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Star Custom Line Debuts With 2012 Raider SCL

Star debuted today the 2012 Raider SCL (pictured), the first of multiple models to come in the Star Custom Line.  Star is not the first manufacturer to offer a “factory custom”, but it might be the first to bring this level of paint quality, chrome and accessories to a production motorcycle priced under $20,000 (albeit, by a hair).  At $19,990, the Raider SCL appears to offer good value given the quality of the paint, seat stitching and chrome details I saw a few days ago.

The 2012 Raider SCL will be limited to 500 units, with each bike receiving a numbered, limited edition aluminum tank badge.  In addition to the very impressive six-layer paint job, the seat appears finely crafted from genuine leather with color matched stitching.  The wheels are co-developed by Performance Machine and are limited to this model.  Other details include a chrome belt guard, and stainless mesh throttle cables and clutch/brake lines.  Star chose to leave the potent 1854cc (113 cubic inch) motor stock, as it is already at, or near, the top of the production v-twin hierarchy.    The Raider SCL should be available in February of next year at selected dealers.  Inquire at your dealer for details. You can also take a look at the Star web site here.

18 Comments

  1. Brian says:

    Hey Star, 1981 called. They want their paint schemes back.

  2. JRC says:

    Great. Another cruiser. Why so many models but so fe choices. Bring the MT-01 to the US market. Best bike I’ve ever owned.

  3. harry says:

    The rider looks to be about 5’2″ tall.

  4. Ruefus says:

    The underlying bike is very, very good. Great motor, fit-and-finish is excellent.

    But I said “WTH?!?” When I saw the photo. The Raider was never a looker IMHO. But holy batcrap, Batman. However that made it off the artist’s desk is beyond me.

  5. Yoyodyne says:

    I typically don’t care much about cruisers or their styling, but that thing is stunningly, mind-bendingly ugly.

  6. Gary says:

    I would not hit my dog in the butt with that bike.

  7. Morris Bethoven says:

    For $19,900 you might as well buy a Harley.

  8. Jnycanuk says:

    What Travman Says..and I like Yamahas

  9. Philip says:

    It’s priced $100 over the VMAX!

  10. MikeD says:

    It seems as if STAR has been watching/evaluating trying to mimic H-D’s CVO Program very closely.

    That paintjob is hideous, the Base Raider(no chrome) looks better than this thing in H-D MakeUp.

    I always had high hopes that that 113ci Monster would find it’s way inside a “refreshed, better handling, ligther and cheaper than the Raider” Warrior…but that will never happen(Warrior discontinued since 2009).

    • Morris Bethoven says:

      They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but Yamaha believes it’s SOP. They should just buy a few million shares of Harley stock if they want so much to be a part of Harley. What is Harley stock selling for these days?

  11. Greg says:

    Hands down the ugliest motorcycle I’ve seen in a long time. Awful paint. Stance is just wrong. Fenders bent in all the wrong places. And will be bought by the same people who decided on a Pontiac Aztec.

  12. Jeff says:

    Never understood the styling decisions made on the Raider. It looks as though it was rear-ended by a truck. The exhaust and rear fender stays are horribly disjointed. Other than that, it’s a pretty generic looking cruiser, so not much redeeming there. The Stratoliner on the other hand is a great looking bike, so we know Yamaha is capable… something went wrong with the Raider though. Nice paint can’t save it.

    • clasqm says:

      +1 on the stratoliner remark.

      The Raider’s designers never could make up their mind if they wanted a bike with smooth, flowing lines (the front of the bike) or embrace the new angular origami look (the rear).

  13. Matt says:

    Best production V-twin engine in the market IMO but as someone that likes to tinker on their own rides I never really understood the point of buying a bike that comes “pre-customized”. Doesn’t that take away half the fun of owning one?

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