YAMAHA BOLT: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE

• Table of Contents
• 1. A BRIEF HISTORY OF YAMAHA BOLT
• 1.1. THE STAR MOTORCYCLES
• 1.2. THE YAMAHA BOLT: STANDARD, C-SPEC and R-SPEC
• 2. YAMAHA BOLT AT FIRST GLANCE
• 3. YAMAHA BOLT: A BUYER’S GUIDE
• 3.1. How much is a Yamaha Bolt Worth?
• 3.2. Is Yamaha Bolt a good bike for beginners?
• 3.3. Do they still make Yamaha Bolt?
• 3.4. Is Yamah Bolt fuel injected?
• 3.5. How fast is the Yamaha Bolt?
• 4. YAMAHA BOLT DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
• 4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
• 4.2. DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
• 4.3. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
• 4.4. PERFORMANCE
• 4.5. CHASSIS, SUSPENSION, BRAKES, AND WHEELS
• 4.6. OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
• 5. AFTERMARKET LUGGAGE & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR YAMAHA BOLT

The Yamaha Bolt is one of the most popular cruisers ever produced in Yamaha's history. With its compact bobber style, powerful V-twin engine, comfortable riding position, and infinite customization options, the Yamaha Bolt has everything you need in a bike at an affordable price!

The Yamaha Bolt features a slim bobber style body with an upright seating posture and raw metallic look which highlights the mechanical beauty of the bike. The bike is powered with a 942cc V-twin engine, making it the perfect cruiser for the entry and mid-level riders.

The Bolt has the famous reliability of all Yamaha models and has limitless customization options.

Come and discover the detailed specs, history, price, and performance of this historic Yamaha cruiser in this read!

1. A BRIEF HISTORY OF YAMAHA BOLT

The Yamaha Bolt, also known as the Star Bolt, was introduced in 2013 as a cruiser and a café racer bike. The first model of the bike was launched in 2014 as a part of Yamaha’s famous Star Motorcycles along with the two other variations, the R Spec and the C Spec.

The Yamaha Bolt was inspired by the old bobber style design and inherited an air-cooled 942cc V-twin engine from its V-Star 950 sibling. The Bolt is also known as the XV950 in some non-US countries around the globe.

The Yamaha Bolt is still being manufactured today in the R-Spec version.

1.1. THE STAR MOTORCYCLES

In 1994, Yamaha introduced the Star Motorcycles in the United States as a new stand-alone brand for their cruiser bikes. There are a total of eight model families in the Star lineup and 22 different bikes, ranging from the small 250cc to the powerful 1300cc motorcycles.

1.2. THE YAMAHA BOLT: STANDARD, C-SPEC, and R-SPEC

YAMAHA BOLT (STANDARD)

The first standard Yamaha Bolt was unveiled in 2013 as a 2014 model. Yamaha’s goal was to introduce a new and exciting cruiser with an old classic look, similar to the Harley and Honda’s bikes, but with more custom options at an affordable market price.

The Yamaha Bolt was actually a superior version of the Harley sportster, with a more modern and smooth engine design, a little more power (50-60hp), better handling, and improved overall performance. The bike looked incredibly cool with its low riding position and deep fenders, carrying less showy chrome parts along with all the basic accessories.

The Standard version of the Yamaha Bolt was discontinued in 2020. The bike was available in raven black and deep blue color schemes.

YAMAHA BOLT (C-SPEC / R-SPEC)

In July 2014, Yamaha launched two new versions of the Standard Bolt motorcycle: Bolt C-Spec and Bolt R-Spec. All versions of the Yamaha Bolt were powered with the same 942cc V-twin engine, carrying the same specs and performance numbers. The only difference was in the hardware, color schemes, and design. Both the updated versions of the Bolt, C -Spec and R Spec, had higher performance rear shock absorbers, extra aftermarket parts, and ABS brakes.

The Yamaha Bolt C-Spec was dropped from the lineup after the release of the Scrambler XV950SCR in 2017.

The R-Spec version is still being produced by Yamaha, with the latest model being released in 2022.

2. YAMAHA BOLT AT FIRST GLANCE

The Yamaha Bolt is a modern-day urban style cruiser with a minimalistic design, good handling, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics.

The Yamaha Bolt is an extremely practical bike with its 950cc mid-size engine, moderate power, standard seating position and inexpensive market price, making this bike available to a wider range of bikers around the globe.

Urban Bobber Style

Originally designed as a classic urban aggressor, the Yamaha Bolt is an average-sized bike, making it lighter than a traditional cruiser yet more stylish than a standard bobber.

The bike features a classic bobber style with a short wheelbase, big rear wheel, high tank and standard upright stature. Yamaha adopted the minimalistic approach while designing the Bolt to keep this cruiser open for further customization. The bike has a classic vintage touch to it with no extra flashy chrome features but it still takes full advantage of the latest Yamaha technology.

Superior Engineering

The Yamaha Bolt is powered by an air-cooled 942cc V-twin engine, capable of producing 53 horsepower at 5500 and 77 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine is fuel injected and carries four valve heads. Yamaha utilized this cutting-edge technology while manufacturing the Bolt engine to provide a superior cruising experience compared to other middle-sized bikes.

The lightweight ceramic composite pistons along with an innovative cylinder design help to reduce friction and dissipate heat more effectively. The ignition timing is selected for this bike to ensure good performance at both mid- and low-range torque. The compact air cleaner also gives riders the liberty to keep their legs closer to the bike, making this ride a fun experience for everyone.

Chassis, Transmission, and Suspension

The Yamaha Bolt features a double cradle aluminium frame with an entirely new design. The 29-degree rake aids in setting the tone of the bike, providing a small wheelbase of 61.8 inches, as well as good handling. The chassis is nimble and light with uniquely designed components, including the peanut style 3.4-gallon fuel tank, steel fenders, and digital meter.

The five-speed transmission and final belt drive provides smooth gear shifting, similar to the other Star motorcycles. The suspension is impressive with a 119mm front fork and 71mm dual rear shocks. Although the rear suspension does not carry a piggyback gas cylinder like in the R-Spec, it results in the same 2.8-inches of wheel travel.

Limitless Customization Options

The main reason for the Bolt’s enormous popularity is because Yamaha ensured this bike has a wide range of customization, able to easily convert it into any style, including the chopper, bobber, café, tourer, etc. With the Yamaha Bolt, the customization options are simply limited by the owner’s imagination.

Comfortable Ergonomics

The ergonomics of Yamaha Bolt are due to the standard upright riding position, low yet comfortable 27.2-inch seat , and straight handlebars . The bike has a small cruiser style but with the power delivery of middle-sized bikes that is easy to control. The Bolt handles very well at high speeds, the slim body design and low seat configuration aiding in its nimble mobility.

3. YAMAHA BOLT: A BUYER’S GUIDE

3.1. How much is a Yamaha Bolt Worth?

The average retail price of a brand-new Yamaha Bolt is around $7,999. But the price may vary depending upon the country, model year, taxes, and accessories. You can easily get a used Yamaha Bolt between $4,000-$5,000.

3.2. Is Yamaha Bolt a good bike for beginners?

The Yamaha Bolt is a fantastic entry-level bike. The 942cc air-cooled engine provides enough power and torque to allow for steady handling. The bike is lightweight and affordable. The upright posture, wide handlebars , comfortable low seat and fresh bobber style makes this bike an ideal choice for beginners who want to enjoy a fun ride.

3.3. Do they still make Yamaha Bolt?

Yes, Yamaha is still manufacturing the Bolt motorcycle in its updated R-Spec version.

3.4. Is Yamah Bolt fuel injected?

Yes, Yamaha Bolt is fuel injected. It carries a twin bore fuel injection system that provides strong acceleration and the 3D mapping for ignition timings improves performance at low and mid-ranges speeds.

3.5. How fast is the Yamaha Bolt?

The Yamaha Bolt has a top speed of about 106 mph.

4. YAMAHA BOLT DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

4.1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Manufacturer	Yamaha
Production	2014-2020
Model	Yamaha Bolt
Year	2020
Category	Custom / Cruiser
Color	Raven
Price	$7,999

4.2. DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Wheelbase	1570mm (61.8 in)
Overall Length	2291mm (90.2 in)
Overall Width	945mm (37.2 in)
Overall Height	1120 mm (44.1 in)
Seat Height	691mm (27.2 in) If adjustable, lowest setting
Ground Clearance	130mm (5.1 in)
Curb Weight	245.9 kg (542 lbs)
Fuel Capacity	3.40 US gallons (12.87 liters)

4.3. TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE

Engine Type	V-twin, four stroke
Cooling	Air-cooled
Displacement	942 ccm (57.48 cu in)
Ignition	Transistor Controlled Ignition
Bore and Stroke	3.3 in x 3.3 in (85 mm x 83 mm)
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Valve Train	SOHC
Valves per Cylinder	Two
Starting	Electric
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection along with throttle position sensor
Clutch	Multi-wet Clutch
Final Drive	Belt
Transmission	Five-Speed

4.4. PERFORMANCE

Maximum Power	53 HP (38 kW) at 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque	77 Nm (59 ft/lb) at 3000 rpm
Top Speed	106 mph
Fuel Economy/Consumption	51.02 mpg

4.5. SUSPENSION, CHASSIS, WHEELS AND BRAKES

Frame Type	Double cradle aluminium
Rear Suspension	Dual Shocks, 2.8 inches of travel
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork, 4.7 inches of travel
Rear Brake	298mm Single disc
Front Brake	298mm Single disc
Rear Tire	150/80 – M16
Front Tire	100/90 – M19

4.6. OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Factory Warranty	One year
Wheel Details	Wire spoked
Comments	Also Called Star Bolt

5. AFTERMARKET LUGGAGE & MODIFICATION OPTIONS FOR YAMAHA BOLT

The Yamaha Bolt is the epitome of customization, supported by a large number of aftermarket options provided by Yamaha. The Japanese company has kept this bike a blank canvas, making it possible to easily change the look depending on your preferences. You can style this bike as a chopper, bobber, café, club, etc., by using various aftermarket parts , such as headlights, crash bars , luggage racks , fenders, fairings , seats , etc.

This urban cruiser can also be converted into a touring bike by changing the handlebars or seats and installing saddlebags to carry extra luggage . Moreover, you can also add passenger backrests and sissy bars to make this cruiser safer for longer road trips. All of these options make the Yamaha Bolt the most customizable modern cruiser to have ever existed so far.