The Raider FAQ
Don't Start... as Tested by Cycle World Magazine, March 2008, the Raider (regardless of color) pulled a 1/4 mile E.T. of 12.09 sec., making it one of the quickest OEM Stock V-twin cruisers ever.
The bike has been engineered to use the stock tire width of 210mm. Several owners have installed a 240mm rear using the stock rim and fender, without any reported problems. In actuality, installing the 240 rear causes the sidewalls and bead of the tire to pinch in on the sides, and the crown to bulge around the circumference, changing the profile of the tire. The diameter of the 240 is slightly larger than the stock 210, so the ride height of the bike will be slightly higher. We find it important to state that the official word is that the 210 is the proper size tire for the stock 7.5" rim, and that the tire manufacturers also state that the correct rim size for fitment of a 240 is an 8.5" rim.
That being said, many Raider owners have told us that they have installed the 240mm tire on the stock rim and ridden several thousand miles with no ill effects and feel that the bike handles the same, if not better in some cases. It is important in this case to use your own judgment, the experience of other Raider owners in real-world riding, and make an informed decision.
For a (lofty) price, reputable companies such as RC Components and Performance Machine have aftermarket 8.5" rear wheels which fit the Raider as well, with matching fronts.
Evidence has shown that the stock Raider ECU is quite flexible and will accommodate several aftermarket pipes quite well, without the use of an aftermarket Fuel Controller. Some straight-thru (no baffles) and higher flow pipes do require a controller based on the increased exhaust flow that they provide. Many Raider owners have found that while the stock ECU adjusts well, installing an FI Controller improves throttle response and gets rid of such issues as popping on deceleration. Such a controller might also become necessary if more extensive modifications are carried out, such as the installation of a high-flow intake in conjunction with some exhaust systems.
Read more on the issue in the Exhaust and Fuel Management section of our Aftermarket Reviews.
The bike must be totally upright, and not on its sidestand, in order to get an accurate reading on the dipstick. This video from Yamaha/Star Motorcycles demonstrates in detail the procedure that should be followed.
Semi dry sump oil level check - applies to the Roadstar, Roadliner, Stratoliner, Warrior and Raider
LED turn signals draw significantly less current than the stock lights, causing them to blink faster (the same thing happens when a bulb burns out). This can be fixed by installing a Load Equalizer, which makes the stock electrical system think that the new lights are drawing more current. You will need to install one equalizer per side. Available from most companies that sell aftermarket lights, they are small, easy to hide, and cost around $15.
Part Numbers are as follows:
SwitchBlade mount kit for Raider (for all shields) -
Q131
2-UP - N21105
Chopped Clear - N21405
Chopped Tint - N21406
Shorty Clear - N21705
Shorty Tint - N21706
Deflector Clear - N21905
Deflector Tint - N21906
The EXUP assembly is contained within the stock exhaust system, and is controlled by two cables connected to a servo motor located in front of the rear fender. When installing an aftermarket pipe, remove the cables from the stock pipe first. Once the stock pipe is removed, disconnect the other end of the cables from the servo pulley. Leave the servo motor and pulley in place. DO NOT disconnect the servo motor or the pulley unless your aftermarket pipes include a replacement.
A very simple, quick and inexpensive way to get significantly more sound and volume out of the stock exhaust system is to drill holes in the rear-most baffle plates in the stock mufflers.
This
modification does little to affect actual exhaust flow, and the stock EXUP
valve, O2 sensor and other components remain unaffected, so
installation of an aftermarket fuel injection module is unnecessary.
Adding to the simplicity of the process, removal of the pipes is not required - they stay on the bike the whole time.
The amount of sound that you end up getting out of the pipes depends entirely on the quantity and size of the holes that are drilled. Most owners that have performed this modification drill between 4 and 8 holes in each pipe, ranging is size from 1/8" to 7/8".
Several 2008 Raiders were shipped from the factory with the ignition coil wires on the right side of the engine connected to the incorrect coil. While not a particularly dangerous condition, it caused a number of performance issues, specifically rough idling, decreased mileage and poor engine performance at lower RPMs. If your new Raider has never performed the way you feel it should at lower engine speeds, this problem in easy enough to diagnose and repair. Our write-up with more information and photographs can be found here.