john
I think maybe the comment you heard is giving you a slightly wrong impression. The Raider is a powerful bike - no question. But it actually handles very well, and it can be ridden quite comfortably at low speeds (low gear). There are no problems executing low speed turns on this bike, or riding it at low speeds. It doesn't suddenly take off like a rocket - unless you deliberately twist the throttle open. It's controllable at low speeds. Yamaha has done a very good job with the design of this bike.
I would suggest that when you take delivery of your new Raider, don't ride it straight out into traffic. Find a quiet street or parking lot and check it out there. Some place where you can focus on the bike, without any distractions. Give yourself a little time to get to know the bike, and I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the results.
distantThunder, LA