2008 Yamaha® Raider

The newest Star was inspired by the custom chopper movement, but since it’s a Star, it had to also handle, stop and go.

With the addition of this machine, the Star line offers the most diverse line of custom V-twins on the planet.

The Raider achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 42 mpg** with a fuel tank that holds 4.1 gallons of gas.

Features & Benefits

Engine

113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, pushrod 48-degree V-twin pumps out max torque at just 2500 rpm and max power at 4500 rpm for powerful, relaxed cruising.

Four pushrod-activated valves and two spark plugs per cylinder provide optimum combustion efficiency along with classically beautiful engine architecture.

Plated cylinders and forged pistons cooled by oil jets provide outstanding reliability and long life. Twin counterbalancers keep things smooth but rumbly.

9.48:1 compression ratio and aggressive cam timing increase power output across the board.

Computer-controlled, twin-bore, fuel injection monitors multiple engine parameters to calculate perfect mixture under all conditions; wide-angle 12-hole fuel injectors provide excellent atomization.

A 3.5-liter airbox is hidden in the area behind the fuel tank for great performance and a custom, airy look.

Two-into-one-into-two exhaust with Exhaust Ultimate Power valve (EXUP) inside boosts torque in the 2500-3500 rpm range.

Special custom-machining of the cooling fin edges gives a jewel-like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.

Chassis/Suspension

New design all-aluminum cast frame is light, rigid and tuned for light, athletic handling. A light, Controlled-Fill, aluminum swingarm casting complements the bike’s lithe style.

Low, sculpted seat holds the rider in place, and pullback bars reach back to enforce a casual, urban cruising style.

A 6-degree yoke angle—the first ever on a street-legal Star Motorcycle— makes it possible to achieve that custom look as well as natural handling and straight-line cruisability: 34-degree rake plus 6 degrees yoke angle gives total rake of 40 degrees and 102mm of trail, while bringing the fork closer to the steering axis.

Custom 5-spoke wheels carry a 120/70-21-inch bias tire up front, and a wide, 210/40-18 radial out back—the tallest and widest ever on a Star.

46mm fork tubes serve up an excellent ride and a sweet appearance through 5.1 inches of wheel travel.

A tucked-out-of-sight single shock out back provides a smooth ride under varying loads.

New seamless fuel tank carries a full 4.1 gallons of fuel.

Front brake master cylinder with integrated lever operates a pair of 298mm front discs squeezed by strong monoblock calipers for excellent power and feel, with a 310mm disc out back.

Strong, light and narrow belt final drive contains embedded carbon fiber for even greater strength.

Wiring harness uses lightweight AVSS wires, and switchgear wiring is routed inside the handlebar for a clean appearance.

Additional Features

Left-thumb operated high-beam switch, and right-thumb activated accessory driving light switch for great visibility.

Jewel-like fit and finish, and Star quality paint, chrome and attention to detail are evident all over the Raider.

Cool, tank-mounted instrumentation complements the custom look, and contains analog speedometer and fuel gauge, along with twin digital tripmeters, odometer and self-diagnostics.

** Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your vehicle, accessories, cargo and operator/passenger weight.