2012 Star Raider | Preview

2012 Star Motorcycle

Inspired by chopper, driven by technology. That can easily sum up the design behind Star’s 2012 Raider.

The chopper styling is immediately noticed from the raked-out front end, but the 2012 Raider features a technically-designed rake to give the look while also provide the handling.

This is due to the 6-degree yoke angle, which is the first ever on a street-legal motorcycle. The 33-degree rake plus 6-degree yoke angle gives the Raider 39 degrees of rake total, with 102mm of trail. This allows for "neutral handling and straight-line cruisability," all while maintaining that custom look.

The 2012 Star Raider’s chassis rolls on stylish 5-spoke wheels with a 120/70-21-inch bias tire up front, and a wide, 210/40-18 radial out back-the tallest and widest ever on a Star.

And all the power is there with a twist from the 113 ci (1854 cc) air-cooled, 48-degree V-Twin that features ceramic-composite plated cylinders and forged pistons cooled by oil jets.

Following are the highlights, specs, color option and MSRP for the 2012 Star Raider.

2012 Star Raider Highlights:

Engine:

  • 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, OHV with 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod 48-degree V-twin pumps out max torque at just 2500 rpm and max power at 4500 rpm for powerful, relaxed cruising.
  • Four pushrod-activated valves and two spark plugs per cylinder provide optimum combustion efficiency along with classically beautiful engine architecture.
  • Ceramic-composite plated cylinders for superior heat dissipation with forged pistons cooled by oil jets. Provides outstanding reliability and longer engine life.
  • 9.48:1 compression ratio and aggressive cam timing increase power output across the board.
  • Computer-controlled, twin-bore, fuel injection monitors multiple engine parameters to calculate perfect mixture under all conditions; wide-angle 12-hole fuel injectors provide excellent atomization.
  • A 3.5-liter airbox is hidden in the area below the fuel tank for great performance and clean styling.
  • Two-into-one-into-two exhaust with Exhaust Ultimate Power valve (EXUP) inside boosts torque in the 2500-3500-rpm range.
  • Special custom-machining of the cooling fin edges gives a jewel-like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.

Chassis/Suspension:

  • All-aluminum cast frame is light, rigid and tuned for light, athletic handling. A light, Controlled-Fill, aluminum swingarm casting complements the bike’s lithe style.
  • Low, sculpted seat holds the rider in place, and pullback bars reach back to enforce a casual, urban cruising style.
  • A 6-degree yoke angle-the first ever on a street-legal Star Motorcycle-makes it possible to achieve that custom look as well as neutral handling and straight-line cruisability: 33-degree rake plus 6 degrees yoke angle gives total rake of 39 degrees and 102mm of trail.
  • Custom 5-spoke wheels carry a 120/70-21-inch bias tire up front, and a wide, 210/40-18 radial out back-the tallest and widest ever on a Star.
  • 46mm fork tubes serve a sweet appearance and an excellent ride through 5.1 inches of wheel travel.
  • A tucked-out-of-sight single shock out back provides a smooth ride under varying loads.
  • Flangeless fuel tank carries a full 4.2 gallons of fuel.
  • *Front brake master cylinder with integrated lever operates a pair of 298mm front discs squeezed by strong monoblock calipers for excellent power and feel, with a 310mm disc out back.
  • Strong, light and narrow belt final drive contains embedded carbon fiber for even greater strength.
  • Wiring harness uses super-slim wires for compactness and lighter weight, and switchgear wiring is routed inside the handlebar for a clean appearance.

Additional Features:

  • Left-thumb operated high-beam switch, and right-thumb activated accessory driving light switch for great visibility.
  • Jewel-like fit and finish, and Star quality paint, chrome and attention to detail are evident all over the Raider.
  • Cool, tank-mounted instrumentation complements the custom look, and contains analog speedometer and fuel gauge, along with twin digital tripmeters, odometer and self-diagnostics.
  • Bright multireflector headlight, LED taillight and amber turn signals behind clear lenses give a custom look.
  • 02 sensor and three-way catalyst reduce emissions.

2012 Star Raider Specs:

ENGINE

  • Type: 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled V-twin OHV, 4 valves/cylinder
  • Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 118.0mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.48:1
  • Fuel Delivery: Twin-Bore electronic fuel injection; throttle position sensor
  • Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
  • Transmission: 5-speed, multiplate wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Belt

CHASSIS

  • Frame: Double cradle
  • Suspension / Front: Telescopic fork; 5.1-in travel
  • Suspension / Rear: Swingarm; 3.5-in travel
  • Brakes / Front: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
  • Brakes / Rear: Hydraulic disc, 310mm
  • Tires / Front: 120/70-21
  • Tires / Rear: 210/40-18
  • Wheels: 5-spoke cast

DIMENSIONS

  • Length: 101.2 in
  • Width: 36.4 in
  • Height: 45.9 in
  • Seat Height: 27.4 in
  • Ground Clearance: 5.8 in
  • Wheelbase : 70.9 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gal
  • Fuel Economy: 42 mpg
  • Wet Weight: 729.9 lb

OTHER

  • Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

2012 Star Raider Color Option/MSRP:

  • Liquid Silver/$14,590

Availability: 49 States November/California December

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