2015 Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker ‘Bullet Cowl’ – SN727

2015 Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker “Custom” Bullet Cowl – Rare Metallic Green – 1 Owner – 11,485 Miles – £8,495

Here we have something very special indeed: a 2015 Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker Bullet Cowl, known here in the UK as the Yamaha XVS1300 Custom, freshly imported from sunny Florida, showing just 11,485 miles, and presented in truly impeccable condition throughout.

This is not your average cruiser. The Stryker has always been Yamaha’s bold answer to the American factory-custom scene: long, low, raked-out, muscular, beautifully built and dripping with attitude, but with the refinement, reliability and engineering quality that Yamaha is so well known for. First introduced in the US as part of Yamaha’s Star cruiser line, the Stryker brought proper chopper-inspired style to a production cruiser, combining a 1304cc liquid-cooled V-twin, belt drive, low seat height, steel fenders, a 21-inch front wheel and a wide rear tyre into one beautifully balanced package.

What makes this example even rarer is that it is the 2015 Bullet Cowl model. For 2015, Yamaha offered the Stryker with the distinctive front bullet cowl: a factory-style nose fairing that wraps around the headlight and gives the bike a tougher, more aggressive, almost outlaw look. It is not just for show either; Yamaha described it as an aerodynamic cowl designed to add wind protection and reduce fatigue, while giving the bike more presence and attitude than the standard model.

Finished in this stunning metallic green, this bike looks absolutely sensational. In my opinion, this is the colour to have. The deep green paint catches the light beautifully, especially against the blacked-out engine, frame, forks, wheels and exhaust system. It has that proper custom-cruiser stance: stretched, low, aggressive and expensive-looking from every angle. These Bullet Cowl models were never common, even in the States, and finding one in this colour, in this condition, with this mileage, is a real treat.

Mechanically, the XVS1300 Stryker is a superb machine. The 1304cc V-twin is fuel-injected, liquid-cooled and belt-driven, giving you that big cruiser feel without the fuss. Yamaha gave the Stryker a 40-degree total fork rake, a low 26.4-inch seat height and a wide rear tyre, creating the look of a custom chopper while still keeping the handling far more usable and composed than a one-off custom build. It has the visual drama of a custom, but the manners and dependability of a factory-built Yamaha.

This particular bike is a 1-owner example with only 11,485 miles. It has just arrived from Florida and is in superb order throughout. The paintwork, chrome, black finishes, seat, engine cases, wheels and controls all present beautifully. It is very clear from looking around the bike that it has been cherished, not abused. This is exactly the sort of American import we love to find: clean, honest, low-mileage and genuinely special.

It also comes with some excellent extras and recent preparation work. The bike is fitted with black Vance & Hines Shortshots exhausts, which suit the Stryker perfectly. They sharpen the look, deepen the tone and give the big V-twin the presence it deserves. It also has the green aftermarket air filter, tying in brilliantly with the paintwork and giving the engine area a proper custom focal point. We have also just fitted a brand new 240 Avon Cobra rear tyre, giving the back end an even more muscular stance, and the bike has had a fresh oil and filter change, so it is ready for its next owner to enjoy.

The riding position is pure cruiser: low seat, forward controls, wide bars and that long, stretched tank in front of you. It feels substantial without being intimidating, smooth without being bland, and stylish without being impractical. The Stryker has always had a clever balance: it looks like something that has rolled out of a custom shop, yet underneath it is a properly engineered Yamaha that can be ridden, maintained and enjoyed with confidence.

The Bullet Cowl version adds the finishing touch. From the front, the bike looks mean, modern and purposeful. The cowl gives the headlight area much more body than the standard Stryker and completely changes the attitude of the machine. It turns an already good-looking cruiser into something much more distinctive. Park it outside a café, take it to a bike night, or simply roll it into your garage, and it has that rare quality of looking special before it even turns a wheel.

At £8,495, this bike represents exactly what American Cruiser UK is all about: rare, carefully sourced, standout cruisers that you simply do not see every day in the UK. A 2015 Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker Bullet Cowl in metallic green, 1 owner, only 11,485 miles, freshly imported from Florida, fitted with Vance & Hines pipes, upgraded air filter, new 240 Avon Cobra rear tyre and freshly serviced — this is an absolute gem.

It is worth every penny of the asking price.

Key Details

Make: Yamaha
Model: XVS1300 Stryker / Custom Bullet Cowl
Year: 2015
Mileage: 11,485 miles
Owners: 1 owner
Colour: Metallic Green
Engine: 1304cc V-twin
Imported From: Florida, USA
Exhausts: Black Vance & Hines Shortshots
Air Filter: Green aftermarket performance-style filter
Rear Tyre: Brand new 240 Avon Cobra
Service Work: Fresh oil and filter change
Price: £8,495

Summary

A genuinely rare and beautifully presented 2015 Yamaha XVS1300 Stryker Bullet Cowl, finished in arguably the best colour, with low mileage, excellent extras and superb condition throughout. These do not come along often, especially not like this. Serious cruiser buyers should not hang around.