Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker (Yamaha Custom) – American-Style Cruiser with Japanese Reliability

Our Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker on offer – a head-turning factory-custom cruiser in immaculate condition. The Candy Red paint gleams, highlighting its chopper-inspired design and the added passenger backrest with luggage rack.

The Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker, known in the UK as the XVS1300 Custom, is a rare blend of classic American cruiser style and rock-solid Japanese engineering. First released in the US in 2011 as part of Yamaha’s Star cruiser lineup, the Stryker mixes “American Chopper” styling with Yamaha’s proven build quality. This means you get the long, low-slung profile and rumbling V-twin character beloved by cruiser enthusiasts, without the hefty price tag or maintenance headaches of some American brands. It’s a bike built to be ridden hard and admired even harder – not just a showpiece for the garage. If you’re after a machine that captures the free spirit of the open road and stands up to real-world riding, the Stryker delivers in spades.

Background & Heritage: A Chopper at Heart, Born from Innovation

Yamaha created the XVS1300 Stryker during a boom of factory-built “chopper” style cruisers. Harley-Davidson and Victory had long offered radical chopper-esque bikes, and Honda kicked off the trend with their Fury in 2010. Yamaha’s answer was the Stryker – introduced as a mid-weight 1300cc cruiser to bring that raked-out custom vibe to a wider audience. In the US it was badged under the Star Motorcycles brand, emphasizing its distinct identity. By the time the XVS1300 Custom reached UK shores (2014-on), it had already proven itself as a Japanese alternative to an American cruiser. Muscle-bike thrills on a budget and raked-out chopper styling were the calling cards of this model, earning it a place in the hearts of riders who love American style but value Yamaha’s renowned reliability.

Despite its modern origin, the Stryker has the soul of a classic. It inherits Yamaha’s cruiser heritage (think V-Star/Midnight Star lineage) and injects a hefty dose of custom attitude. The 40° raked front end (achieved with 34° steering head plus 6° fork yoke offset) gives it the stretched profile of a true chopper, while a skinny 21-inch front wheel and fat 210mm rear tire complete the pro-street look. This bike was engineered to emulate the look of a custom-build, but with factory polish and warranty – a concept that appealed to riders who wanted a head-turning cruiser without losing everyday rideability.

Style & Design: Long, Low, and Full of Character

Throw a glance at the Yamaha Stryker, and you might think it’s a one-off custom. Raked-out forks, a teardrop tank, and a low-slung stance give it an unmistakable silhouette. The build quality and attention to detail are outstanding: Yamaha avoided plastic shortcuts on this cruiser – you’ll find real steel fenders and a solid double-cradle steel frame, which not only look authentic but add to the bike’s robust feel. The branding is so subtle that it almost passes for a true custom bike, with just small logos on the engine cases and rear mudguard lip. This clean design approach means all eyes are on the Stryker’s styling cues: the sweeping tail, the hefty V-twin engine as the centerpiece, and the liberal use of chrome and satin-black finishes that contrast beautifully.

Cruiser enthusiasts will appreciate touches like the bobbed rear fender hugging that beefy back tire, the high-set handlebars that put your fists in the wind, and the stretched headlamp housing that screams old-school chopper. Yet, modern elements are seamlessly integrated: an LED tail light, sleek instrument cluster, and cleverly hidden radiator (tucked between the frame down-tubes so as not to spoil the view) all speak to Yamaha’s design finesse. Our featured Stryker wears a rich Candy Red paint scheme – a classic color for this model that highlights its curves and lines. Overall, the XVS1300 Stryker’s style is pure Americana with a Japanese twist: classic “long and low” cruiser aesthetics built with Yamaha’s precision and quality control.

Performance & Ride: Big V-Twin Muscle Meets Easy Cruising

Beyond the badass looks, the Stryker backs it up with serious substance. Its 1304cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers a wave of torque that makes every ride feel effortless. Producing around 72 bhp and 76 ft-lb of torque at just 4,000 rpm, it surges forward with satisfying low-end grunt – perfect for city pulling power and highway overtakes alike. Yamaha tuned this engine for a loping, big-twin character, so it has that relaxed, throbbing pulse you expect from a cruiser, but thanks to modern tech it’s also fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, and smooth-running. No carburetor hiccups, no overheating – just a reliable motor that purrs contentedly at speed.

On the road, the Stryker is surprisingly friendly and balanced. Its ultra-low seat height of 26.4 inches makes it confidence-inspiring, and while it weighs in at around 293 kg, it carries its weight well. Once moving, it feels lighter than it looks, with stable, planted handling and easy steering. Thanks to a well-tuned chassis, it doesn’t run out of cornering clearance too quickly, meaning you can enjoy sweeping bends without worry. Dual 310mm hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping power, and the suspension keeps things comfortable on long rides. This is a bike that begs for open highways but feels equally at home turning heads in town.

A Proven Cruiser with Impeccable Pedigree

One of the biggest draws of the Yamaha Stryker is the peace of mind that comes with Yamaha reliability. Owners rate the XVS1300 series highly for dependability. With a belt final drive, a smooth 5-speed gearbox, and an engine that will easily cover tens of thousands of miles, it’s a cruiser built for the long haul. And when it comes to value, the Stryker really shines – big-bike looks and performance at a fraction of the cost of some competitors.

This Specific Bike – Immaculate, 2 Owners, Fully Loaded with Extras

This particular XVS1300 Stryker is a genuine 2-owner bike, lovingly cared for throughout its life. It has a full service history, with its most recent service in August 2025. It’s covered just 15,544 miles – low for a bike of this size – and comes with a long MOT until 17th August 2026 with no advisories.

Key Features:

• 2 owners from new

• Full service history – last serviced August 2025

• Only 15,544 miles

• MOT until 17th August 2026 (no advisories)

• Passenger backrest & luggage rack

• Immaculate condition, no corrosion, garage kept

Mechanically sound and cosmetically stunning, this Stryker is ready to ride. The Candy Red paint gleams, all metal surfaces are clean, and it starts and runs beautifully.

Price & Next Steps – Don’t Miss Out

We’re offering this stunning Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker for just £6,495.

• Finance available

• UK delivery arranged

• Part exchanges welcome

If this Stryker is calling your name, don’t wait – immaculate, low-mileage examples like this don’t come around often. Contact American Cruiser UK today to arrange a viewing or test ride. This Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker is your chance to own a head-turning, reliable cruiser that’s ready for adventure.