Diego Sanchez's Custom Low and Mean Stryker

Seeing as how Star Motorcycles just released its low-slung, factory chopper in October of 2010, it’s impressive that metric aftermarket parts specialists Low and Mean (LM) already has a full line of custom parts available for the 2011 Stryker. To showcase its wares, Low and Mean was one of the first to customize two Strykers. We were there when the bikes were unveiled at the recent New York IMS and watched as UFC fighter Diego Sanchez pumped his fists in the air when he was awarded one of the bikes as his own. The second custom Stryker will be the centerpiece for a new consumer sweepstakes promotion Star plans on announcing soon.

Low and Mean did an admirable job of smoothing out the lines on the rear of the motorcycle. They swapped out the two-up seat for a solo saddle and eliminated the fender mounts, taillights and license plate holder by using a LM Smooth Rear Fender, an LED light kit and a side-mount for the plate. Low and Mean beefed up the look of the engine with the addition of their Performance Air Intake and Vance & Hines pipes. A Chin Radiator Cover cleans up beneath the bars between the downtubes and a Reaper Front Fender over the front wheel has a more aggressive cut than the stock fender. Add some Arlen Ness controls and grips to the equation along with some sweet black and gold paint by Scott at Letters Lines & Designs and you’ve got a bike that matches the attitude of somebody who makes his living in the Octagon.

Even though the Stryker is billed as a factory-custom, the combination of Low and Mean and Star accessories already available for it demonstrate the motorcycle’s capacity to be customized even further. We’re anxious to see what other new directions the platform can be taken. In the meantime, here’s what Chris Hagest had to say about the Strykers he customized for Star and Sanchez.

“In January 2011, two unique Star Stryker motorcycles were introduced to the riding public by Star Motorcycles with customization by Low and Mean. These bikes are the culmination of ideas inspired by the celebrated UFC welterweight Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez, who was present at the unveiling ceremony at the New York IMS and received one of the exclusive bikes as a gift from Star Motorcycles. The other is slated for use in an upcoming promotional campaign by Star.

Diego Sanchez inspired Low and Mean to create a bike to his exact specifications. His bike features a customized Karma leather works tan leather seat cover with “Nightmare” emblazoned on it, Vance & Hines Big Radius wrapped pipes and an all-new high-performance air intake system with the Force air filter and LM Dagger tip. The result is a head-turning motorcycle that not only looks great on the road, but sounds wicked as well.

The two new motorcycles received widespread acclaim when they were introduced to a receptive crowd at the NY IMS. Press reaction was universally positive. The Low and Mean Smooth Rear Fender and Reaper Front Fender create a clean custom look for the bikes and an unmistakable profile on the road. The unveiling event attracted media attention throughout the motorcycle world and was even featured on the NASCAR SpeedTV site, providing more positive visibility to Star Motorcycles, Yamaha, and Low and Mean.

We specialize in accessories designed to bolt on to a wide range of bikes including Star, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki. But we’ve also stepped up our game by customizing bikes in-house to showcase our products. The Low and Mean team are one of the first companies to develop a number of innovative products for the Star Stryker accessory line including the low seat, lowered rear shock setup, performance air intake and the front and rear fenders featured on Diego Sanchez’s bike. Custom radiator covers, accents and LED lighting solutions for the motorcycle are also available from us, along with an awesome Star Stryker Big Radius exhaust from Vance & Hines. We also sponsor an online forum devoted to the Yamaha Star Stryker line of motorcycles and maintain a Low and Mean YouTube video channel that features new developments and product releases. Motorcycle enthusiasts can subscribe to stay current on the full line of Low and Mean custom accessories and cutting-edge advances in motorcycle design. You can also stay up to date on all new products for your Star Motorcycle by joining our newsletter at Low and Mean.com.”