2011 Star Stryker First Look

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

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The Stryker is a synergy of raked-out, custom-inspired styling and modern performance at an attractive price that starts at $10,990.

Next year Yamaha’s cruiser motorcycle subsidiary, Star Motorcycles, will be introducing an all-new addition to its line-up with the 2011 Star Stryker. The Stryker is a synergy of raked-out, custom-inspired styling and modern performance at an attractive price that starts at $10,990.

Powering this machine is a liquid-cooled 80 cubic-inch (1304cc) V-Twin engine. The engine sports 100 x 83mm bore/stroke measurements. Each piston compresses fuel to a relatively high 9.5:1 ratio and both cylinders wear a four-valve cylinder head operated via a solo overhead camshaft.

Fuel is pumped into the engine through an electronic fuel-injection system with twin 40mm throttle bodies and 12-hole fuel injectors. To enhance rider comfort the engine employs twin counter balancers. Power is routed to the rear tire via a belt final drive.

In terms of aesthetics the bikes features a long and low stance and looks different from any other production cruiser on the market. The engine cases are blacked-out as is the radiator and shotgun-style exhaust pipes. Furthermore each cylinder features authentic looking air fins that give it the appearance of a classic air-cooled bike. Other complementary touches are the steel fenders and Star’s extensive accessories which allow you to customize the bike’s appearance.

2011 Star Stryker Specs

Engine: 1304cc liquid-cooled V-Twin, 8-valve
Bore x Stroke: 100 x 83mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Suspension: Soqi 41mm inverted fork
Rear Suspension: Soqi shock absorber
Front Brake: 320mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 310mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Tire: 120/70-21
Rear Tire: 210/40-18
Seat Height: 26.4 in.
MSRP: $10,990 - $11,240
Colors: Raven, Impact Blue, Reddish Copper

The engine is hung within a black steel frame and is a stressed member meaning it works in unison with the chassis to enhance handling. A 6-degree steering yoke helps kick out the fork to an angle of 40-degrees. Suspension is comprised of a 41mm fork and a linked monocross shock absorber. In spite of its aggressive fork rake angle, the Stryker maintains a 45/55 percent front-to-rear weight distribution which is a key Star Motorcycles handling characteristic.

The Stryker rolls on a 21-inch front hoop and an 18-inch rear wheel. Both wheels are manufactured from cast aluminum and feature a five-spoke design. The front rim is shod with a 120/70 tire while a larger 210/40 rubber is used out back.

Equally as big are the brakes with a 320mm diameter brake disc up front and a 310mm disc in the back. In spite of its big wheel and tire sizes the Stryker features a super low 26.4-inch seat height which should make it much friendlier for all rider’s. The Stryker comes in three colors: Reddish Copper, Impact Blue and Raven and will be available sometime in September.

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Comments

Henry the Navigator -Rider or Businessman September 28, 2010 03:06 PM
You ever hear a musician wanting to play an instrument for resale value? They might engage in that kind of business, but first and foremost they want to sound good! Whatever gets them their sound. I'm a 57 y.o. Just a rider. Don't give a fig about resale. I'll ride the damn thing to the ground with loving care. In our 30+ years of the road together, Me and my Wife have broken down in god forsaken places endured extreme heat, cold, sleek and rain. As it was then and so shall it ever be, we want reliability, comfort and style; It's gotta look cool. Extreme weather conditions don't stop us. We just wanted a well made machine to get us through it. Yamaha/Star have a good reputation, so I chose a '09 Star Raider this time around. One of so few machine I've put a whole lot of trust in. So far....great! Milwaukee Mike is right about Star taking their sweet time getting parts to customers. Common complaint on Star forums. Star better get on the ball. It's my pet peeve, having to wait so long for customizing items. Star, We wanna ride. Improve your service. Oh yeah I like the stryker. It's cool looking and more than enough power to get you anywhere yer heart desires. Star = Performance and reliability. You can ride with pride and then some (then some,then some). I do!!

bike head -Yamaha of course September 22, 2010 01:49 PM
well I love the new line up of Yamaha cruisers, but for me the custom air cooled 950 is all the bike I need here in town. and short hops on the freeway, mostly solo riding. would love the air cooled raider but that is a lot of money new $19,000+ and $10,990 for the custom stryker and $5,795 for the Star custom 950.If I do wait till this time next year the custom strykers might be still in the dealers show room (2011 models) and maybe get one for $7,500 out the door. If the thing fits my frame and I am comfortable. that said, means more to me than looks and almost everything else including power and style and looks.

wr -stryke out 1300 September 22, 2010 01:26 PM
the only thing holding it back is the water cooled radiator that looks or hides the engine and adds to electric use with the noisy rad fan running in traffic. the raider to me looks better and can be had used with very low miles for $8,500.00 and still under warrenty in some cases.Seen an 08 raider with 2900 miles for the said money--aluminum frame air cooled and custom design 113 CID motor 4 valve heads twin cams and hydraulic lifters 730 lb's wet

Dick Ego -Like it - will wait to hear/see how it rides September 11, 2010 08:52 AM
I like the Raider and this has a similar look. I prefer the look of the Raider and now the Stryker to the Fury. The Fury looks nice at the front end but the rear completely spoils it IMO. I guess some custom work could fix that. I currently ride a Boulevard M50, which is great for riding to work and back every day, but I always feel like I need just a little more power. The Stryker has decent enough displacement and should meet my needs, plus, it's a great price. The Boulevard M90 has the increased displacement over my current ride, but that cowl over the light is butt ugly. So...the Stryker is a strong contender for my next ride.

Neil -I like it.. September 9, 2010 03:33 AM
A Virago 1300 - Sweet!!

Craig -HD Resale September 8, 2010 10:49 AM
I honestly would expect that the HD would not depreciate at all, unless it had actually done some mileage and had some wear and tare. Models never really change at all over the years so a 10 year old one will not be much different from a new one, except maybe the paint scheme. Basically it is timeless so you can buy a new model and be able to rely on the fact that it wont be replaced by a newer model for a long time or even buy a 10 year old model and its the same as a new one blah blah. The only way to upgade your bike is to spend 10 k on acc and then it still wont ride like the yami. Then when you sell it it will be more attractive than a new model because a new model looks like a bicyle with a motor and sounds like a lawn mower

Oh and I was not refering to that specific post of Mike but just in general because this time he had something going albeit an old worn out story that holds some truth due to the above.

Mitch -Rise of the Mid-Choppers. September 8, 2010 09:04 AM
When the Fury came out I thought that it would find a nitch but never expected to see as many of them on the road as I have in only a couple of model years. I have ridden one and to their credit they are the best handling chopper, or chopper style bike I have twisted the throttle on witch adds to the fun factor of riding them dispite the limited displacement. The Star doesn't go as far to emulate a full sized chopper witch I actually kinda appreciate. And the belt drive in this case is a definite plus on the Yama side in my personal opinion. I understand Honda wanted to make a modern/user friendly chopper but I just can't get over the shaft drive appearance. And as for "Mikes" comment, agree or not I think you have to give him credit and respect for not being silly at least...just sayin'

john -stryker September 7, 2010 01:00 PM
why do every 883 sportster owners talk about HD and their "resale value"? what, do you buy a bike as an investment or for riding? this is the mentality that makes me sick of owning a HD. As for the stryker, looks better than what honda has to offer but dammit, lose the damn flames. I can't stand them on HD either.

Nick -Resale value September 6, 2010 10:21 AM
Harleys do have better resale value.
That is, Harleys give you more of your money back when you get rid of them.
Of course, if you buy a bike to ride and not to get rid of later, resale value isn't that much of a consideration.

This bike looks like a decent ride. The pipes are weird, though.

Woodco100 -@Craig about Mil Mike September 5, 2010 03:47 AM
"milwaukee mike - Really? September 2, 2010 08:13 AM
$11K for a yamaha, and a 2011 sportster for $7995.
What bike do you think is going to be worth more in six months?
What about dealer support, when and if a collision should occur? My neighbor had a minor accident on his royal star in May and the dealer is still waiting for parts."

Craig, what do you find humorous or ididotic about his post. He makes a factual stement about pricing, and asks a valid question about depreciation. Which I could argue may be true. Than raises a concern about parts availibilty.
Do you have proof that the RoyalStar items are not backordered? Are you saying that HD doe not hold its value better than Star bikes?

You do not seem able to present facts so you attack the writer and suggest isolating him.

The 1st amendment of the Costitution affords us 5 rights. Religion, Assembly, Petition (when was the last time you contacted your elected and appointed officials concerning MC issues?) Speech and Press.

We all have the right to say and printed stupid an often humorous things. I possibly have abused it more than most! This is an open forum of ideas, comments and oppossing opinions. The one thing we all have in common is our passion for the MC life. Lets celebrate, not isolate these differences.

Craig -@ Milwalkie Mike and MCUSA September 4, 2010 10:43 PM
It is always very entertaining to read your comments and views. I think that MCUSA should create a seperate humor column for all your comments. In the beginning I really thought you were an idiot just trying to bash anything that isnt a Harley. I was wrong. You are just a joker who likes attention. Come on guys this stuff belongs on a seperate page with goofy cartoon characters, exagerated bike pics and under the heading icon " Mike says " Everyone likes a laugh a day so keep em coming.

Woodco100 -the real question is.. September 3, 2010 08:30 PM
The only real question left is do I trade my mid size 1700 bike for a 1900 Star, 2000 Vulcan or a 2300 Triumph?

Woodco100 -best sellers September 3, 2010 08:27 PM
There is a good reason that big, exposed engine, classicly styled, speedo in tank cruisers out sell ALL OTHER STLYES OF BIKES COMBNED.

The reason is, they are great looking machines people seek out. These are easy to ride, fun bikes. Most folks never go over 80mph.

Who cares what people in Europe think, I live in the USA. If you want to ride a bike that looks like a big bug, go for it. Folks in America want, buy and ride cruisers!!

Tom -Love it September 3, 2010 01:03 PM
Me too, i have been waiting for this a long time. Even though I'm a tall guy, I always thought that 1600+cc cruisers were just silly and for people with penile envy. I like cruisin', no problem, I don't always have to be on a standard (although I'd have nothing else for the real motorcycling I do) a change of pace and position can do wonders for a bit of variation. Still, bulky 1600+ uselessly heavy pieces of machinery, no thanks. And as this kind of bike will always be a second bike for me, I don't particularly want to spend more than 15k on it. At this price point, this is perfect. I also have NEVER liked the looks of that 1900cc engine. And like it or not, the visible part of an engine is a big factor for cruiser buyers. The right side looks ok actually, but from the left it looks busy, 'old' and with two 'mushroom' styled cylinders. Narrow at the bottom and very wide and 'industrial' at the top. So I've liked the liquid cooled engine from Yamaha the best, but not the bike it was in (Vstar 1300). Now this bikes gives me everything I want. 'Raider' looks, decent price as a second bike, normal sized engine (in Europe they just think you're an idiot if you show up with a 1900cc tractor engine, and rightfully so) and SPEEDO NOT ON THE TANK (for christ sake, when is that ever gonna stop. Make the speedo on the bars!!) It also looks way better than that cartoony looking, oversized matchbox bike, the Fury. (fury could have been on the top of the list, but they did a poor job in execution, and the style is way to far out there) GO YAMAHA, the only cruiser you have I'd ever consider buying (can't even stand to watch that 50's retro crap you've got going on with the streamliner things)

Chris -LOVE MY STAR September 3, 2010 11:39 AM
I HAVE A 2007 ROADSTAR WARRIOR AND LOVE IT,ITS FAST ENOUGH HANDLES GREAT(FOR A CRUSIER)AND THE BRAKES ARE FANTASTIC,(RACED A NIGHTROD AND YES ITS QUICKER BUT ONCE THE TURNS CAME HE COULDNT HANG WITH THE WARRIOR)I HAVE 11000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH THE BIKE,HARLEYS ARE FINE BUT I THINK STAR JUST MAKES A BETTER PRODUCT.I JUST HOPE THEY BRING OUT A REDESIGN OF THE BIKE WITH THE 1900CC ENGINE! AS FOR BEING PART OF THE HARLY CLUB,THE BEST TO ALL OF YOU BUT I WANT TO BE MY OWN PERSON AND NOT PART OF THE FLOCK!!!!

Scottie -Right direction for cruisers? September 3, 2010 08:08 AM
This is probably the right direction for the cruisers. The Japanese should just leave the big cruisers to H-D and Victory. Yamaha took a leap with the Roadliner/Stratoliner thinking that the cruiser market may want something "different", more powerful and better handling, but the market said not so much and then Victory stepped in with their more traditional looking Crosses with similar power and handling attributes. I'm not sure dropping the 113 engine into Roadstar would help. Even though you'd have wildly impressive power, it would still handle as poorly as a Softail and you wouldn't be part of the lifestyle. I have a Stratoliner and H-D people just ignore me. I don't care since it's an incredibly wonderful ride and I'm a loner. For me it's one of my interests, a toy, not my life. However, for someone that wants to be part of the club, just buy a Harley.

Morvegil -No comparison September 3, 2010 07:22 AM
Dont see how people are comparing this to a raider. This is a Vstar 1300 motor in it.

Woodco100 -what I want September 2, 2010 07:52 PM
The Star I will buy will be the Roadstar with the Roadliner 1900 motor or a Roadliner with better, classic styling is what I prefer. Actually, since I build most of my bikes from wrecks and abandoned projects, I may just grab a used Roadliner/Staroliner and built a classic bagger out of it.

Harder than I want to work, I just want to buy and ride at this point. But, hey $17K is a lot of cake. You can find good, used bikes for $6k all day. Not a bike that holds its value.

Rudy 889 -Woodco100 September 2, 2010 05:56 PM
An upgrade on the Roadstar would be nice considering this general design is almost 11+ yrs. old. The Roadstar might be one of those bikes that never change and sell for decades like the Honda Shadow 1100 used to be.

Woodco100 -fair arguments September 2, 2010 05:13 PM
I will concede many of these points. HD actually sold about 220K last year, down about 10%. I was not trying to hijack this into a HD vs Metric cruiser forum. I am just frustated that Star has nothing to sell me. I was waiting and hoping for an upgrade on the Roadie.

iliketoys -Raider Owner September 2, 2010 03:49 PM
Just bought a Raider at the beginning of the summer. By far the best motorcycle purchase I have ever made. I considered a lot of bikes when I was searching, and I am 100% satisfied with my Raider purchase. It's a new bike that hasn't been on the market long. Of course you haven't seen many. However, I have probably seen more Raiders than I have seen Harley Cross-Bones. About the same time period on the streets. Not saying one is better than the other (clearly the Raider!! LOL), but it's a more fair comparison.

Rudy 889 -Woodco100 September 2, 2010 03:18 PM
Heavy weight cruiser sales are down for everyone including Harley. Harley used to sell close to 400,000 units annually just 3-4 yrs. ago now they will sell less than 200,000 units a year. I agree some metric cruisers have too much plastic but from your post I got the impression you were also including the Star bikes.

“Have you ever seen a Raider on the street?” Yes I have but I have seen even more for sale in the papers. You are correct people aren’t buying these bikes but I don’t think it’s because people don’t want these bikes rather it’s because people can’t afford these bikes.

It isn’t a bizarre coincidence that around the time the economy fell off the cliff 2 yrs ago that so did premium heavy weight cruiser sales or for most motorcycles for that matter. Yamaha probably figures if customers can’t afford a $15K Raider, so how about a $11K version. Personally I think Yamaha is just following Honda’s lead by slowly reducing their heavyweight cruiser line up as you pointed out in your last post. The era of excess may be over for a long time or at least until the economy turns around which looks like it will be a while.

Woodco100 -Response to Rudy September 2, 2010 12:55 PM
Dude, I was not talking about this specific Star. Go look at an $18k ($13K on ebay) Vulcan Voyager and tap on the dash panel with your knuckle. The twang of cheep plastic will fill the dealership. (note, do not tap too hard, dont ask how I know) Or check out the switch pods on a Honda Fury.

I have owned 2 Roadstar 1600 and 1700, RoyalStar TD, 1 st gen, and a V Star 1100 Classic.

I still have the 1700 Roadie and the V Star 1100. I am now shopping for an aircooled, Classicly Stlyed V Twin bike. (yes, the speedo does belong in the gas tank) What would you suggest I buy? A goofy looking Roadliner with "Madonna Bra Blinkers" (a term made up by the MC media to describe this bike) The reason there is no Roadliner or base Stratoliner in the 2011 lineup is because of all the unsold 08s on the dealer floors (at $5K off).

Metric exports are down to the USA %70!! Folks are not buying these bikes.

What the Raider sold so well, they needed a mini 1300 version. Have you ever seen a Raider on the street? I just got back from NSB surfing Earl, saw at least 5 V Star/RoadStars.

Rudy 889 -Woodco100 September 2, 2010 12:31 PM
“I am not trying to rank out the Metrics, personnly I own 2, but between the miles of cheap ABS plastic on $17k bikes (now down to $12K)”
“No cheap plastic fenders here – this authentic cruiser has the real steel fenders customizers love. Classic belt drive, too”. http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelfeatures/653/0/features.aspx
Maybe next time you should do a little research before you guess at what types of materials these bikes are made of. If you really owned any Star bikes you would know that a number of their bikes have real steel fenders.

Don -milwaukee mike September 2, 2010 12:09 PM
MM a Sportster really those are a dime a dozen on craigslist. Harleys had good resale about 5-6 yrs ago now many are rotting in classified ads as we speak and on dealer showroom floors…LOL. Harley doesn’t have better dealer support they just have bikes that are so interchangeable that the dealer can take parts off one of the many languishing used Harleys in their regrettable possession and bolt it on your bike.

Woodco100 -Big Discounts a coming September 2, 2010 12:07 PM
Mil Mike,

This bike will be at $9K by the end of the year. As soon as the "Gotta have the new model today crowd" gets thier fill.

I am not trying to rank out the Metrics, personnly I own 2, but between the miles of cheap ABS plastic on $17k bikes (now down to $12K) and all this goofy/neo/retro/deco/vintage styling. Well I am saving for a RoadKing!

Note to Yammie, you wanna sell this bike, put the Speedo in the tank where it belongs on a Cruiser!

I wish Yamaha well, I truly do. But there is not a bike in the lineup to replace my 7 year old Roadstar with.

Hecklerboy -Not Bad... September 2, 2010 09:00 AM
Not to shabby. I'm a Harley man myself, but I have to give credit where credit is due. I'm actualy impressed. I'll have to check it out once it hits the showrooms.

milwaukee mike -Really? September 2, 2010 08:13 AM
$11K for a yamaha, and a 2011 sportster for $7995.
What bike do you think is going to be worth more in six months?
What about dealer support, when and if a collision should occur? My neighbor had a minor accident on his royal star in May and the dealer is still waiting for parts.

Woodco100 -Star's future direction. September 1, 2010 07:41 PM
Did the V Star 1100 Custom need a successor? Bike sold very well. Both V Star 1100 models were Star best sellers. Still sells very well in Canada. The watercooled 1300 line does not sell nearly as well.

For a reason I cannot not figure Star has abandoned the Classic styled air cooled bikes. If you have a V Star 650 or 1100 you can move to a Roadstar. Other than that, nothing really to buy form Star right now if you want air cooled and classic styled.

Oh, tank hold 4 gallons.

Tom -Cool September 1, 2010 03:35 PM
Sweet bike and it is priced well under the Honda Fury while offering more detail and style that does not look cartoon-ish, like the Honda.

Rion -At last September 1, 2010 12:34 PM
A worthy successor to the 1100 custom, For those of us who cant afford 14k machines. My day has been made, I have been waiting for this for years. Hopefully the fuel tank is still 4.9 gal.