Custom Motorcycle Choppers

The 2009 Yamaha Raider Motorcycle

With more than a few bugs to work out from the introductory 2008 model year, the 2009 Yamaha Raider returns with the same great chopper-inspired look available in two equally delicious-looking colors. You'd be hard pressed to find fault with the 2009 Yamaha Raider, even though last year's model turned out to be saddled with several mechanical bugs. Truth is, the styling is spot-on. This is the essential ride for motorcyclists who want a chopper that can actually be ridden on a daily basis- a chopper that doesn't require any special parking-lot finesse to get where you're going. Overall length of the 2009 Yamaha Raider is just 101.2 inches. While that may not seem like much in the world of custom choppers with six-foot long front forks, it does produce a long, low ride that just cries out for another couple of miles before you wipe off the dust and put her to bed. Along with the spot-on styling, though, is the power. The 2009 Yamaha Raider produces max torque at 2, 500 RPM, and max power at 4, 500 RPM from a 113 cubic inch V-twin engine.

The 2009 Yamaha Raider is powered by a 113 cubic inch air cooled V-twin engine fed by twin bore electronic fuel injection. The pushrod-type 48-degree engine produces peak torque at just 2, 500 RPM, providing the rider with lots of oomph just where you want it. Highway cruising is comfortable and relaxed thanks to the max power delivery at 4, 500 RPM, giving you the thrump and the ability to pass without trouble. Twin counterbalancers keep the 2009 Yamaha Raider smooth, while a computer controlling the fuel delivery keep everything trouble free. The airbox of the 2009 Yamaha Raider is hidden behind the fuel tank, smoothing out the look and a downswept exhaust has a nice custom look to it. The 2009 Yamaha Raider has an all-aluminum frame designed to be strong and lightweight, and helps the bike be more responsive to rider input on the road. The rear suspension is of a single-shock variety, providing the swingarm with 3.5 inches of travel, while the front telescopic fork offers 5.1 inches. Hydraulic brakes front and rear consist of a 310mm disc in back and dual 298mm discs in front. Five spoke cast wheels complete the picture with a 120-series tire on the front of the 2009 Yamaha Raider while out back resides a 210-series meatball.

Available in two colors, the 2009 Yamaha Raider is priced from $13, 990. For the intro price, you get the all-black version of the bike, cool and slick as a newly spray painted penny stuck in the freezer. For a few bucks more, $13, 790, you can get the 2009 Yamaha Raider in Liquid Silver with a great looking flame graphic that feels right at home on what is arguably one of the most impressive factory motorcycles to be sold in recent memory. With any luck, the 2009 and 2010 models will have had all the troublesome quirks ironed out that were present in the 2008 models, making the 2009 Yamaha Raider more than just a great looking ride, but a great performing ride, as well.