Greetings from Sweden. Picked up my brand new 2016 R-Spec just a week ago. Loving it!!! Chose to install the saddle bags and it looks awesome. Keep up the good work! Enjoying your vids!
I let Harley guys ride mine and they come back and say, "meh, it's ok". I think they're secretly pissed that it's such a smooth and comfortable ride, yet sounds and looks awesome.
Typical Harley riders haha. They do the same with all my bikes. One of them rode my Triumph Bonneville Bobber and you could see him visibly trying to hide the fact that he liked it. The Triumph and Indian Bobbers are literally superior in every possible way to the Harley competition. I'm also confident literally every motorcycle rider would agree, apart from Harley riders obviously. I think a lot of them get duped by the excessive marketing but when they eventually ride a bike that isn't a Harley and immediately notice its superiority, they then go into a state of aggressive, bitter denial while secretly hating their own decision to purchase an outdated, overpriced piece of agricultural machinery.
Probably are right, I am a harley Road king guy that rode my sons friends GSXR600 recently..I really liked it, and said same thing when I got back!! Hah...think I will get a gsxr too next spring!
I got a Harley, I test rode the bolt against the iron 883. The bolt has a little more sporty feel to it. I don't think the Bolt "killed" the equivalent Harleys you could buy. I personally like my Harley a little better. I definitely do not think the Bolt is just "ok". I think the Bolt is a very well made bike for people who don't really want a Harley for the reasons in this video (rough clutch, louder..etc). However my favorite cruiser still goes to the Suzuki Boulevard S40.
Have a 2014 bolt with v&h 2 into 2 pipes with vo2 intake and v&h fuel pack. Once u dial in the fuel pack this bike is amazing.Pipes are really loud though. If your gonna change the exhaust do the intake and fuel pack at same time..bike will run way better because u program fuel pack for pipes and intake (air/fuel,backpressure differences)makes a huge difference.
Good bike choice! My only complaints are my hands go numb pretty quick on the highway. Thinking a set of Kuryakyn Iso Grips might be the answer for me.
great video! I just bought the same bike a couple days ago. 2014 rspec. you have some great ideas for changes. I look forward to watching the rest of your videos. I'm in Chicago as well!
thanks. Yea look at all my videos did it all this Summer and will do a bunch more once I have more money lol. Let's ride sometime. I have a group on Facebook Yamaha Bolt Chicago join
Lets definitely ride sometime. I searched for the Facebook group, but couldn't find it. It would be fun to get a few Bolt riders together before the weather starts getting bad.
+Uj Surender Are you ok. Hopefully you weren't hurt. I know they sell replacement tanks on eBay where people part out. Try Nielsen enterprises in Lake Villa. They are Star Bikes.
Old vid I know but whats the rear fender look like under the 2up? If I bought one of these the gf would be mad if I couldn't take her along occasionally but I wouldn't want to keep the rear seat pad on at all times. Curious if the mounting hardware or however its attached, is ugly underneath while its off.
Nice review! thinking on trying a cruiser and getting away from sport bikes for a while. This bolt has grown on me alot, might pull the trigger on one.
+BARRIEMOREBARLOW True in the manual it does state that. Checked my oil and was still golden, plus spoke with Star Motorcycles technician and he says up to 1000 is fine.
How is it to move around? How does the weight feel? I like your Bolt videos. Im gonna try a 2015 Bolt tomorrow, and might swap my 2017 Fz07 for it. And one of the reasons is because the FZ07 Tracer (MT07 Tracer - European sportstourer version of FZ07) feels too top heavy for me.
Isn't that just typical with Japanese cruiser bikes vs H-D? Used to be the same back when I owned my Kawa Vulcan 800 (A-version, not the circus-looking "Classic"). She looked better than the then current H-Ds (at least than the Sporties), she ran rings around the then current Softails (riding buddy of mine was on a mid 90s Fat Boy) and she left both Big Twins and 1200 Sporties in the dust when you got on the throttle. Plus she had brakes that actually worked, was way lighter and more flickable than a Softail and cost me (with quite a few mods) less than half of what my buddy had paid for his Fat Boy - cheaper than the 883 Sporty, too. The only thing lacking was the sound, but stock H-Ds sound like hair-dryers stock over here too. Alas... she was still a Japanese bike. So when we parked our bikes (one or two Harleys and the Kawa), only people who weren't really into bikes would always ogle the Vulcan ... but H-D guys would look at it like it was a rusty bicycle or something... :D
Change the oil ASAP, per the manual it needs to be changed between 600-1000 miles. Oil that's from factory is a break in oil which is thin to have your engine "wear" in, also the stock tires blow...I'd recommend Michelin Commander II's they are much smoother and provide a lot more grip.
thanks I actually found that out right after that video and did an oil change at 1300. Star said up to 1500 is fine. I will look into those tires. thinking about white walls?
if you change exhaust and intake you will need to get a fuel controller or a reflash of the ecu. other wise it will run way lean and cause alot of damage to the engine. I have the 2014 bolt .31000 miles and still ride every day.
It will make absolutely no damage at all. its electronic not with carbs. I ride with V&H air intake and akrapovich exhaust. Wish people would stop make this weird stories about engines.. !!!
Awesome video. A lot of questions that I had about the bike you answered. Thank you. One last one, How does the bike feel going at high speeds on the freeway? I don't mean illegally high speeds, but 75 maybe 80mph? I like to ride long distances in AZ so I want to know if it is comfortable at those speeds or not. Thanks
Great question, I sometimes take the bike up there and it feels controllable. Feels good and not bad at 80mph. Just wear a face mask or helmet because the wind sucks sometimes. pushes your face and cheeks back.
I love the bike but the problem is the vibrations when u go over 5o mph,other than that,it is a good bike for canyon riding because it hands good in corners /curves.
Your review is great!! I have a 2007 Kawasaki 650R and am thinking of trading for a brand new 2015 Bolt in blue. It's the stock one though. Maybe I could get the dealership to put on the gas shocks? What rpm does the Bolt get its full torque? My 650R has 48 ft. pounds of torque and pulls nicely on the freeway. Thank you.
58.2 @3500rpm is a basis. Thanks for review. it's a lot quicker than the 650 in torque. had a Kawi Ninja 663 before this and this is the best bike I have owned. Super comfortable, and quick. Great times. Look at my other videos and subscribe.
Do you have any issues with the tachometer? I've seen alot of bad reviews with regards to not being able to see your speed when the sun is in front of you.
Gabbos Ironfist you could defiantly tour on this bike you would have to plan your fuel stops alittle more but the tank size for the bolt is 3.4 so you should be fine. People have toured on a Harley Davidson 48 which has a 2.2 gas tank Its just all about the planing.
This 950 is actually 942cc, but who's counting really? The Bolt R-Spec is a real nice urban cruiser with solid low and mid-range RPM torque and plenty of speed for easy highway rolls. Even the stock exhaust system sounds good and I like the slight rumble on the solo.
I'm not sure if the guy you bought it from disclosed that is the base spec Passenger Kit, not the R spec one. They are made to match the solo seat, which yours does not.
No, that would not be a problem. Over heating of air cooled motors happens when they idle for to long. When the bike is moving more air passes over and is injected into the motor, keeping it cool. When the bike is just sitting and running, say at a street light, it is 'breathing' far less. Now a red light by itself won't make your motor overheat, but don't sit outside your friend's house for 30 minutes with the bike running and revving the motor.
Not to worry.Road tripped 5000 kms this past summer and it was crazy hot (36 Celsius) did 8-12 hrs per day and had no overheating issues at all. Bolt is great bike for first timers.
the 600 mile oil change was done right? I hope so! nice r spec! myself bought the regular ol bolt. do pot holes hurt your back a bit of the freeway? mine sure does with the basic suspension! lol
Rumble like a harley!🤣🤣. Open the exhaust and at idle it bubbles. Former Yamaha owner. My star was nicknamed the bubble maker from my other biker friends.
They cut corners everywhere on this bike to keep the price point low. No excuse for plastic valve covers and that speedo belongs on a 150 dollar exercise bike. Acres of plastic parts but hey from 20 feet away it's a looker....
There are lots of nice metal parts on this bike. Steel guards and the seat rails and handlebar area look solid and well finished. The fuel cap is a heavy little thing. The speedo does look cheap I’ll agree. Plastic valve covers are a good idea I thought as the bike is pretty heavy so they needed to save some weight somewhere. I don’t think Yamaha would do anything that would make these bikes unreliable as they have a 5 year warranty. The paint on mine is outstanding. I have a few bikes and I just ride this one for a bit of fun. It’s really easy to ride in the city. I’ve only taken it on the highway once and it was ok for just a day trip.
TheRealReviewz no worries man I'm beatin your balls. I'm in the market for a bolt so I've been watching your vids. I like the bassani/Vance side by side comparison. Thanks for posting.
Greetings from Sweden.
Picked up my brand new 2016 R-Spec just a week ago. Loving it!!! Chose to install the saddle bags and it looks awesome.
Keep up the good work! Enjoying your vids!
Thank you. Enjoy the bike, and ride safe!! Sweden has beautiful views to ride and see. Enjoy
I let Harley guys ride mine and they come back and say, "meh, it's ok". I think they're secretly pissed that it's such a smooth and comfortable ride, yet sounds and looks awesome.
Typical Harley riders haha. They do the same with all my bikes. One of them rode my Triumph Bonneville Bobber and you could see him visibly trying to hide the fact that he liked it. The Triumph and Indian Bobbers are literally superior in every possible way to the Harley competition. I'm also confident literally every motorcycle rider would agree, apart from Harley riders obviously. I think a lot of them get duped by the excessive marketing but when they eventually ride a bike that isn't a Harley and immediately notice its superiority, they then go into a state of aggressive, bitter denial while secretly hating their own decision to purchase an outdated, overpriced piece of agricultural machinery.
Probably are right, I am a harley Road king guy that rode my sons friends GSXR600 recently..I really liked it, and said same thing when I got back!! Hah...think I will get a gsxr too next spring!
My dad said the same thing when he rode mine 🤣
I got a Harley, I test rode the bolt against the iron 883. The bolt has a little more sporty feel to it. I don't think the Bolt "killed" the equivalent Harleys you could buy. I personally like my Harley a little better. I definitely do not think the Bolt is just "ok". I think the Bolt is a very well made bike for people who don't really want a Harley for the reasons in this video (rough clutch, louder..etc). However my favorite cruiser still goes to the Suzuki Boulevard S40.
Congrats on your purchase! Been riding this for the last few months. Rides as good as it looks.
Thanks... Just added a couple new videos check them out!
This is so beautiful 😭 I’m trying to get this as a second bike! Right now I have a 86’ Kawasaki ZL600.
Bought my 2015 Bolt new! Still have it. Great Bike 👍
I just bought mine last night!
Congratulations!! Great Bike!! Enjoy
Have a 2014 bolt with v&h 2 into 2 pipes with vo2 intake and v&h fuel pack. Once u dial in the fuel pack this bike is amazing.Pipes are really loud though. If your gonna change the exhaust do the intake and fuel pack at same time..bike will run way better because u program fuel pack for pipes and intake (air/fuel,backpressure differences)makes a huge difference.
My 2014 R-spec has the Vance & Hines. White wall Sportster 48 tires. Mustang one piece seat and a Buscuit bag!
Man that's a Bad Ass Bike. Good Video.
Love the bike. I actually like the looks of the original exhaust though.
Thank you
I’m thinking about getting one if I can’t afford the Indian Scout next spring. I’ve heard mostly good reviews like you.
Great Motorcycle. You will love it. And so many customization options. Great ride. Great local and non highway.
Good bike choice! My only complaints are my hands go numb pretty quick on the highway. Thinking a set of Kuryakyn Iso Grips might be the answer for me.
those are great I heard. Don't have that problem but longest I've rode was about a hour. Thanks
beautiful bike dude, thinking about purchasing one of these as my first
+spburnette87 They are amazing and you will love it
spburnette87 I made this Bolt my first Bike and IM IN LOVE, The Harley 883 wasn’t as comfortable as this Yamaha
Completely agree!! And doesn’t rumble so your hands fall off either
great video! I just bought the same bike a couple days ago. 2014 rspec. you have some great ideas for changes. I look forward to watching the rest of your videos. I'm in Chicago as well!
thanks. Yea look at all my videos did it all this Summer and will do a bunch more once I have more money lol. Let's ride sometime. I have a group on Facebook Yamaha Bolt Chicago join
Lets definitely ride sometime. I searched for the Facebook group, but couldn't find it. It would be fun to get a few Bolt riders together before the weather starts getting bad.
I can't believe it, I fell on the bike the other day. it stalled during a turn. Do you know anyone that can take a dent out of the fuel tank?
+Uj Surender Are you ok. Hopefully you weren't hurt. I know they sell replacement tanks on eBay where people part out. Try Nielsen enterprises in Lake Villa. They are Star Bikes.
Yea. just a few scratches. it hurts more that my ride got dinged. thanks for the info, bud. I'll contact them.
Yes! Belt chain and sprocket pulley. I want one! Purrs like a kitten.
Great bike.
Good looking bike mate!
Thank you!!
I have a ‘15 in green I love my bike 🔥
Thanks for sharing
I enjoyed this - thanks.
Thanks for watching. Please support and subscribe
Old vid I know but whats the rear fender look like under the 2up? If I bought one of these the gf would be mad if I couldn't take her along occasionally but I wouldn't want to keep the rear seat pad on at all times. Curious if the mounting hardware or however its attached, is ugly underneath while its off.
Nice review! thinking on trying a cruiser and getting away from sport bikes for a while. This bolt has grown on me alot, might pull the trigger on one.
I'm in the same boat right now, after totalling my MT09... Did you oil the trigger?
Great video I really look forward to the vance and hines pipes IMO the twin slash is the ONLY way to go.
Just got it. Thanks. You will see in the new video.
That exhaust [Twin Slash] looks great but is not compatible with the OEM passenger pegs.
+Aa La watch my other videos. only bassani exhaust is not compatible.
My mistake, that's the one I was thinking of. Your V&H 2 into 2 looks great, awesome job on the install!
Yamaha says to change the oil at 600 miles after break-in.
+BARRIEMOREBARLOW True in the manual it does state that. Checked my oil and was still golden, plus spoke with Star Motorcycles technician and he says up to 1000 is fine.
i changed mine at 300, 600, then 3000.
How is it to move around? How does the weight feel? I like your Bolt videos. Im gonna try a 2015 Bolt tomorrow, and might swap my 2017 Fz07 for it. And one of the reasons is because the FZ07 Tracer (MT07 Tracer - European sportstourer version of FZ07) feels too top heavy for me.
This bike feels great, and has such a silky smooth riding feel to it. Great bike no complaints in one year.
It's over 500 pounds. I dropped it once and it took every ounce of strength to lift it.
Nice review , nice bike
Thank you. Thanks for watching
Isn't that just typical with Japanese cruiser bikes vs H-D? Used to be the same back when I owned my Kawa Vulcan 800 (A-version, not the circus-looking "Classic").
She looked better than the then current H-Ds (at least than the Sporties), she ran rings around the then current Softails (riding buddy of mine was on a mid 90s Fat Boy) and she left both Big Twins and 1200 Sporties in the dust when you got on the throttle. Plus she had brakes that actually worked, was way lighter and more flickable than a Softail and cost me (with quite a few mods) less than half of what my buddy had paid for his Fat Boy - cheaper than the 883 Sporty, too. The only thing lacking was the sound, but stock H-Ds sound like hair-dryers stock over here too.
Alas... she was still a Japanese bike. So when we parked our bikes (one or two Harleys and the Kawa), only people who weren't really into bikes would always ogle the Vulcan ... but H-D guys would look at it like it was a rusty bicycle or something... :D
I can’t stop looking at these I might try to finance one been on my 82 650 maxim for far too long need a upgrade and something a little faster
Great bike.
Only need change michelin commander 2 tire...
Super Bike !!
Thanks. Great bike
Change the oil ASAP, per the manual it needs to be changed between 600-1000 miles. Oil that's from factory is a break in oil which is thin to have your engine "wear" in, also the stock tires blow...I'd recommend Michelin Commander II's they are much smoother and provide a lot more grip.
thanks I actually found that out right after that video and did an oil change at 1300. Star said up to 1500 is fine. I will look into those tires. thinking about white walls?
They blow up??.😮
Do you have a link or name for that engine bar? Thanks. Nice bike. I've got the greeen.
I love the green. Thanks for watching
if you change exhaust and intake you will need to get a fuel controller or a reflash of the ecu. other wise it will run way lean and cause alot of damage to the engine. I have the 2014 bolt .31000 miles and still ride every day.
Absolutely. I got the Vance and Hines fuelpak. I have a programming video on how to do it. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe and support
It will make absolutely no damage at all. its electronic not with carbs. I ride with V&H air intake and akrapovich exhaust. Wish people would stop make this weird stories about engines.. !!!
Killer bike. Good vid. For me it’s this or an Indian Scout.
Thanks so much. The scout is nice as well. Hard decision.
I am a former (happy) owner a Bolt. I can't understand why your rear seat isn't made of the same material as the seat. Mine was? 🤔🇩🇰 ps. Nice video.
Awesome video. A lot of questions that I had about the bike you answered. Thank you. One last one, How does the bike feel going at high speeds on the freeway? I don't mean illegally high speeds, but 75 maybe 80mph? I like to ride long distances in AZ so I want to know if it is comfortable at those speeds or not. Thanks
Great question, I sometimes take the bike up there and it feels controllable. Feels good and not bad at 80mph. Just wear a face mask or helmet because the wind sucks sometimes. pushes your face and cheeks back.
+YamahaFreshLaws thanks! I am 100% sure I am ing the bolt 950. probably the new 2017. I am sick of sport bikes
+Msalazar6sicVI That will be a great choice, I had a Kawi 636 before this and this is a 100% more better than my sport bike.
I love the bike but the problem is the vibrations when u go over 5o mph,other than that,it is a good bike for canyon riding because it hands good in corners /curves.
+RB Ninja12 absolutely true.... I don't feel that vibration really until about 68-70mph
I'm a prospective new rider, and was wondering if it is worth getting as my new bike? Saw a good deal for a used one with 2k miles
Great bike and has a lot of power. I love it and wouldn’t switch. You can also do so many upgrades on it. Great bike
Your review is great!! I have a 2007 Kawasaki 650R and am thinking of trading for a brand new 2015 Bolt in blue. It's the stock one though. Maybe I could get the dealership to put on the gas shocks? What rpm does the Bolt get its full torque? My 650R has 48 ft. pounds of torque and pulls nicely on the freeway. Thank you.
58.2 @3500rpm is a basis. Thanks for review. it's a lot quicker than the 650 in torque. had a Kawi Ninja 663 before this and this is the best bike I have owned. Super comfortable, and quick. Great times. Look at my other videos and subscribe.
Do you have any issues with the tachometer? I've seen alot of bad reviews with regards to not being able to see your speed when the sun is in front of you.
I think I want an analog speedometer
O cilindro traseiro aquece muito o saco?
Do you think you could do some touring with this bike?
Gabbos Ironfist you could defiantly tour on this bike you would have to plan your fuel stops alittle more but the tank size for the bolt is 3.4 so you should be fine. People have toured on a Harley Davidson 48 which has a 2.2 gas tank Its just all about the planing.
I don't think this bike gets enough credit as it deserves.
Absolutely. Great bike and very quick.
This 950 is actually 942cc, but who's counting really? The Bolt R-Spec is a real nice urban cruiser with solid low and mid-range RPM torque and plenty of speed for easy highway rolls. Even the stock exhaust system sounds good and I like the slight rumble on the solo.
+Brucifer Guf Yes I agree great bike but the highway riding is not up to par. Wind drags you a bit.
Whats more powerful? R spec or c spec?
I'm not sure if the guy you bought it from disclosed that is the base spec Passenger Kit, not the R spec one. They are made to match the solo seat, which yours does not.
I know lol... new one is 100 to match. So I'm going to wait on that.
Nice! I just got the passenger kit for my base spec bolt but am going to wait until I pick up the sissy bar to install.
+Aa La what year
+Aa La check out my channel
Belt chain? I'm sorry but I never heard a "Belt Chain" before.
Me neither 🤣
Belt drive
Is there any issue on over heating? Because it's only air cooled? I'm worried if I travel around 4 hrs without stopping,may be it will over heat?
No, that would not be a problem. Over heating of air cooled motors happens when they idle for to long. When the bike is moving more air passes over and is injected into the motor, keeping it cool. When the bike is just sitting and running, say at a street light, it is 'breathing' far less. Now a red light by itself won't make your motor overheat, but don't sit outside your friend's house for 30 minutes with the bike running and revving the motor.
Not to worry.Road tripped 5000 kms this past summer and it was crazy hot (36 Celsius) did 8-12 hrs per day and had no overheating issues at all. Bolt is great bike for first timers.
the 600 mile oil change was done right? I hope so! nice r spec! myself bought the regular ol bolt. do pot holes hurt your back a bit of the freeway? mine sure does with the basic suspension! lol
thanks and the pot holes ain't that bad. I still feel it since R Spec makes it kind of more stiff.
Can you replace the digital speedometer with an analog one?
+Joe Edwards You can buy it will mess with your miles.
$300 -- ua-cam.com/video/oGRsSHT64os/v-deo.html
Let that air cool run some more it's not melted yet.
You lost me at “belt chain”
It last longer, more reliable and less maintenance. 👍
Chriz Sea. Lmao sure but a belt is not a chain.
Whoosh/😵
Any Yamaha beats any Harley
What the hell is up with tinting the turn signals?
+BARRIEMOREBARLOW It's all for aesthetic looks... Us you can see the bulbs through them.
abs?
Oil change at 2000 miles? Is that correct?
No. 600. Then 4k.
Why did they drop the Star line?
They still have Star Motorcycles unless this is something new.
You need to catch up my friend....
+James Jeffrey Coleman making just Yamaha
The star line was changed to just Yamaha.
Rumble like a harley!🤣🤣. Open the exhaust and at idle it bubbles. Former Yamaha owner. My star was nicknamed the bubble maker from my other biker friends.
Haha. Thanks for watching.
Belt chain.....?
I think he meant......Rubber Chain.....😁
He’s not a professional orator, but we get the point.
nice bike, shame the original owner didnt buy the matching passenger pillion.
+Christian Cartmale I know now I have to order one. But will have a video on the replacement. Please subscribe. Thanks
+Christian Cartmale I know now I have to order one. But will have a video on the replacement. Please subscribe. Thanks
+Christian Cartmale I know now I have to order one. But will have a video on the replacement. Please subscribe. Thanks
Saw some of your later vids with this one, looking sharp my friend. makes me wish I could afford to get into a new one.
how much did you pay for it?
+Damian B Well brand new it was 8500$ I believe but I bought it used but never ridden so I got an amazing deal.
i hope you dont ride with full beams on
"Harley Davidson manufacturers Motorcycles, Yamaha engineers Motorcycles, and people buy them."
I thought the Bolt was 950 cc not 1000…
“Belt chain”! Ok, not much in the knowledge section then!!
Better than being a harley than a harley.
They cut corners everywhere on this bike to keep the price point low. No excuse for plastic valve covers and that speedo belongs on a 150 dollar exercise bike. Acres of plastic parts but hey from 20 feet away it's a looker....
There are lots of nice metal parts on this bike. Steel guards and the seat rails and handlebar area look solid and well finished. The fuel cap is a heavy little thing. The speedo does look cheap I’ll agree. Plastic valve covers are a good idea I thought as the bike is pretty heavy so they needed to save some weight somewhere. I don’t think Yamaha would do anything that would make these bikes unreliable as they have a 5 year warranty. The paint on mine is outstanding. I have a few bikes and I just ride this one for a bit of fun. It’s really easy to ride in the city. I’ve only taken it on the highway once and it was ok for just a day trip.
Nice video,I have the same bike,check out my channel and also give me a sub if possible. do u feel any difference when in 5th gear?
Hey guys Please Subscribe and watch all my videos on the Yamaha Bolt. Anything you guys want me to review let me know.
Air cooled bike? Every thousand on the thousand...
+Dakota Griffith yes air-cooled but stays cool. Haven't had any issues
I know they brag on this Bolt but I think Yamaha should stick to Piano
A five speed is totally inadequate, Yamaha continues miss the mark. All modern transmissions need at least a six speed.
This bike rides very smooth and saw no problems with 5. It’s very quick off the line with adequate speed.
Exhaust sounds like turds
It a toy compared to a Harley.
Stopped watching after "it has the belt chain"
Come on dude...
My fault. It was first times recording and had to think quick on my feet lol
TheRealReviewz no worries man I'm beatin your balls. I'm in the market for a bolt so I've been watching your vids. I like the bassani/Vance side by side comparison. Thanks for posting.