YAMAHA BOLT VS HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 1200: DETAILED COMPARISON

If you’re confused whether to buy the famous 2022 Yamaha Bolt or 2021 Harley Davidson Iron Sportster 1200, we are here to guide you. Both these bikes are powerful cruisers with lots of great features and tools. However, both differ in many respects which you must know in order to decide which bike is right for you.

Today we have brought you a detailed comparison of both these bikes including their style, detailed specs and overall performance to help you facilitate your purchase.

Both the Yamaha Bolt and Iron 1200 are equipped with a range of features that are intended to improve your overall riding experience. The main difference between these bikes exists in their categorization. The Iron 1200 is a classic cruiser that is designed for long highway trips, while the Yamaha Bolt functions as a bobber and is built for fast, quick road trips. Despite this distinction, the Iron 1200 can offer a superb bobber like performance in a stately cruiser that is prepared to take on the roads.

Let’s look at both of these bikes in detail.

The Yamaha Bolt was introduced in 2013 as a member of Yamaha’s Star cruiser line. Powered with a 942cc V-twin engine, the bike is a performance urban bobber that combines the modern form with an old classic soul.

The Bolt has a sleek bobber style body, an upright seating position, and a raw metallic appearance that draws attention to the bike’s intricate technical design. The powerful 942cc engine makes it suitable for both light city cruising or quick highway trips. The Bolt is lightweight and maneuverable due to its tiny, narrow frame and low seat height, making it an ideal cruiser for entry and mid-level riders.

The fuel injected 942cc V-twin engine offers a lot of power and torque. The engine produces a maximum torque of 3000 RPM which allows you to cruise in a relaxed manner. Providing maintenance for a Yamaha Bolt is easier with the automated cam chain tensioners that also helps reduce excess mechanical noise. The updated versions of the Standard Bolt, including the R-Spec and C-Spec, take the riding experience further to the next level.

Overall, the Yamaha Bolt has everything you want in a bike at an inexpensive price: compact bobber appearance, strong V-twin engine, comfortable riding position, and limitless customization options. If you appreciate straightforward motorcycles with vintage design, the Yamaha Bolt is perfect for you!

Harley Davidson launched the Iron 1200 in 2018 to expand its Sportster lineup. The bike features a darker chopper appearance, perfect for people who love retro styling. The vintage graphics of the tank pays homage to Harley’s iconic Sportster days.

The Iron 1200 is a strong and sturdy motorcycle with a comfortable, upright riding position, café racer style, mid mounted foot controls, and a natural reaching position. It is a great choice for riders who prefer the vintage custom chopper look.

Powered by a 1200cc air-cooled V-twin engine, the Iron 1200 performs at high level and has contemporary finishing. The 1200cc engine produces tons of torque and emits a rich growling sound. The bike has no problem with lightweight touring thanks to its blacked-out helicopter-like profile. The mini ape handlebars with a moderate rise and the Evolution engine are also suitable for riders who like to ride at high speeds.

Although both the Yamaha Bolt and Iron 1200 are urban cruisers, they differ in many key areas. While deciding which bike is better for you, keep in mind that the motorcycle that closely matches your riding style will be the ideal choice for you. Both bikes show no notable difference in terms of specs and performance, except for the engine. However, their philosophical comparison can give you good insight.

Let’s now compare these bikes side by side in detail.

The Yamaha Bolt and Iron 1200 both have a wide range of unique design elements. The Bolt is a less complex bike with a minimalistic bobber look and no extra flashy chrome parts. Meanwhile, the Iron 1200 has the appearance of a chopper with a variety of custom features.

Both the bikes have mid-mounted foot controls, a low seat height, and an upright seating position. One advantage the Iron 1200 has is its fantastic retro styling that complements the dark, contemporary finishes. Although the Yamaha Bolt also features some blacked-out parts, the fuel tank is not as streamlined and smooth as the Iron 1200.

Contrary to the Yamaha Bolt’s 942cc V-twin engine, the Iron 1200 is powered by a 1200cc V-twin engine. Both of these engines are air-cooled and fuel injected. The Iron 1200 has a superior Evolution engine with a larger displacement of 73.4 cubic inches and can produce 73 ft/lbs of torque for an exhilarating ride. The Iron 1200 has an electronic sequential fuel injection and a staggered black exhaust system with darkened slash cut mufflers.

On the other hand, the Yamaha Bolt also features a V-twin engine but with a smaller displacement of 58 cubic inches. The Bolt’s engine is a combination of vintage style and modern looks in a streamlined vehicle. The twin bore fuel injection on the Bolt provides accurate and responsive acceleration. A two-in-one exhaust pipe configuration is used on the right side of the engine in the Yamaha Bolt’s exhaust system, contributing to the bike’s simple design and excellent performance.

The Iron 1200 is a little bit more performance oriented than the Bolt due to its automated cam chain tensioner. The Iron 1200 performs better in terms of torque and responsiveness. The maximum torque is 73 ft/lb at 3500 rpm with a fuel economy of 48 mpg. On the contrary, the Yamaha Bolt produces a maximum torque of 59 ft/lb at 3000 rpm and has a fuel economy of 51.02 mpg.

The Yamaha Bolt features a double cradle aluminum frame with a 29° rake, low seat height, and short wheelbase. The bike has 298mm single discs at both the front and rear brakes. The unusual 12-spoke wheels add to the bike’s durability. Meanwhile, the Iron 1200 uses nine-spoke wheels on the front and back of its chassis. The dual piston rear and front brakes make it easier to stop the bike. With the Iron 1200, you get a bike with exceptional braking and performance.

Both the Yamaha Bolt and Iron 1200 have nearly similar ergonomics as both have straight riding position, comfortable low seat and easy handling. However, the seating position is a little bit lower on the Iron 1200. Moreover, the slightly raised Mini Ape handlebars on the Iron 1200 provide excellent control at high speeds compared to the Yamaha Bolt.

The Yamaha Bolt is more of a precision machine while the Iron 1200 feels like a living organism. Feel is a key element in a motorcycle’s appeal. Yamaha knows the value of riding experience and have invested a lot to enhance the feel of the Bolt, but Harley also designed the Iron 1200 to excel over its competitors.

When it comes to the price, the Yamaha Bolt is a more affordable bike compared to the Iron 1200. You can buy a Standard Bolt for just $7,990 as opposed to $9,999 for an Iron 1200. However, the value of the Iron 1200 is completely justified as there is no alternative for the displacement.

In the end, both of these cruisers are excellent choices for riding in cities. Both bikes can also be driven on highways for extended trips. The Iron 1200 is the superior choice if you are interested in light touring as the bike features a more comfortable Café solo seat.

However, the Yamaha Bolt still remains a fantastic motorcycle for riders looking for a blank canvas bobber style with endless customization options. It is more stable and can also be customized with saddlebags, sissy bars and passenger backrests for longer journeys.