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Our Bike Check out what we're doing to our Raider. We'll show you all the accessories and mods we add on, and all the work we do, as we do it. This was our Raider, where we started, bone stock, more or less:
LA Choppers Super Radius T-Bars Any modification that makes your Raider more comfortable and helps you ride longer is certainly a good thing, and anything that makes your Ride look more awesome is even better. Problem is, rarely does one item do both. That changed the moment we installed the new 9" pullback Super Radius T-Bars from LA Choppers. In short - we absolutely LOVE this modification.
The Super Radius T-bars come in two different pullbacks - 6" and 9". We chose the 9" to bring the bars a little closer to us. The few extra inches of pullback make a huge difference in riding comfort - that little twinge you get between the shoulder blades after a particularly long ride is gone; and we found ourselves sitting up a little more straight, for more comfort in the lower back. Ergonomics aside, the T-Bars just look incredible. The entire bar, except for the control area, is an extra-meaty 1.5" in diameter versus the stock 1" bar; cruising along and looking down at the speedo from time-to-time, you'll catch a glimpse of the substantial chrome expanse. Speaking of the chrome, it's lustrous and well-finished, and the welds between the riders and handlebar are completely invisible - the transition is seamless. The curve of the risers has in interesting visual effect for the Raider; as you can see in the profile shots above, at some angles, it actually exaggerates the look of the rake of the front end. A couple of notes in installation. LA Choppers made the T-Bars specifically for the Raider, so they are drilled to accept the internal wiring of the stock Raider's handlebars, and for the locator pin of the stock controls. The internal wiring can be tricky to install, and requires that the stock connectors be cut off the wires and then soldered back on once run through the bars. It's not a hard task, but will definitely take some time, so if patience is not one of your virtues, you might consider a professional installation. Because of the extra pullback, we opted to go +2" in the throttle cables, clutch and brake lines. You can use your stock cables and lines with the T-Bars, but you will have to route them differently. With the longer cables and lines, we were able to route them through the stock locations, using the guides already on the front forks. Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
Stainless Cables and Lines Since we were installing the T-Bars shown above, we decided to upgrade our Throttle Cables and Clutch & Brake lines at the same time. There are many vendors out there from which you can buy stainless cables and lines directly, however this immediately becomes a challenge once you want anything other than stock length. Pacific Coast Star supplies EVERYTHING needed to upgrade your lines and cables from stock length, all the way up to +15" over. We ordered +2" to accommodate the extra pullback on the new handlebars, and PCS shipped the throttle cables, clutch line, and brakes lines, along with all the fittings already installed, making installation a simple (if a little time consuming) proposition. Note that Pacific Coast Star uses Galfer for the clutch and brake lines, and Barnett for the throttle cables, both top-of-the-line vendors in their own right. Baron's/LA Choppers, who makes the awesome T-Bars that we installed, now also supplies similar Stainless Kits in everywhere from stock to 20" over, available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
This is a big one, the most custom of all of our modifications, being a total one-off. Using Low and Mean's Spike Custom Seat pan, which provides an amazing foundation, we brought our ideas over to Jerry at Master Upholstery in Newton, NJ. While looks and style are certainly a priority in custom solo seats, we wanted a saddle that we could ride long-distance as well. To that end we incorporated two different densities of foam, along with a 1/8" viscoelastic gel pad for vibration isolation. The seat is extremely comfortable and supportive, due to the combination of foams used and the gel pad. At the same time, the Low and Mean Pan starts 1.5" lower than stock, hugging the frame. Our seating position ended up a few inches lower than our Corbin Dual Tour saddle.
Jerry covered the seat in (obviously) black leather, adding the pattern to compliment the overall theme of the Raider, and then contrast stitching to match the striping that we did on the wheels last year. The Custom Seat Pan is Available in our Marketplace
Vance and Hines Big Radius 2-into-1 We finally bit the bullet... After 16 months of ownership, countless conversations, exhaustive research, intermediate mods (drilling the baffles and the Reaper Tips) and even our petition, we went ahead and installed a full exhaust system.
The Vance and Hines Big Radius 2-into-1 system offers excellent performance, great style and the top-notch quality that V&H is known for. Sound at idle (mellow), cruise (nice and rumbling), and WFO (healthy performance roar) is fantastic. Even at full-throttle, the sound is never obnoxious or crackling. Installation was very simple, and took about an hour. Most of that time was spent disassembling and removing the stock system. Of course the Big Radius come with an O2 sensor bung, which allows the stock computer to adjust to the modified flow that the pipes offer. Performance has been outstanding. It's important to note that we still have the stock air intake setup on our bike, and we did not need to install an aftermarket FI controller with these pipes. Fuel mileage has been maintained near stock levels and we have minimal popping on deceleration. Yamaha deserves huge credit for developing an ECU that is able to adjust to these pipes without an aftermarket controller. With the installation of a Big Air kit or similar high-flow intake, we would certainly recommend the installation of an aftermarket FI unit. In the end, it came down to which pipe offered the best performance, styling and overall quality of the pipes currently in the market. Anyone familiar with this site knows that we pushed (and pushed) Vance and Hines to come out with a 2-into-2 swept system. Unfortunately, we weren't totally blown away with the styling of the result. The other swept/curved systems available either didn't offer the style, quality or brand reputation that we were looking for. Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
Our Dual Tour saddle, the first seat for the Raider from Corbin, USA, arrived 3/18/08. Installation was flawless, taking less than 5 minutes, and as can be expected from Corbin, quality and fit are perfect. As with other Corbin Saddles, it is constructed from a much denser foam material than other seats, which initially feels quite firm. Over longer rides, this material holds up much better, does not compress and offers more consistent support, vibration isolation and comfort for both rider and passenger. The Dual Tour model that we installed is ideal for long distance two-up riding, and includes a built-in receptacle for Corbin's removable backrest.
The lines of this seat are quite different than the stock unit. Where the OEM seat is actually wider than the frame, and overhangs the bike on both sides, the Corbin hugs the contours of the Raider. The rider portion is significantly flatter than the sharply sloped stock seat, allowing the pilot to easily move front and back to find the ideal riding position. The seat height for the rider is lower than stock, while passenger ride height is slightly higher. We ordered the seat with what Corbin calls a "nose job" - a no-charge custom option where they narrow the front portion of seat a bit, offering an easier reach to the ground.
The passenger section is significantly more accommodating than the stock seat, offering the same support and comfort as the rider, as well as increased room. The overall profile of the seat changes the look of the bike somewhat, as can be expected for any two-up long-distance saddle. The Dual Tour uses the stock mounting brackets and lock, so it's very easy to remove and replace with a solo seat when you want to return to the low-profile chopper look.
Custom Dynamics LED License Plate Frame
We used the LED illuminated frame from Custom Dynamics in our rear fender clean-up. The black frame matches the bike perfectly, and the LED lights take the place of the bulky stock lighting. Quality is great, and installation was a snap.
Performance Edge Side Mount License Bracket This is the first side mount plate bracket designed specifically for the Raider. Unlike generic brackets which must be jury-rigged to fit (usually somewhere on the swingarm), Matt at Performance Edge designed this part to bolt directly to the frame of the Raider using existing holes and stock bolts. Instead of a thin piece of stamped metal, the Performance Edge Bracket is laser-cut from a single piece of 10 ga. steel, then powder coated wrinkle black to match the frame perfectly. The result is a quality piece of incredible strength and durability.
Installation is simple, and took about 5 minutes. We also installed the LED license plate frame that we had used previously (also available from Performance Edge), which completed the modification, and illuminates the entire swingarm at night.
Performance Edge Integrated Tail Light/Turn Signals We used this part for our Stage 2 rear fender clean up. In conjunction with their side-mount license bracket, the rear of the bike is completely cleaned up. While there are similar assemblies on the market, Performance Edge is the only company that uses the stock, OEM tail light assembly, assuring original brightness, water tightness, and reliability. PE adds a circuit and wiring for the turn signals to the brake light, adding a load equalizer to maintain the stock blink rate.
Avon Anodized Air Cushion Grips
For the first couple of years, we rode with the Jardine Billet Grips (below) and loved the style. On longer rides however, as we packed on the miles, we started to notice some vibration coming through the grips, and went looking for something more comfortable, and these new Air Cushion Grips from Avon Grips (no relation to the tire company) fit the bill perfectly. This being a Raider, they still had to look cool, and the style doesn't disappoint either. The grips are manufactured from aluminum and feature Kraton rubber inserts that do an excellent job at vibration isolation, while providing a solid, tactile feel for control. Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
Jardine Billet Grips
It's a bit of a downer, but Jardine has discontinued making these awesome grips. Often imitated, each one is carved from a piece of billet aluminum (other brands are plated plastic), with flat rubber O-rings for grip and comfort. We had a pair on the Mean Streak, and loved the stylish impact and comfort they provide. On the black and chrome Raider, they're perfect.
Memphis Shades Pop Top Windshield We originally installed a Deflector windshield from National Cycle, which while good for short, solo rides, didn't offer enough protection for longer trips, particularly at higher speeds with a passenger. To meet these new requirements head-on, so to speak, we upgraded to a Pop Top windshield from veterans Memphis Shades. The Pop Top is the smallest of Memphis Shades' Sportshield line, and while it offers a seriously sleek and sporty appearance, at 18" wide and 16" from the headlight cutout to the top of the screen, it provides plenty of protection at highway velocities for both rider and passenger. Taller riders might consider the other Sportshield models, ranging all the way up to the 20" tall Big Shot, which offers the same sporty profile.
Our Pop Top was installed with M.S. own no-tool, quick-release Trigger-Lock hardware, which we found much easier to use than the previous hardware we had on the bike. Rake and Height of the screen are all adjustable to find the ideal protection for your height and riding position. Another feature we liked is that the entire installation of the hardware and windshield, as well as all adjustments are accomplished with one included Allen wrench. Memphis Shades actually sends two wrenches - one large T-handle for the garage and a small pocket-sized for the road. Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
Well-designed, unobtrusive, nicely chromed knobs that provide attachment points for bungee cords while protecting the rear fender from scratches. We installed these in under 5 minutes, replacing the stock fender strut bolts with their included hardware. As shown in the photos, they are barely visible when viewed from the side, and do not obstruct the lines of the bike at all.
Tourmaster Cortech Sport Tail Bag Working in perfect combination with the Bungee Knobs, the Tail Bag provides an excellent, stylish alternative to saddlebags, or simply strapping something to the rear seat. While it works equally well with the stock passenger pillion, or an aftermarket seat like our Corbin, the bottom of the bag includes a neoprene pad, so it could be used on the bare fender with the pillion removed as well.
Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
Low & Mean Chin Spoiler Introduced here at RaiderPerformance.com, this high-quality fiberglass chin spoiler/fairing compliments the aggressive lines of the Raider, and adds stylistic impact to the front end of the bike. A side benefit of the fairing is that it protects the oil filter from road debris.
Shown here unpainted, we sent it off to paint to match the Raven color of our bike. The spoiler is one of our exclusive parts. Available in our Marketplace
Cycle House Shift Linkage Rod
A small part that makes a major visual statement and installs in about 5 minutes, this shifter rod replaces the generic linkage dowel on the left side of the motor. Manufactured exclusively for the Raider and available only from Direct Line Parts - more info on our Marketplace page here. The Rod coordinates with Cycle House's soon-to-be-released brake and clutch levers and kickstands.
Striped Wheels Inspired by forum member BusaJack, we decided to add a stripe to our wheels, adding some subtle but serious attitude to the bike. Instead of using pinstripe tape, which limited our color selection, we used a brush and painted the rims by hand, using a GM automotive color called "Sunset Orange Metallic", which will work well with our future paint plans for the rest of the bike.
These mirrors add some serious style to the handlebars, and compliment the Jardine grips. We opted for the Rad III's over the Rad II's due to their larger size and increased viewing area. Instead of using metric adapters, we used the Harley-type bolts that came with the mirrors, running them through the stock mirror mounts and fastening them from the bottom for a clean installation.
Available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
We're very excited about this next mod. The simple fact is that Yamaha spent several million dollars developing the exhaust system for the Raider, creating a unique set of pipes that enhances the performance of our big 113 cubic inch motor. Features including the O2 sensor, EXUP valve and catalytic converters assure that all that power is put to effective use while high-mileage, low-emissions and proper exhaust flow are all maintained. Within the Raider community, however, there is little debate that the stock mufflers on the system stifle the incredible music the engine composes to the point where we feel like we're riding a sinister looking sewing machine. Designed and manufactured by Stamford, CT's Raw Design, the Reaper Tips allowed us to remove the stock mufflers, eliminating a significant amount of sound baffling, while keeping all the important performance-enhancing exhaust components in place. Unlike complete aftermarket systems, which eliminate the EXUP valve and cats, and in some cases the O2 sensor, installation of the Reapers maintains all these parts in their stock locations, assuring that the Raider's ECU maintains control over fuel mixture, exhaust flow and emissions concerns.
Video of the tips at idle and drive-by can be found here and here. Of course, next to style, the biggest concerns with any exhaust modification are sound and performance. The Reaper Tips provide a deep, mellow, visceral rumble at idle that increases into a powerful yet still deep bellow under hard acceleration. Think big V8 and you get the idea. Never obnoxious or high-pitched, the sound settles into a very sedate, comfortable volume at highway cruising speeds. Performance of the stock system is maintained, with all the important components left in place, and no fuel injection calibration is required. Backfiring is minimal, reserved only for those circumstances where we would expect it - namely coming abruptly off the throttle after running wide open. We actually experienced more backfiring when we drilled our stock baffles. The Tips are fabricated from steel which has be lustrously chromed to match the stock heat shields perfectly. During installation, they can be rotated to fit your individual styling preferences, leading in subtle differences from one bike to another, as shown in the second photo above. Installation itself required removal of the rear portion of the stock system only, leaving both head pipes, the collector, O2 sensor and EXUP valve in place. The stock mufflers have to be cut off and the Reaper Tips spot welded onto the Catalysts - a simple job that can be performed by your local muffler shop in a matter of minutes. You can expect the entire installation to take between one and two hours, and is a very straightforward and uncomplicated process. At around $190, the Reaper Tips provide an excellent, significantly less expensive alternative to replacing the entire system, especially for those who like the overall design of the stock pipes and those concerned about maintaining the performance and efficiency that the Raider's OEM system provides. Raw Design's Reaper Tips are available in our MarketPlace.
Low & Mean Reaper Fender This addition to our portfolio was a long time coming. Complimenting the L&M Chin Spoiler, the Reaper Fender wraps way around the back of the front tire, eliminating that little lip on the back of the stock fender that drove us completely nuts.
We installed the standard version on our bike. There is also a Long version which extends a couple of inches further over the top of the tire, as well as Full-Wrap and a new Shorty version. All versions can be found in our MarketPlace.
Quick-Release Saddle Bags and Brackets So, we all know the deal. One of the big reasons that we bought our Raiders is because of the low, long, wicked custom styling. Another reason was the outrageous power and great handling. The second point also makes the Raider a great touring bike, the first reason, well, not so much. What do you do when you want to keep the chopper aesthetic of your Raider, but occasionally what to carry more than a cell phone? The answer is Ghost Brackets. Ghost Brackets attach to any rigid-backed saddlebag, and attach to the bike with a couple of "keepers"; small knobs which bolt through the fender strut. This completely eliminates the need for unsightly saddlebag supports, and allow you to connect and disconnect your bags in a matter of seconds. The Ghost Brackets include a lock to the keepers when the bags are mounted.
We chose the Jumbo Cruisin' Slant bags from Saddlemen. Their clean, minimalist styling goes great with the Raider, and their rigid plastic backing made a great attachment area for the brackets, and helps the bags maintain their shape. Both the Bags and Brackets are available in our Aftermarket On-Line Catalog
If you share our feelings, nothing is worse than the stock decals that manufacturers insist on putting on your ride. As proven in numerous forum discussions, not to mention the maintenance section of this website, one of the first things that we do is grab the hair dryer and some WD-40 to remove them. At the same time, we want to express our own twist on things and say something unique with our bikes, but don't have the resources to hire a custom painter. Once we removed the Star Logo stickers from the engine covers, we went with Do It Yourself Lettering, and designed our own Logos for the covers. In our particular case, we wanted to duplicated the look of custom hand-painted, hot-rod style lettering.
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