2011 Yamaha Stryker

Yamaha, under the name “Star Motorcycles”, has just launched the North American market a new cruiser (read custom cruiser), the Stryker. Not wanting to be outdone by its neighbor and rival Honda had happened to us with the Fury (read VT1300CX STD, much more poetic), Yamaha thus mimics. Similar 1300cm3 V-twin liquid cooled, even fat rear tire, belt drive for the Stryker, and heaviness in the same pace as in the balance with 300 kilos.

That these two are fighting their market share with products targeted with military precision, it looks, but the fireworks that results are forgetting that a lot more authentic cruiser, the Victory Vegas exists ( yes, it also takes its inspiration from the Harley changed but we will not a big deal in this market, they copy all Harley).

Elegance has never been the forte of Japanese motorcycles that are struggling to stand out in this chapter. They are still too many, and this Stryker is no exception. Matter of engineering probably responsible behavior and reliability always perfect, but making the often awkward silhouette. Is the price to pay, the stylist never prevail over the engineer, and this lack of compromise that makes these attempts to copy so curious.