I just picked up this new �08 Warrior yesterday. Is this the best cruiser-sports bike hybrid out there? I don�t know, some people think so. I traded in a Kawasaki Ninja 650 on the bike specifically to find out, so I guess I�ll be in a position to decide on a personal basis. After 84 miles (freeway, busy 2 lane and moderate rural twisties), the thing handles great, amazingly light and quick for its size. These Yamaha aluminum frames really make a difference, tested a Raider in the spring (also aluminum) and the handling for both bikes this size is almost shocking. But I�m not powering it through turns yet due to break in (2500 rpm/500 miles, 3500 rpm/500-1000 miles), so can�t really compare it to a sport power delivery (quarter mile specs are very similar to the Ninja 650). But for its size, this bike is very easy to ride, and comfortable so far, seating feels wide when sitting, but when you're feet address the forward controls, the seat feels pretty good. The seat to grip distance is just a little long for me, but I�ve noticed that the bike is comfortably controllable with just your fingertips wrapped around the grip, which increases my reach about 2in, the perfect distance!
The other thing that really stands out so far is the low end wide power band. Riding 55-60, I�m often in 3rd gear (really the do everything notch at moderate speeds), 4th feels like an overdrive at that speed without throttling up, 5th is an afterthought. But if you goose it, 4th/5th yield immediate power. Very responsive! At the same time, 5th is usable at 1000-1500 rpm. It�s on the edge of lugging, which I don�t even want to bump up against during break-in. I don�t think I�m going to miss a 6th gear on this bike, it�d probably just add unnecessary weight! Can�t wait to get that 1000 miles so I can feel right about winding it out and also play with high gears at low speeds. There seems a real wide power band in every gear, with immediate torque response anywhere in each gears band. One downside, there�s so much 1st gear torque, very low speeds can be a little jerky cos throttle is very responsive, but I�m sure familiarity with the ride will fix that.
I�ve not experienced a bike with such low frequency rumble, not volume, the bike is quiet, but rumble you can feel more than hear (in classical times, the sensation of feeling the engine in your bowels might have been an apt description). IIIII like it!
And cosmetically, that big can of a muffler really is growing on me, outside of the showroom floor. My wife�s been riding behind me, reminiscing about Mad Max, and says there�s something a little frightening about the big shiny can.
Bottom line, I like this bike a lot. Great 1st impressions, and seemingly huge potential for exciting discovery in the days ahead. This ride is smooth as silk. Looking forward to writing again later on more impressions.
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
