Slim looks and chassis
Beautifully made, especially in terms of elegance and weld quality, the Stryker’s double cradle frame features a strengthened steering stem, to better absorb the additional stress generated by the 34-degree rake. This frame also stands out with its longer, 1,750mm wheelbase which increases stability.

High-quality fit and finish at a very competitive price tag. (Photo: Yamaha)

The chopper style is all about clean, simple lines and a touch of elegance, and the Stryker hits the bull’s eye on all counts. Its teardrop fuel tank, nice long handlebars, well-camouflaged radiator and water pipes, as well as its downward-pointing, angular exhaust bring a touch of class to this boulevard bad boy.

Brake-wise, the Stryker sports a single 320mm disc squeezed by a twin-piston caliper up front, which allows a glimpse on the opposite side of the magnificent aluminum wheel, and a 310mm disc around back with a single-piston caliper, impressively large for a cruiser with this displacement.
Comfort please

The complete instrument cluster includes, “Oh happy day”, a fuel gauge. The stretched out yet easily bearable riding position and the wide, well-designed saddle offer a decent amount of comfort for this type of machine, where style always gets the better of comfort or ergonomics. What’s more, the fork crown and the big headlamp perched on high offer a certain amount of protection against the elements, making extended highway cruising more bearable.

Healthy road-going behaviour
Such a Bad Boy bike makes you itch to hit Route 66 and never look back, but reality struck us a hard blow on a narrow country road between Toronto and Bowmanville one rainy fall day.

The user-friendly controls and the ultra precise throttle-by-wire system ensure smooth manoeuvres, even when Mother Nature is out to get you. You easily forget about those 293 beefy kilos once you hit the 20-km/h mark. The very low centre of gravity makes low-speed riding and urban jungle navigation easier, while the torque facilitates low-rpm launches. The exhaust note remains muffled but ever present – good for the ears, good for the general public.

34 degree rake and short mudguards serves up the American chopper style. (Photo: Yamaha)