The 2008 Star Raider represents a turnkey custom styled to fit in with the chopper crowd, but endowed with sophisticated engineering designed to provide a level of handling and polish often missing from aftermarket bikes.
Star’s now familiar 113 cubic inch (1854cc) air-cooled pushrod 48-degree v-twin (see our discussion of this Star powerplant here) has a traditional look and feel
Star’s surveys indicate that custom riders are looking for.
With a huge 3.5 liter airbox, and an “Exhaust Ultimate Power Valve” (EXUP) residing in the two-into-one-into-two exhaust specifically designed for the Raider, expect the huge torque cruiser fans are looking for at very low rpm (peaking at 2,500 rpm) with horsepower peaking at 4,500 rpm.
In order to give the Raider that extreme chopper look, the forks are raked-out in the chopper style and unique tires (21 inch in front and 18 inch in rear) carry unusual dimensions to enhance handling. The 21 inch front tire has a wide 120/70 profile, while the rear is a 210/40-18. These are the tallest and widest tires ever on a Star Motorcycle, respectively.
Suspension is handled by a 46mm fork providing 5.1 inches of travel, and a hidden single shock out back. The seamless fuel tank carries 4.1 gallons.
Modern, powerful brakes bring the Raider to a stop — dual 298mm discs up front, and a single 310mm disc out back.
While Star was careful to design in good handling, the Raider is all about the look and attitude that a custom-style motorcycle provides. We had a chance to see the Raider in the flesh at a sneak preview, and were impressed by the paint quality, fit and finish. Star really seems to have captured the custom look with a fat rear end, narrow waist and sculpted tank (we wish we had a photograph of the Raider from above, but we do not at this time).
The 2008 Raider will also be available as a “Raider S” with more chrome than the standard Raider, including chrome triple clamps, fork sliders, airbox cover, master cylinders, headlight housing and handlebar risers. U.S. MSRP for the Raider and Raider S range from $13,180 to $13,980. The Raider S will be available in Candy Red with flames and Tommy Blue. The standard Raider will be available in Raven Black on Black and Candy Red/Black. For additional details and specifications, take a look at Star’s web site here.
Raider S
