Harley Iron 883 Owner Test Rides the Yamaha Bolt! | TestRides
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- After performing a service bulletin procedure on our demo Bolt, I took her for a test run around the block.
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'it dosent have anything over the iron' hahah it totally does man, this things whip the iron by such a margin, not even close
Yep, the Bolt is closer to the 1200 in performance than it is the 883
Seen a couple rolling races between a bolt and a iron and the bolt always pulled on the iron like it was nothing. So from what this dude was saying. Better pull. Better suspension. Better brakes. But it has nothing on the iron 😂 hes a chopped up old dude set in his ways lol
It’s that Harley blindfold man that brand has been going down the shithole for years these Japanese clone bikes far superior in reliability and maintenance alone
The Bolt is basically an Upgraded 883
I'm not a fan of digital either. I'm 66 years old and I'm just more comfortable with analog. Oh, and I HAVE to have a tach. I don't care if they think I don't need it, I just like to have it.
I think the Bolt is an awesome bike, whether for a beginner or a seasoned rider. I've been riding for many years, and I'd love to have a Bolt sitting next to the Iron in my shop. I knew before it's release, that Yamaha was building their own copy of the Iron, but I never for a moment hesitated in my choice to buy the Iron. I chose the Iron for it's soul, character, deep routed heritage of the Harley company and the emotion it gives to me...
Thanks for watching and commenting SINke!
looking at getting the Bolt soon ...but will sit on a 883 also but thinking i will still go with the bolt
Trying to narrow it down between the iron or the bolt
Man I feel for you! If I wasn't so prefocused on the Iron long before the Bolt was announced, I would have had a tough time deciding too...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I will do that as soon as we get another one in...
Thanks for watching and commenting C7Stingray14!
Nice video, really appreciate it. I'm considering buying a Bolt for myself but I'm a bit insecure if I would "fit" on it. I am 6'1 @ roughly 240 pounds. Would the Bolt still be a comfy / cool ride or would it just look ridiculous?
Secound choice would be a XVS 1300 Midnight Star. Which one would you prefer?
Thanks for posting this
You are very welcome thedakon!
And thank you for watching!
Please reveal how you recorded the video with such great audio. Is it a Go-Cam, and where is the microphone? I want that technology. I already have the Bolt...
Hi Michael, this is a pretty easy to do setup. It's a GoPro Hero 3+ mounted on the side of my helmet (though I've since switched to the chin of the helmet) and a lapel mic stuffed into the cheek padding of the inner liner. The best mic I've found is the external mic from the Drift HD Ghost camera...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
"I'll let you go, goodbye." Were you talking on the phone the entire time? LOL
LOL No, I'm just strange...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I smoke iron's left and right. all my boys have Harleys and I'm more then satisfied with my bolt. .I out run those things like nothing even burn 1200's on my Yamaha. .she's a keeper. for every 25 iron''s u see u only see one bolt. I'm cool with that though.
My 2005 Sportster 1200 will smoke your 950
You have years experience and ridden both. What would you choose for your first bike?
That would be impossible for me to give you an unbiased opinion between these two bikes... One, is that I fell for the Iron when it was first introduced in 2009. I loved the barebones, no flash, bobber/cafe vibe that it gives off. And secondly, no matter what your thoughts are about Harleys, there is no mistaking the mustique of them... People just love the look and sound of a Harleys! Their fit & finish and the solid well built feel to them when you ride them is unsurpassed. But that's just my thoughts...
Sorry Ryan, I warned you that I couldn't give an unbiased opinion!
***** - Look a little closer... The Iron 883 (XL883N) was introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009 after the success of the 1200 Nightster (XL1200N). It was an addition to their Dark Custom family of models.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Seeing the bump at 5 min 29 seconds makes me realize how much I would NOT like that Bolt! My 'ol Vstar 650 Silverado may have been slow as a snail, but it rode smooth as a BUICK! And sounded better than that bike too! hahaha. I LOVE the looks of the Bolt. Sadly that is about where it ends.
The shocks are adjustable
I find that Harley owners have a clouded judgment void of any objectivity due to their fanboy mentality. They need to feed their ego of "Hey, look at me! I own a Harley! Aren't I cool?!"
it's late for bein cool, harleys are mcdonaldized worlwide...
As Common:
7UDRO Harley's are probably the most customized bikes in the world, how's that 'mcdonaldized'? Take a look at the Harley scene in Japan...what does it tell you when the Japanese themselves are buying Harley's. And to the OP, it's called LOYALTY to a brand that has a century of American history behind it's name.
7UDRO very well said!
And it is cool to own a Harley. Can't deny that. It might not make themselves cool. But it is cool that they own a Harley. It like owning a Corvette. There are better and cooler cars... it's still cool to have a Corvette.
Cant beat the sportster..after 5 years the harley will be worth double the yamaha.
More power, better brakes, better suspension, and he still says it got nothing on the iron 😒
Eight months down the road, and still working for Yamaha, my opinion is still exactly the same... It has nothing to do with specs, even if it did, the actual differences are marginal at best. It's all personal feelings towards the bike. It's not like I was going road racing and the specs were very important. Who would ever race an Iron or a Bolt? It would be pointless as they're both pretty much gutless...
Thanks for watching and commenting maximus10463!
Shawn Smoak you just made the most valid point between these two bikes. Who cares, they're both gutless so the spec sheet doesn't matter. I ride a Raider 1900 but I would buy a 48, but not a bolt.
Shawn Smoak
When it comes to bikes, it's all about how you feel about the bike when you first sit on it. Example: People say VWs are garbage, but I love them because that's the first car I drove, and even with a Honda...I traded it in and got a new VW. First bike I bought was a Yamaha Stryker...it feels great for me and it was cheaper than a HD...sounds great and it fits me. Nothing against a HD, not at all, but personal preference.
Almir Osmanović Perfect Almir! Very well said, and I agree 110%
Thanks for watching and the awesome comment!
RagingTiger brainwashed mentality. That's why.
So much prefer the Bolt to the sporty but hate that bloody awful speedometer! Get rid of it please Yamaha!
My Sportster's speedo needle is perfect! I can tell my speed at a glance. This stupid dark digital non-display - even if I could see it - would be hard to read because it is square numbers. NOT good.
The display of the digital odometer reminds me of one of those cheap watches you'd get as a toy when you got a kids meal at Burger King when I was a kid
i am glad to say that i am proud i bought this one..couldnt afford harley but hey.....loving it so far...first service now
erik eibi - Awesome Erik! I don't think I've heard a single complaint from anyone who's purchased a Bolt from us, and we sell a ton of them... Glad you're loving it, they're an awesome bike!
Thanks for watching and commenting Erik!
Shawn Smoak air filter in your knee stops the use of rear brake ....key can not be inserted unless off the bike , gauge washes out in the sun , or pay extra for a sun visor to see it ...what ?? pay extra to see the gauge ... oh hell no
Okay, well, thanks for watching and commenting RandomAMemory!
FYI: I've been in the motorcycle business since Feb of 1980 (almost 34 years), been riding and racing since 1972. Fully certified in all of the big four Japanese brands, Orange Level certified in KTM and Master Tech certified with BRP Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Spyder Roadster. Have worked for some of the largest dealers in the country, bla, bla, bla... So on and so forth...
Just thought that might entertaining to know...
I have a 883 as well, looking to buy the bolt. the motorcycle scene is like the car scene. if it's not done the way someone else is doing it then it's wrong and everyone bashes on it.
Actually, from 2012 and up, the stock suspension is very supple and pleasant. Maybe a little soft for my 220lb weight... I ride the Iron more like a cafe bike, so the suspension was too short and caused dragging of exhaust and pegs too early for my taste. I installed 13' shocks (stock is 11") and a fork spring kit to reduce fork sag.
I actually made the ride stiffer by doing this... The stock suspension was much more comfortable!
Thanks for watching!
little smoother and waaaaaaaay more reliable than the iron.
I went from a 750 virago to this bolt. Put a wide mustang seat on it. It’s plenty plenty fast.
You are the first person that's ridden both that I've seen actually prefer the Harley. Surprising.
It's the bias
Great video I pretty tried 3 bikes before I bought mine I tried a 883, Vulcan 900 and the bolt. I'm not really a big guy 5"10 190 lbs but for me the bolt was too cramped n gave me a leg cramp after 5 miles, the harely was great but seemed heavy n kinda drug it's feet till 3d gear I ended up with the Vulcan cause it came with the sattle bags sissy bar n windshield the bolt definitely had more get up n go but wasn't my style of bike. Good vid tho
Yup, that sure sounds like a Yamaha. Seems to ride just like my old Virago with the buckboard rear suspension that almost catapults you off the bike at speed. I'll never buy one of those again, and I'll never sell my Harley.
Because now your all trendy and fit in so well with the cool crowd right, of course
Not a bad lookin' bike but I HATE digital gauges. They do not belong on a bike. hard to read under various conditions where dials a pretty easy to read at a glance.
Not a big fan of digital speedo's on bike either, but they're becoming more and more popular...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Think they're cheaper.
You have to adjust the rear springs from the factory. I put some 12 inchers and the ride is now way softer
I've got a 2014 Bolt - love it. But I really have nothing to compare it with. It is hard on my butt at times but I've learned to deal with that - good posture or standing on the pegs at times lol.
The speedo face is quite dark and hard to read in the sunlight. I hear that Yamaha may be coming out with an optional face that should help, but nothing has come of it so far... Awesome bike though!
Thanks for watching!
Hey Shawn can you review the Vulcan s please
Hey RandomAmemory, While I respect everyone's opinions, you sound like you are stuck in the 70s with the Harley oil leak problems comment. With advent of the Evo engines, Harley cured those issues back the mid 80s. If you hate Harleys because of the name badge, that is your right, but get your facts straight. I remember Honda having a problem with losing second gear back in the 80s, must be they suck, too eh?
Well that statement about the Harleys not leaking oil is not true,I have been a Harley Davidson tech for 34 years and even the very late bikes have small oil leak problems after 12-15000 miles. Its the way they are made .They vibrate and your never going to get around that. They are very good bikes but they ,like a lot of bikes are far from perfect.
Very nice video, you can hear your voice and a little of the bike without all the wind noise. Thank you for caring about the quality!
freaky, started watching this and realized you're riding through the town I live in hahahaha
I'm just looking for a Bike to Backroad my way to and from work 25 miles and enjoy. I hear so many good things about the Bolt. I appreciate your review
I just bought an r spec bolt and I like it much more than the sportster. Those who are tied to Harley will always chose the Harley.
Congratulations on your new R-Spec Bolt! Those are awesome bikes...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Was just watching cause it came up on my feed. To my delight when you drove out the parking lot you were near my hometown right on industrial way in Longview. Glad a guy from back home is making quality videos.
Isn't the suspension adjustable? Maybe it's not setup for your weight? Seat quirks aside, it's hard to tell a bike by a square 40mph drive! You didn't really get into the powerband to really comment on the power vs the harley. Interesting bike
COOL old school looks... Clear tail lights.. FAIL.... Digital speedometer BIG FAIL... What AHOLE thought of that?
So glad yamaha made this bike. I'd almost consider the iron 883, if anyone else but harley made it. They'd also have to put less worthless brakes on it, but by now that might be fixed.
Cool motorcycle for sure! I haven't had any issues with the brakes on my sportsters, but they were vastly improved for 2014... I should have waited a few months for the 2014's to come out! I'm going to pick up a 2014 Sportster Forty-Eight in the next month or so. So I'll get the new brakes, but I just wish they were on my Iron.
Get yourself a Bolt, you love it! I'm really starting to have a fancy for the green R-Spec's we just got it...!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
It's been a little while since I test drove the Iron, so maybe your 2013 has a different setup still than what I rode.
The main thing I have against HD is the culture and the mark up on used bikes. Riders are split, so many people own them it doesn't matter. However, sales reps/associates and parts managers are so irritating! And non riders get real annoying over a love of a product they'll never own. Every time I walk in to a Harley dealer, I get aggravated and it turns me off. People like you though are changing my mind. You reply to so many comments in an honest way, and your videos are on point. Then again, I think you're a tech and techs are always cool! If I could just talk to the mechanics directly at *any* dealership, I'd be happier.
I know what you mean about the HD culture! But those guys all shun Sportsters. Maybe that's what attracts me to them, the anti-culture... Lol
Sorry to hear that you've had bad experiences at dealers. The four dealers in my area that I go to have been nothing but top notch! Half the guys working there don't even ride Harleys, and they're cool with that. I even showed up to the closest one north of me on a Can-Am Spyder and they didn't chase me off. They just asked about a million questions about it...
All their parts and service prices are legal theft! I literally have ordered parts from their very own online store and selected in store pickup and saved almost 50%... Crazy markup!
Some of the dealers around here have huge windows that you can watch the techs, but it's like trying to walk into Fort Knox try to speak with one... We are very open with that at our stores. Sadly, we don't sell Harley's though... We work on so many, you would think we did!
When I decided to get an Iron, they were selling for more used than new! What is that?
But anyway, culture or not, I love these little suckers for their stone reliability, build quality and fairly cheap parts when ordered online or aftermarket. They are crazy easy to perform maintenance on. Plus, just like the Bolt, they are just fun as hell to ride!
Never rode a bike before and I bought one.. I LOVE it!!!!!!...Extremely easy to ride.
I suggest that you test ride the bolt rspec, if you havent already. Thats what I own and the rear shocks have you fealing almost nothing. My buddy bought a 2014 iron 883 around the same time I bought my rspec. My bike out performed his in every area except for [maybe] style. The new irons, in my opinion, are probably the best looking bikes on the street today. Like them or not, Harley got it right with the look of the iron 883. With that being said, great video and thanks.
The R-Spec Bolt rocks, for sure! Have you done any mods to yours yet?
Thanks for watching and commenting!
No, it's my first bike, and I really don't know what I want to add or remove. The wife wants a back seat and pegs! The only complaint I have is the pegs are low and I can't turn as sharp as I want. But I'm still pretty new to bikes and don't even really know if they can be moved forward or not.
Jake Taylor There are so many possibilities for mods. Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Getting used to the bike and finding the different things to do in the future... Though you might want to make the wife happy first! LOL
Ride safe out there.
Right on, thanks for the videos and enjoy your bikes.
I owned a Harley Super Glide Custom. While I do think the 883 Iron is the best looking bike out there, I'm completely over Harley Davidson. The outrageous prices and cult like group think of the riders is disturbing. Not to mention the amount of free advertising their customers give them even after they get fleeced. Yes, that was me. I still have to sell of my Harley clothing. That more "solid feel" of the Harley is not the fit an finish, it's the added weight of a larger engine that puts out less power than anything comparable.
yeah. screw those guys who dont return the wave just because im on a sport bike. we all hate them. and, I'm even riding a buell! which shows how dumb some people are, since buell was sold alongside harleys.
I wish the Japanese manufacturers would stop putting those stupid warning labels on the gas tanks, they are ugly.
Cycle World compared the bolt and sportster and revealed quarter mile times for both. The Bolt did the quarter in 13.78 and the sporty in 14.53. In quarter mile times...that's quite a difference. That should be an obvious difference when it comes to that "seat of the pants" feel. The couple of drag races here on You tube between the two, shows the Bolt running away from the sporty. Adding 13" shocks is the obvious smart addition. Better ride quality and more clearance to boot. I never cared much for the low look, but I do like the chopped look and the longer forks on the bolt give the bike that low in the rear, high in the front stature. I owned a 99 XLX 1200 Sportster sport, bought brand new, for 4 years. It was a nice bike...a handsome brute in silver. I didn't much care for the stock seating position though and since rubber mounting wasn't yet available, cruising at much over 65 mph wasn't very comfortable for long, due to the enormous amount of vibration. My hand controls would even loosen up on me. I stick with Japanese or Italian bikes these days. Thanks for the videos.
man i love the honest review. thanks man. i appreciate you making the video.
Thanks Khairul Azmi!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hey man, i'm thinking about buying the bolt or the 883 and was wondering which would be better for a college student. My college is about 100 miles from home and it'd would be my main transportation. I'd use it to get around campus when i'm there to so a bunch of stop and go. Thanks!
To be honest, either one would meet your needs perfectly! Go test ride them both and see which one speaks to you heart...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for response. New rider here I'm loving the HD sportsters, and the 883. I also like the Bolt. I know there is Kits for HD883 to upgrade to 1200 and it seems pretty simple. Does Star have anything like that for the Bolt? What would it upgrade to?
Thanks Ryan! I know that people are overboring the Bolts, but Yamaha is not offering a Star accessory kit to do so as of yet. I haven't done any research to see if any reputable companies are offering big bore kits for the Bolt, but I'm sure they're out there! And just so you know, you couldn't possibly go wrong with the Bolt or the Iron! It's all a personal thing from here as to which one you want. I'm sure glad I knew what I wanted to start with, because this would be a daunting decision trying to pick between the two!
This may be a dumb question, but isn't the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 in the same category in price and performance as these two bikes? I know some people hate the water cooling radiator look on the Vulcan, but apart from that, any thoughts on it?
The VN900's are awesome bikes that are stone reliable! Nothing wrong with them at all. For me personally, they just aren't my style and build quality. Not that there is anything wrong with them, they just seem 'stamped out', if you know what I mean... The radiators are very well disguise and most people don't realize they are liquid cooled.
Thanks for watching and commenting +brotherted !
I'm starting to think that the Vulcan 900s aren't often in the Star Bolt vs. Harley 883 comparisons because those last two are "bobbers" without a second seat. And so maybe it's the back seat that makes the Vulcan 900's natural competitors more the Honda Shadow Aero & Suzuki C50t?
You may have a very good point brotherted !
I just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom a few weeks ago, so far I love this bike - previously owned a vstar 650, and Honda Sabre 1100. And it has all the things I loved about both of those bikes. Power similar to the 1100, feels more flickable like the vstar. For me the water cooling is a plus - I don't mind the looks of it and living in Texas it's really nice to get that heat off the engine. But I agree, it's not the same style as the bolt or iron - more traditional cruiser than bobber.
Great video! We here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content, keep it up!
Thank you, it’s much appreciated..!
Thanks!! 👊
That was some of the best sound quality I've heard while someone is riding, great job!
I've got a "small fistful" of dollars and I'm really wanting to get back into riding. I'm waiting for really cold weather or until I find a motivated seller.
I've really been looking at the Iron, Bolt and Bonneville. I like all three for different reasons, but it may come down to the best deal I can find.
Great video, keep it up!
idk why anybody would buy one of these over a sportster... especially if you can afford a little more and get a 1200 sportster
Thanks for sharing this tour and commenting about the rear suspensions. I was wondering about it.
If you cant beat it copy it ?
Yamaha have made an awesome attempt to pick up on some of HD market indeed. As much as I hate to admit it, this looks like a damn good bike to me. But then again, nothing like a hog, right?
Bikers garage 101 likes this.
Thumbs up!
I enjoyed that, thanks much for making and posting. I ride an XL1200 Custom, near perfect for me.
I really enjoy riding Sportsters also...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I should check around with the dealers. Surely they've set up a unit, or have a trade-in with the seat installed. Stumbled onto a video of a black denim 72 with a brown springer seat that looked pretty cool.
Never been a fan of forward controls or apes, but the combo with the mini's are quite comfortable on the 72. That being said, I wouldn't install them on the Iron, as I like it's almost cafe-ish feeling and look... The contrast between the two bikes is very black & white, but both are fun!
Oh man, that's a tough one to answer and the source of much debate. You can't go wrong with either one... This is a question that only you can answer.
If you've never ridden before, I would find something used, small and cheap to get you up to speed with riding. It would be a shame (and spendy!) to drop one of these beauties while learning...
Shawn
That wasn't really a deciding point in my purchasing the Iron, but it sure makes getting a lower interest loan much, much easier...! Freaks the bank out when you purchase a used Sportster that's worth more than it sold for new, ie: my 2012 XL1200V "72" I purchased 5 weeks ago... However, the best price I could find the Iron for was $800 over MSRP, the bank didn't like that. Some dealers were $1,900 over MSRP!
Thanks for viewing and commenting! - Shawn
Thanks man. Buying a bolt this next week. ...2015 .....300 miles....4500 $
collin johnson
Please keep me updated, Collin! I am thinking of starting to ride this year, and am on the research phase of motorcycles.
I hate bees when I ride. they feel like little missiles when they hit.
Hey Smoak I ride a 1980 CB750 CUSTOM and I gotta tell ya rides better than the Bolt and the Sportster! And I never rode either lol! Yes I'm a bit biased considering! Ride safe!
I'm not so sure I'm crazy about the springer seat look either, but have you ridden on one? If so, how do they feel? I would like to try one on the Iron, as they seem like they might be comfortable. Heck of a price to pay to try one...!
go custom show around i dont like spring seats either. im sure there is a better one.
the service bulletin wouldnt happen to be because of the left rear turn signal not working would it?
Adam Wallace - It was for early VIN range models were the brake light switch wire from the pedal could come in contact with the rear head pipe. Very easy bulletin to perform, only had about two or three of our units need it performed...
Thanks for watching and commenting Adam!
little smoother better brakes and it wont need constant repair..win win
I would too! That's why we don't do that unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer... This is our demo Bolt from Yamaha that has been ridden by many customer's.
Thanks for viewing and commenting! - Shawn
Shawn, what's your thought about this bike? Is more like a commuter/city bike or you think is a good bike for road travelling? Fuel consumption is average or it has a better ratio than similar bikes? Thanks for you excellent review!
I would say it's more of a around town and back roads kind of bike, bit I've no issues going on 200~300 mile rides in a day. Plenty of people travel on them, and the bike is way more than capable. But it's physically not a large and roomy bike, so you might feel a bit cramped with it loaded down for the long haul... On longer rides, I average as high as 57 mpg. My overall average is around 52 mpg.
Thanks for watching and commenting Ariel !
Shawn Smoak Thanks for your response! I´m used to ride a not so roomy bike. I own a "Virago-Like" 250cc and I'm looking for a change to a bigger v-twin to ride on my country's roads. A year ago, I went into a 2400Km (1490 miles) round trip to one of the most beautiful cities here, with my bike, and it was an experience I will never forget. One of the flaws of my bike was the poor response on takeovers, due to lack of horsepower on the engine. Thanks again, Shawn. And as we say here, "Buenas rutas!" (could be translated as "Good trips!")
Does the 883 & Bolt feel the same as comfort when you ride? Bolt seems bigger in size.
They are really, really close... Yamaha was after the Iron and did a good job of making feel like one, right down to the footpeg placement. If you could close you eyes, only the engine sound and brakes would give them away, though the Iron got greatly upgraded brakes for 2014. I haven't compared fiscal specs, one could be bigger that the other...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Looks awesome! Harley spent a lot of time on this one, should be fantastic. I haven't ridden one yet, so I wouldn't be much help at this point. Sorry!
Re-sent... Spelling...
Shawn
Enjoyed the video - thx. Researching which would be a good first (re-entry) bike and am leaning toward the Honda Shadow (Phantom or Spirit), but came across the Bolt and your video. Which do you prefer? Which has better maintenance histories? Thanks!!
I'm a huge and loyal Honda fan, but in this case, I would go for the Bolt between those two. Not that there's anything wrong with the Honda by any means, I just think the Bolt is a way bigger bang for the buck. Plus, (and please don't flame me!) it looks and feels a lot like the Harley Iron...
As far as maintenance, the Honda has a long history of being stone reliable and easy to maintain. Going by the XVS950 V-Star, which the Bolt is pretty much based on, they should do equally as well.
In this category of bike, you simply could not go wrong with the Harley, Honda or Yamaha! Just sit back and see which one pulls you in. Which one do you see yourself riding down the road with a huge smile on your face...?
Thanks for watching and commenting!
This guys quick review is spot on. The Bolt suspension, seat, and digital read out leaves something to be desired. On the upside makes nice smooth power, shifts good, feel to the frame so-on. The 883 feels a little heavier to me, slightly less peppy, decent suspension, endless aftermarket set ups. The Suzuki S80 or older vs800 is a nice bike in this category too. Sporting good suspension, shaft drive, smooth and strong engine, make this bike a good contender in this category. The VS800/S50 is nice too, but has pretty small ergonomics. Both the Suzukis, like Honda, have that metric cruiser exhaust note that I'd rather not hear, unlike the the Yamaha, though not exactly Harley, has a very nice tone.
Very nice mrpotatoheadracing! Well said...
I would love to get this bike. But the first thing I'd do is get rid of that damn digital readout.
and the ugly ass turn signals, rear taillight, exhaust and shocks. Then a repaint/remove those cheap ass warning labels and chop the fender lol
why are so called harley riders have such a guilty complex..
+captainengland - I've yet to meet a Harley rider with a guilty complex...? They do have a love for there bikes that keep other manufactures up at night trying to figure out to capture that kind of loyalty, and just a small piece of their market share... As a long time employee of a multi-line, multi-store dealership, I get smoking deals on bikes. But sadly, none of our stores have the Harley franchise due to established Harley dealers being too close by. As a result, I have to go out and pay full boat retail for my new Harley's. I love all motorcycles, but certain Harley's just push my "I gotta have it" buttons, and I couldn't be happier with them. Other Harley's do nothing for me, but I have no hate for them, I just wouldn't purchase them. The wonderful thing nowadays is, there are so many awesome bikes by so many manufactures, there's a seat for every ass... Choose carefully, as you should never feel guilty about your choice!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I ride the k16GT. 150nm@1500rpm or max 175nm@5250rpm. Like having a sumo wrestler that also competes in 100m sprints! 😍 ...I tested the Bolt. I adore the way it looks. First traffic circle, felt like brakes on a bicycle and scraped the peg way too soon. I understand it's a cruiser but lets be real it is still a motorcycle and that needs to lean.... or else I may as well be sitting in a car. I found the motor comletely and utterly gutless. Most of all it didn't have a distinct enough V-twin sound ... too quiet. A pity, it is a rather nice looking bike. Agreed, that digital gauge spoils the retro look. Who can read that in full sunshine?
The Bolt is unproven but it'll have its heritage just like the Yamaha RD350 does today. The Honda Ascot VT 500 was in the same position, now it's a vintage collector's bike. I'm also guessing that the limited-run Honda VTX 750 Shadow RS is also going to be a collectable. Harley tried to patent their sound just to block the Shadow RS from the iconic rumble. lol
I'm in love with the the 48...! I will be purchasing one! Almost did a couple months ago, but Harley was too high on interest so i wisely (somehow) walked away... It was a sweet deal with the trade-in of my 2012 '72', but the interest just would not have been a good deal in the end.
Thanks for watching and commenting marcos pereira!
Why can’t they make a decent suspension?
I ride sportbikes normally but want to make a transition to cruisers. Would this be a good bike for me? I'm worried about power since sportbikes have alot of torque.
Well, generally sportbikes have a lot of horsepower and low torque, unless it's a Ducati, KTM, etc. twin... There will be a horsepower and torque loss for you depending on what you've been riding. The average 600cc sportbike would literally eat an Iron 883 alive! But you have to understand that a bike like the Iron has nothing to do with specs, power or speed. If any of that is important to you, the Iron will be a disappointment. It's all about the experience of the ride, the solid build of a Harley, along with it's rough and raw feel... It's a real biker's bike, so to speak!
Not that it's a complete dog that you can't have a tremendous amount of fun on, or that is so raw that you have to get off and rest every hour. It's just never going to keep up in a canyon race with a pack of sportbikes or make a good touring bike... It's a bike that puts a smile on you face at the very thought of wanting to go for a ride!
Harley shops allow the best test rides ever, swing by a shop and take one out, you'll either GET the idea of a Harley, or hate it. There seems to be no middle ground, you just need to experience it to find out...
Thanks for watching and commenting Ernest!
Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about changing to a cruise but deep inside I'm still a sportbike kind of person. But I'm thinking I could sacrifice the speed for the enjoyment of a good ride.
I believe deep down I think of myself as being a sportbike guy, as I grew up on them. But now that I don't even own one anymore, I don't really miss them. Like you say, I just enjoy the ride... I think I'll live longer this way too! Lol
@Shawn I see you work on various bikes I came across a 2014 bolt for a hella deal, but the dealer is selling it used and as is (has 2nd gear noise) are the transmissions hard to replace or would it be better to have it rebuilt????
You couldn't go wrong with any of those bikes, for sure... Look forward to seeing what you end up with!
Thanks for watching and the kind words!
Regarding the stock seat. I don't know of any stock seat on any bike that feels good. The first thing I replaced on my Sportster was the seat.
actually looking into getting a bolt, also trying to figure out what im going to have to replace/add, so far new speedo, exhaust, air cleaner, swingarm bag, headlight, maybe do something with the seat not sure on that yet though
It's a 950 class V-Twin engine that has an actual 942cc, to be exact.
Really good video for comparing Bolt to Iron. Thing is that here in Canada the msrp for an iron is $1300 more than a Bolt!
love your videos Shawn, im still decided to buy an iron for the looks and the feel.
cheers from Mex city
Thank you for your honest opinion Shawn. I had a '14 1200T and wondered about the Bolt myself when it hit the scene.
Hi Shawn,we dont have the Bolt in the uk as yet,but! im sure the Harley is better.thanks.
i just purchased this in the red tank. looks great an rides like i was hopeing. it really is fun to ride an im use to ride sport.
beautiful bike but what the hell is that speedometer?
They changed the display the next year so you could read the digital readout in the sun..! Pretty tough to see, right?
Thanks for watching!
Very helpful. Thanks.
Thanks stereopolice !
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Good review. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks valveman12!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
i used to be a harley brain washed freak. and ride a sportster. and for my next bike i was looking to get a night train. but then i got a yamaha raider instead . now i look the night train and looks and ride like shit against the raider. the point is that for me now. harley is just a name with pretty bikes
@ Shawn.You Sir, are a harley fan working at a Yamaha dealer. Just sad. First, actually ride the dam bike on the freeway to test its power & torque range, etc. Secondly, the Bolt R-spec has a better rear shock & brakes the hardly american sportser. Epic fail.
Let go of the clutch lever you just keep in it spinning on acceleration you should know that
Nice unbiased review, much appreciated.
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Annoyed that the bolt was bottoming out the suspension on you. I've heard that's a problem with the sportsters too. Shouldn't be this common! :(.
You need to check the Bolt v Iron Face-off vid - the Bolt leaves the Iron in the dust.
Sounds like I'm hearing a tick when you accelerate. Valve clatter?
I've had my '91 1200 Sporty for over 20 years but when they come out the factory, they don't go, handle or stop, at least the earlier ones like mine don't. I put on Koni shocks, Progressive front springs, fork brace, PM brakes, SE floating discs, and did a lot of work on the engine including cams, single fire ignition, headwork, balancing and truing the crank etc and now it is a great bike and it is a sleeper as well because I didn't change it in the looks department. I am pretty sure the Bolt would come out the factory without needing all this work to make it a good bike, but let's face it, it is a Sportster copy, and I would rather have the real thing.
gm16v149 Sounds like you've made an awesome bike out of your 1200. 20 years, that's a good long time to keep a bike. You should post a video on it sometime... I'd love to see it!
Thanks for watching and posting an awesome comment!
Shawn Smoak Yeah well I'm just about to go for a ride because it's a nice day (90 deg) and I've just bought a GoPro so I'll get around to it sooner or later.
Btw I'll bet the weather atm isn't like in your video lol. Probably silly question but what state are you from?
Wow, 90 degrees! It'll be a while before we see anything like that... That would be cool if you get around to GoPro'n a ride!
I live in Washington state...
The Bolt runs for about $13-14K in my country...so thanks, but no thanks. I'd definitely buy it if they had it for less.
I'm always amazed at how expensive bikes can be in other countries. That's just doesn't seem fair!
Shawn Smoak
Looking at the prices we have in Denmark would kill you then :o)
The Bolt runs at $23K. The Iron at $26½K. Government takes 150-180% registration taxes on bikes and cars O.o
Just ordered the 48 with pearl paint. Ran me at $36K.
beersmurff - Wow, that's crazy taxes... Sorry!
Yeah, that fucking sucks, the bike's definitely cool!
Shawn Smoak what's not fair is to see countries tax Harley and we let Yamaha sell its bolt tax free that is what's not fair