Raider vs Stryker

[pvsjr5]

I am trying to decide between the raider and stryker. I love the look of both
and would love the extra power. I have some back problems and wondered
if anyone has a preference.

Also any concerns with maneuvering around town.

Thanks,

Pete

[RAKSTER]

I am trying to decide between the raider and stryker. I love the look of both
and would love the extra power. I have some back problems and wondered
if anyone has a preference.

Also any concerns with maneuvering around town.

Thanks,

Pete

Both bikes handle well around town, the Raider is air cooled so city driving could be tough, The Styker is water cooled so that isn't a problem. The Raider likes to stay above 40 45 mph, so that could be a problem also. Enjoy either one.

Rakster

[DJinNH]

I don't know how your budget is. (None of my business) You could sure dress up a Stryker with plenty of mods for the cost of a Raider.

Also, if you're asking, I think height and weight might add into the equation for us to make a suggestion. I don't think the Stryker lacks any power but just trying to make an educated answer for you. Riding experience might help make up your mind but again, the Stryker weighs quite a bit itself.

Well heck...aren't I a whole lot of help to you?

Sorry.

[Roadkill]

Either bike is a good choice both handle really well....as for any issues with your back...there are after market seats with backrests that will help you out....since you are on a Raider forum of course we want to see you get a Raider......find a dealer that has both and take them for a test ride....you won't be disappointed.

[Michael T]

Only place I am not happy with my Raider S is sitting in traffic on 90+ days. I had forgotten how much heat a air cooled engine puts off. Then add chrome to makes even hotter. Last 4 years been riding a water cooled engine. Just something to think about. Other than that I say Raider

[jeb6294]

Like someone already mentioned, getting a ride on both of them is your best bet. A few months ago the Yamaha truck showed up at the local dealership for a demo weekend so I was able to ride both back-to-back. I did the Raider first and then went out on the Stryker. They had a nice loop set up with some pretty twisty two-lane backroads and then up to the 5-lane main drag with quite a bit of stop and go back to the dealer. I had never ridden either of them before (my last bike was a Honda CB1000 "naked" bike), but I was actually rather surprised how much better the Raider felt than the Stryker. It's not that the Stryker was bad, it just didn't feel as "right" to me after getting on one right after the Raider. That's why a test ride would be the best idea. You may feel the same or it could be the opposite and the Stryker feels better to you.

[timsr8der]

This is a Corbin seat with back rest. I've had 2 back surgeries with a fusion in Nov & had my neck fused in May. Raider all the way you can never have enough power. Good luck

[The Black Sheep]

I am a confirmed Stryker fan. If it is power you are after then the Raider wins hands down. The Stryker is nimble enough to ride around town and an absolute dream on the open roads.

You have a difficult choice, Pete.

Good luck

[Beethoven]

Just a comment - air cooled do not give off more heat than water cooled. When the fan goes on, on my ZX 14, or my CBRXX, and you are stopped in heavy traffic, you get a blast of heat that just about blows you off the bike. More horsepower = more heat. I'd follow the advice to test ride them both before you decide. "Loving" a bike is a personal thing. See which one grabs you the most. They are both excellent bikes - I just find the Raider "more". You might disagree.

[EVO8]

Go with the Raider. Gets better gas mileage (slightly) and more power.

[Return to Riding]

I was making the same decision. I was thinking new Stryker or used Raider. I rode a Stryker a year ago and fell in love with it. I didn't want to spend the extra money on the Raider, but found a dealer with a new 2009 Raider S that he really wanted to move and paid about $1500 more than a new Stryker ($12400 OTD inc plates, title, and sales tax). Having had it 2 days and about 38 miles, I am glad I got the Raider but I can tell it has more power and commands more respect due to its weight and incredible torque. If I had not found this Raider though, I was set on the Stryker--great bike, good aftermarket support (like a slip on for a nice low price), and plenty of power for around town and open road. I think you will enjoy either.

[The Black Sheep]

I am trying to decide between the raider and stryker. I love the look of both
and would love the extra power. I have some back problems and wondered
if anyone has a preference.

Also any concerns with maneuvering around town.

Thanks,

Pete

Did you reach a decision, Pete?

[Sig-1975]

I looked and road both, bought a used 09 Raider and couldn't be happier. It is a little heavy in city traffic but once your rolling there's nothing I don't like about it. So much smooth power, an incredible bike. I felt the Stryker was just not as stable at highway speeds as the Raider. I did change out the seat for a Mustang and that's a big add for comfort on longer rides. Good luck and ride safe....