I'll tell you guys a secret - a few months ago I bought a 2009 Yamaha Raider with 1200 miles, like new. I still have the Concours though.
My 87 Concours suspension, stock except the progressive springs and handlebar risers, has way better suspension and handling, no question, no doubt. In corners especially, the old Concours feels like (don't laugh) it's on rails compared to the Raider. I've put 5000 miles on the raider and still that hasn't changed my mind because I'm over the learning curve now and I can definitely say my old 25 year old Concours has better suspension hands down.
I didn't expect the Raider to be a handler but I did think the suspension would be a lot better, especially the rear. Maybe I got the oddball bad shock that doesn't have any oil but that thing is poingy-boingy hitting bumps. No adjustments for rebound damping on either end. I can live with the front but the rear, no, and I'm thinking of installing an aftermarket shock.
Oh, and the wide back tire - sure looks nice from behind but that doesn't help the handling because you feel the lateral (if that's the word) forces more when the tire rolls over something which isn't centered on the tread, such as a roadway that is "crowned" or "grooved" by the heavy weight of truck traffic on the hot asphalt.
