Got to demo a Yamaha today
 

Dealerships are demoing the new Stryker. As cruisers go, I really like the looks of this thing. So I went down and took it for a spin. (Also got a free pair of Oakleys just for taking a test ride)

http://imageshand.yamahamotors.com/i...8&class=med640

http://imageshand.yamahamotors.com/i...9&class=med640

My impression: Pleasantly suprised. This thing is remarkably nimble given the rake that it has. Throttle response is nice and smooth. I like the belt drive much better than the shaft on the last cruiser. Front brake is much better than my previous cruiser experience. Handlebars are in a relaxed position, not too high or low. Plenty of power for me (1304 cc). Had it at 85 on the interstate with plenty of throttle left.

I would definitely need the small windscreen on it due to the buffetting on the highway. This was also my first ride with forward controls. I like the seating position, but it would take some getting used to on the freeway with the wind pushing on the bottom of my feet.

Overall, I like it. Maybe some of you can visit your local dealership and give us your take on it.

I wanted to but the local yamaha dealerships don't usually allow demo rides. Too many squids around.

I been watching this bike for the past several months.

Really eye catching, and would be fun to commute and tool around on.

Local dealer also has a leftover Midnight Warrior for $9k I been watching.

Those Midnight Warriors are badass. I'm torn between the new Stryker and a used Warrior. Also, I've seen some sick Warrior mods.

These are sponsored by Yamaha. According to my dealer, Yamaha is assuming the liability. They have a place on the website to check for participating dealers

Cool. Will check it out

Too bad they aren't doing anything close to me. I would really like to try a Stratoliner and free Oakleys for me to lose are always nice.

What type of Oakleys? I could always add a fourth pair.... :whistle:

That Stryker is sweet looking. If that motor is as strong a runner as its bigger brother in the Raider, I bet it's pretty fun. :D

At times I really regret trading my Warrior in. Not because of any failing of the Buell, but because of the shitty trade-in value I got and because I never got around to doing all the fun mods on my Warrior that I had planned. :(

They are doing it at my local dealer. I may or most likely may not go over and ride one.

These look pretty sick...

http://www.lowandmean.com/images/diego2.jpg

http://www.lowandmean.com/images/redblack.jpg