the Raider is PERFECT!! LOVE my Raider and I'll probably never get rid of it.

You sweat ;)

Check out Viking bags.

Be very conservative when you jump on a Raider. It's NOT a 750. The torque and acceleration is sick. I've ridden a LOT of bikes that are very fast but the Raiders torque is awesome. As long as you are responsible and respect it, you'll be fine. The low center of gravity makes it very comfortable and fairly easy to ride. It's a very heavy bike so make sure you're careful at low speeds. Just use that clutch wisely and you'll be fine. The clutch and transmission are incredibly smooth. Just play it safe for about a month and get a feel for it. The first time I cracked the throttle all the way, it literally put my butt on the passenger pillion. I'm 6'4 and 230 pounds. The Raider is a torque monster. I absolutely love my Raider and can't imagine not having one. It was my first cruiser and I was a little nervous at first. I mean it does have 1855cc's. Just respect it and don't do anything stupid. You'll be fine. It's a fantastic all around cruiser. The power difference between your 750 and the Raider is gonna be night and day but you'll love it!! It's addictive knowing that the Raider has power for days in all 5 gears. Just cruise on it for awhile till you're comfortable. Don't crack that throttle thinking it's a 750. Good luck and I really hope you get one. They're absolutely amazing!!

Thanks for the info and tips. I ended up getting it. It's a 2012 Raider S with only 1400 miles on it. Waiting for it to get delivered. Super pumped for it. I know it's night and day difference from the 750, but have been practicing not rolling so hard on that throttle when changing gears, trying to get my second nature habit away from that so I don't accidently pull on that throttle too hard on the Raider like I do on my Shadow.

@@brianbalcer I'm really happy for you man. My Raider makes me so happy everytime I ride it. It had the Power Commander 5, Cobra Slashdown exhaust, ( with baffles removed) and a K&N air filter when I bought it. It runs so well! I put a 240 rear tire on it and rides great!!! You're gonna love it. It's so freaking comfortable and a pleasure to ride. You're not gonna want to stop riding it.

This one is stock exhaust, and also living in California, It's illegal to mod the exhaust/air take/fuel processor. I can't even get a slip on exhaust mailed to my location lol. I heard people like the 240 rear over the 210. I figured it would handle a little worse being wider, but people seem to say otherwise. Can the 240 go on the stock rim?

@@brianbalcer The 240 goes right on the stock rim. The stock exhaust is SUPER quiet. An aftermarket exhaust really wakes everything up and makes the Raider sound like a true VTwin. Plus the stock exhaust is huge. I think a TON of ppl in Cali find ways to get exhausts. I'd look into it. There are a ton of motorcycle shops out there that will help you if you want.

Yeah, the raider gear box is smooth as butter compared to my dyna (super clunky). Thanks for watching and commenting!

Yeah, prices have definitely gone up.

Thanks for checking out the vid. I believe yamaha produced these from 2008-2017. I honestly don't know the torque, hp, and 0-60 specs off top of my head. Although I think someone may have left them somewhere in the comments. It doesn't feel quite as torquey as the harleys in the lower rpms. It seems to be a bit more spread out. No lack of power though when you get on it and still a torque monster imo. If you get a chance, I highly recommend taking one for a spin. Prices on the used market should be $4500-$8000 depending on mileage, yr, condition, etc.

@@JonsMotoGarage man i call bs on that.you were shifting in too low rpm's so yeah it sounded like you were lugging it..this bike is a torque monster when you shift it correctly.it is on par if not exceeding hd's torque in feel.also with "stage one" upgrade,mine feels more like a stage 3 hd.stop short shifting it,rev out each gear a little more and hold on.

@@tpo12000 This is true. I'll admit I wasn't accelerating or shifting real hard with that in mind. My thoughts regarding the torque are purely anecdotal. I'll have to take it out for another spin. What I've yet to see, and would be very impressed by, would be a raider wheelie. Thanks for watching and commenting!

@@JonsMotoGarage cool man i'll sub.and i think any bike rather than dirtbikes should have tachs.these engines produce max torque at 2500rpm is what i read....

@@tpo12000 Right on! Yeah, I agree the tach would be nice.