2012 Yamaha Stryker Review

Intro

Choppers are known for their long leaning forks and low-rider look. The 2013 Yamaha Stryker does just this and more. The bike sports 40-degree-of-total-fork rake by adding six more degrees from the clamps and 34 degrees from the steering head. The seat height is positioned a mere 26.4 inches from the ground giving this bike a much lower center of gravity than other bikes. Even though choppers tend to have terrible handling, especially at low speed, when it comes to parking lot maneuvers and U-turns, the 2013 Yamaha Stryker fixes this fact by combining that low center of gravity and the steering yoke tilt of six degrees. The Stryker’s suspension definitely makes you feel connected to the road but that is inherently the case when riding a chopper. The long distance between the wheels, the low rider feel and large rake value are the cause of this but in the end, it is worth it for the great look of this bike. The bikes good hydraulic braking system should help calm the mind during any bumpy rides.

The Stryker has an all-new steel frame that has ""open neck space"" to enhance that aggressive chopper look. The rigid mounting system improves the engine balance for better handling, less vibration and a better overall look. The frame houses a liquid cooled, 1304cc V-Twin beast of an engine. The liquid-cooling system has been artfully hidden in between the frames front downtubes. The liquid-cooling system keeps engine operating temperatures low and helps reduce engine noise for a more reliable and quieter engine. The new upgrades to this engine have increased fuel efficiency, durability and horsepower. The specially designed roller rocker system gives more valve lift without the added camshaft wear and tear. In addition, ceramic composite-plated cylinders provide uniform heat dispersion and reduce other sources of engine friction and weight. A Mikuni dual bore, 1.57 inch throttle body fuel injection system with a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and Idle Speed Control (ISC) use a highly efficient closed-loop system that measures the levels of spent exhaust and feeds back acquired information to the ECU to adjust the fuel/air ratio. This not only saves fuel but increases horse power and engine performance. The smooth shifting, five-speed transmission connects the new carbon-reinforced final belt drive and a wide 210/40-18 rear tire, delivering the loads of horsepower and torque this modernized V-Twin has to offer.

This bike has a great look and a big engine to go along with it. The modernized engine has added numerous features to increase reliability, decrease engine noise and make use of every cubic inch to yield a ton of horsepower and torque. The difficult handling that comes with chopper bikes has been cleverly improved with the fork and rake design. All these features make the 2012 Yamaha Stryker an artistically aggressive and fun bike to ride.

New For 2012

  • The 2012 Yamaha Stryker is designed to emulate the old fashioned ""chopper"" look while updating some of the parts to be more streamlined and modern.
  • The great part about this bike is that you can have the high-end chopper look without the big price tag.
  • The engine is a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled V-Twin with 1304cc to give the rider that big engine feel.
  • A smooth-shifting, five-speed transmission with overdrive yields superior performance and lower highway speed for a smoother ride.
  • The 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system features mean looking dual slash mufflers designed to accentuate the V-Twin rumble with both pipes wrapping the whole length of the bike.
  • The new belt drive system uses a carbon-cord reinforced belt that makes maintenance very low and simplifies customization.
  • A spring preload-adjustable, single-shock, link rear suspension helps center the bikes weight at the seat to improve handling while decreasing the feel of large and small bumps. Also, the spring preload is adjustable to nine different positions.
  • The low seat height of 26.4 inches lets the rider put both feet on the ground and gives a more commanding feel.

2012 Yamaha Stryker Specs

  • Model: Cruiser
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled V-Twin, 1304cc
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.94 inches and 3.27 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.5:1
  • Valve Train: Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC)
  • Induction: Fuel Injection
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • Final Drive: Belt
  • Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 40.9 miles per gallon
  • Brakes (Front): 12.6 inch hydraulic disc
  • Brakes (Rear): 12.2 inch hydraulic disc
  • Suspension (Front): Front telescopic fork with 5.3 inches of travel
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin sided swing arm with pre-loaded springs and adjustable shocks
  • Wheelbase: 68.9 inches
  • Rake: 40 degrees
  • Trail: 4.3 inches
  • Seat Height: 26.4 inches
  • Curb Weight: 646 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/70-21M/C
  • Tires (Rear): 210/40R18M/C

Accessories

  • Billet style generator, clutch, engine covers and wheels.
  • Chrome or black matte engine guards, fender racks, allen bolt plugs, belt guard or support rack.
  • Leather tank cover and saddlebags.
  • Additional leather seat and back rest styles.
  • Clear windshields for face and shoulder protection.

Key Competitors For The 2012 Yamaha Stryker

  • Hyosung GV650 Aquila Pro
  • Harley-Davidson Street Bob
  • Harley-Davidson Wide Glide
  • Harley-Davidson Blackline