2007 Yamaha Warrior Review

Yamaha, a Japanese manufacturer, began producing motorcycles in 1955, starting with small-displacement bikes and then a developing a strong line of powerful competition bikes. The Warrior, a cruiser, was introduced in 2002; it won the AMA Prostar Hot Rod Cruiser drag racing championship for next four years. The 2007 model and its sibling, the Warrior Midnight (so called because it is all black), were carryovers.

Powered by a big air-cooled, 1670cc, 48-degree V-twin with an overhead cam in a pushrod configuration, four valves per cylinder, both models have twin-bore fuel injectors with a throttle-position sensor for optimal fuel delivery and throttle response. The five-speed manual transmission, with overdrive, has close-ratio gearing and a multi-plate wet clutch, working with a rear narrow belt drive. Kayaba inverted forks with 5.3 inches of travel provide the front suspension for both models; the rear suspension is a twin-sided swing arm and an adjustable spring preload shock with rebound damping. The front brakes are dual 11.7-inch hydraulic discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers; the rear brakes are 11.1-inch discs.

Big machines all around, the Warrior weighs in at 613 pounds dry; the Warrior Midnight is slightly lighter at 606 pounds. The bikes are almost eight feet long, with a wheelbase of 65.6 inches. The two-piece seat is a low 28.1 inches, with the upright rider position typical of cruisers. The Warrior's instrumentation is not as barebones as most cruisers': it has a clock, a fuel warning light, and a tachometer as well as a speedometer and an odometer. Ignition is electric. Yamaha doesn't provide an estimate of gas mileage; the tank holds 4 gallons.

It comes with lockable underseat storage, but a wide variety of saddlebags and tank bags are available, along with a huge selection of accessories to customize the bike and add bling. You can install an optional windshield, which will make highway riding more comfortable; and you can replace the standard seat with a solo seat if you prefer.

Yamahas are well known for being reliable, durable machines, and the Warrior offers all the power anyone could want.