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2015 Star Motorcycles Raider S

SPECIFICATIONS:

year: 2015
price: $ 15790
Engine: Air-cooled V-twin OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed
Energy: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Displacement: 1854 cc
Top Speed: 125 mph (Est.)

Spec-wise, the Raider S hasn’t changed much since 2008. The Raider S from Star Motorcycles is a chromed-out version of the Raider and is available in Crimson Red for 2015, which I like better than the Galaxy Blue offered in 2014. Components such as the triple clamps, fork sliders, air box and engine covers, headlight housing and handlebar risers get a little bling that distinguishes it from the base Raider. With a 39-degree rake, low seat height, a fat rear tire and a tall front tire, it has just enough stretch to give that bad-boy chopper look that gets attention. It takes more than looks to impress buyers, though.

Design

The low 27.4-inch seat height and an almost 71-inch wheelbase give the Raider S a long, low profile. The tank-mounted instrumentation includes analog speedometer and fuel gauge, along with twin digital tripmeters, odometer and self-diagnostics. Lighting details include a multi-reflector headlight, an LED taillight, and custom amber LED turn signals behind clear lenses let you "see-and-be-seen" for safety’s sake. The deep-scoop, butt-cradling sculpted seat and pullback handlebars make for a comfortable, easy-cruisin’ rider triangle.

Chassis

Star gave the Raider a custom look with a frame designed around the 33-degree steering head, and the triple tree that has a six-degree offset to give the front forks a remarkable-for-a-stock-bike 39-degree total rake. This rake, coupled with the 4.72-inch trail, makes the bike track well on the straights, while still comfortable for highway trips. Beefy and stiff 46 mm fork tubes take care of the front end, and a hidden monoshock supports the swingarm giving the rear a clean look. The front suspension travel is a comfortable 5.1 inches, but the rear only allows for 3.5 inches, making her a little stiff especially when carrying a passenger or well-laden bags. Monoblock brake calipers work with the dual-front 298 mm discs and the 310 mm rear disc to provide the necessary braking power to control the 730-pound curb weight plus rider. Speaking of control, the ample contact patches afforded by the big 120/70-21 front wheel and the fat 210/40-18 rear wheel give you plenty of traction where it counts. This 210-series rear tire is the biggest Star has installed on a bike to date.

Drivetrain

The air-cooled, 48-degree V-twin engine in the Raider S cuts a distinctly American figure, and it draws the eye with chrome accents and ’jeweled’ cooling fins over black paint. It’s a big engine with a voluminous displacement of 1,854 cc, and we do like us some big engines on this side of the pond. Four pushrod-actuated valves lets these big lungs breathe while the dual spark plugs handle efficient flame propagation, all being fed by the twin-bore, computer-controlled fuel injection system. Star used ceramic-composite plated pistons and pressurized oil jets to aid in carrying off the waste heat that can be the death of air-cooled engines. The fetching chrome exhaust system helps to boost torque while the integral three-way catalyst and O2 sensor keep emissions under control.

Pricing

MSRP on the 2015 Raider S is the same as last year — $15,790. With a quick peruse through the accessories catalog.

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