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 of the tire to pinch in on the sides, and the center to bulge, changing the profile of the tire, affecting wear and handling. We do not recommend attempting to fit a tire larger than 210 on the stock rim. If you want to fit a 240 rear tire correctly, Direct Line Parts has engineered and built an 8.5" rear wheel for the Raider, using the same design pattern as the stock wheel. We will be bringing the wheel to market on this site.
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. 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. The only way to make sure is to have your bike dyno tested.
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.