Yamaha has a new bike in their cruiser lineup, called the Bolt.
This stripped-down machine seems to be following the trend towards retro styling we’ve seen in the cruiser world lately (see the latest bikes from Indian and Harley-Davidson). It’s based around their existing air-cooled fuel-injected four-valve 950 cc V-twin, with five-speed transmission and belt drive.
While the bike has cruiser styling, Yamaha says they made an effort to ensure an upright seating position for the rider, resulting in what they call a “crossover.”
There’s a 41-mm fork in front, and a 298 mm disc brake with dual -piston caliper. There’s a 298 mm disc in back as well, but with single-piston caliper. Front tire is 100/90×19, rear tire is 150/80×16. Seat height is 690 mm, and wet weight is 247 kg. Fuel capacity is 12 litres.
Yamaha is also putting together an extensive range of bolt-on accessories (including spoked wheels!) for the Bolt, with availability starting in June. The Bolt will be available at the end of April, in white or black, for $8,999. If you want to wait an extra few weeks, the higher-spec Bolt R (gas piggyback rear shocks, upgraded seat and finish, available in green or grey) will be available for $9,299.
In the latest flock of retro-themed cruisers, it looks like Yamaha has come forward with one of the best efforts. It’s hard to fault the styling designers on this one – there’s little extraneous crap bolted on, and the controls look like they’re actually usable for riding, instead of propping your feet up on extended highway rides. Nice job!
Love the styling!!!
“what they should have done…” Yeah, well, what they DID was, most-likely, earn my business! I’ve been waiting a long time for a true metric Sportster competitor, and this should be it.
Ectchually, what they should have done is taken the 950 tour and gone the vaquerro/f6b route with it. The money they spent on a dual shock setup was , like , for what?
Having owned (sadly/briefly) a new ’05 Super Glide, I am looking forward to the first real Sportster-competitor — built by Yamaha, thankfully.
Still chasing the 883 Sportster. Lets be honest. Everybody loves the basic down to earth Sporster!
Yamaha’s answer to the bare 883 Sportster…?
I’d almost be seen on one. The green one.
Should never purchase it, mind.
It really doesn’t look all that bad. I thought the original 883 looked pretty decent, too.
err.. new vstar 950 tours available for 9500
I’m not a cruiser guy, but I like the look of this bike – a lot. Whoever designed the styling nailed it, dead on. Especially if you add in wire wheels!
First modern-era Yamaha I’ve seen that I could actually see myself owning! Def a step in the right direction! Love it!