Yamaha Bolt Honest Review
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- čas přidán 6. 12. 2019
- Just a quick video by viewer request for a Yamaha Bolt Honest review. This a fantastic motorcycle that has been out for several years, combining reliability with nice handling, enough power, and mild enough manners to keep beginners or experienced riders interested! Thanks for clicking on this yamaha bolt review, and stay tuned for more motorcycle reviews regularly here on ask a motorcycle guy!
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
No lie I've had about 4 or 5 HARLEY RIDERS ask me how I like my sportster, and idk how to tell em it's a Yamaha bolt
I always found saying "It's a Yamaha.." works well in these situations
You then proceed to peel away from the coffee shop / dropped chin location.
@Matt Higgins ok.
@Matt Higgins
Star Bolt
Are those people blind, the bolt aesthetically looks totally different than the Sportster it doesn't have push rod tubes on the cylinders and other different details.
Can you travel with it
Traded my Vstar 1100 in toward one if these 3 years ago and I love mine! It's a fun bike.
I'm almost 60, for some horrible reason, beige all of a sudden looks good to me. Nice sweater
Holy shit I'm glad you're back, was just looking up reviews of this bike and you were on top. Welcome back to CZcams!
Just came across one for sale in my area, so this video is a time-welcome. Thanks
FYI: you can move foot pegs with OEM (not aftermarket) accessory from Yamaha - part. nr. 1TP-F14A0-V0-00. You're welcome.
Absolutely correct! I often say aftermarket just to denote non-standard equipment, when often it is actually an oem add on haha
I have the R-Spec from the very first year. Love it.
Same sweater I was issued back in the USAF, still use it to this day, super comfortable 👍🇺🇸
I still rock the waffle shirt from time to time.
Sportster ‘s gear shifting is a nightmare, especially on finding neutral gear. Japanese bike shifts gear well. Bolt is no exceptional. When you get in traffic jam, you don’t have to worry about clutch sour hand. Super smooth engine, V twin sound unmistakable, simple maintenance only change one kind engine oil and reliable as hell.
I’m a giant, 6’ 7” at 300lbs. I am a current owner of a BOLT and I absolutely love it. I have put 6 inch forward controls I also have highway pegs and I put aftermarket shocks and the thing is dream. I did 2400 miles last summer without those upgrades other than the highway pegs on the return trip. I have owned big bikes like the Harley ultra classic and this little sporty is so much more fun.
6'4 on a Boulevard m50 that keeps dying, this gonna be the year of the bolt I believe
Thanks for the Review. Really considering getting one !
Nice info. For someone looking into bikes thanks for the video
With a motorcycle review, I clicked on thinking to hear it start up and idle a little, sadly disappointed.
On mine, I put a H&H full exhaust system and open air intake on it. The factory intake is a bit bulky, I'm 5'10" and my knee would just sit bbn on the intake. I also put a dyno jet auto tuner on it and I can outrun higher CC bikes pretty easily now. It's also nice to have a bike that not everyone has. You'll see 100 sportsters to 1 bolt on the road
I did a bassani slip on with VO2 intake and an ECU flash and it's sick. Unbeatable for style and price. Throw on a fender eliminator kit and mean chin scoop, it's a boss
Love this bike, thank you for sharing this vid!
Thanks for another informative review 👍🏻
Great video! We here at VikingBags really appreciate your content!
I have been looking at a VStar to convert to a Bobber type. You just sold me on the Bolt....and I won't have to do all the modifications !! Great info man !
Good review. I've considered buying a Bolt. Get'n older, Harley's a bit heavier back'n out of the garage. Don't want to call it quits yet. I've owned Harleys a long time and have owned many other brands as well. It's never been about 'what' you ride, not important. It's about 'oh, you ride? What ya' ride'n?'.
Damn straight!
With you on one or two point's. Yes getting my Softail Streetbob (3rd Harley-Davidson) out or in of my very small back yard takes a lot of effort ! So thinking of sadly downsizing soonish. I will certainly be considering the Yamaha Bolt, that's for sure.
JP, Liverpool UK .
I pick mine up sunday! Hype!
Awesome!!!
My wife's got one and she loves it I service it and it's a breeze to do. Great bike. Any chance of doing a review on the Honda Fury.
I have a 2014 standard - I’m 5’9” - fits me great. Easy to service and runs like a top. Tons of aftermarket mods... plenty of power - what’s not to like?
Agreed!
Same, but I added the highway pegs bar to the front and that has been lovely on longer rides in the summertime.
Is it good as a daily rider?
I love the grid fleece, I rock them all winter
What is the r cafe reacer like, and the SCR 950, similar?
I am between 5:10 and 6ft.
Can you get after market chrome exhaust....for this bike.....make it sound like a HD ?
This is a great motorcycle, had it now for 18 month, put a ton of extras on it and loving it. It’s no rocket ship, so don’t expect to race any sports motorcycles between stop lights.
But it's a rock solid platform that will run forever, and you can do almost anything to it haha
Thanks man for doing the video.
Any time, as long as I see the comment I’ll review anything you want as long as I can find one haha
would you try sv650 3rd gen? thanks
SUZUKI SV650 ABS 3rd'Gen
How is this for a 6 foot 3 dude at around 210 lbs.
What are your thoughts about compare bolt to a 1200 vmax
I have a 2015, only thing is where the clutch and brakes are at, legs get tired. I’m 6”1 and was looking at harleys just because of the leg position
I actually like that sweater, man.
Hey those waffle tops are life savers in the field haha
I have a 2018 xvs 650 custom I just love it the bolt is a sick bike to
nice sweater, there you go. should do a full review on it
Dude, as far as the sweater goes, it's nicer than what we were issued back in the 70s and 80s. As far as the bike goes, love it, just wish they offered it additionally, with a larger 1600 to 1700cc. Traditional styling rocks! Nice job Bud.
Certainly need an 1100cc motor in this.
Honestly I love it I would buy this and the sportster I have no problem with this being the answers to the Harley
Only if it makes the sounds similar to Harley, it'll be complete knock off
I've the XV950R and I'm very happy, I use it every day to go to the office and visit customers. I also use it at the weekend and also for travel during my holydays. It is reliable, easy, agile, fun...
Also I'm 1,93 cm tall,but I feel very comfortable and have a good control of the bike.
Awesome! Glad you're enjoying it Alberto!
I have a ‘17 scr950 and it’s an animal. Love it
I'm 6'3 is this bike too small for me?
I love my bolt r-spec I’m 6’4 so yeah need forward control investment soon lol
What does that mean? I know nothing about motorcycles besides that they look cool, but I'm 6'4
Is there aftermarket foot pegs available that you can have more forward because I hate the fact that when I put my feet down normally they're right on the pegs and it hit my ankles so I have to put my feet forward which is never a good idea with the pegs hitting your ankles from behind
Yes there are a few options for forward controls, I believe SS Custom Cycle makes the most popular kit for forward relocation kits
Sweater is ok. Your hair looks like a combover. The bike is great
First cruiser. Yamaha bolt or Vulcan S? Also is there a big difference between the 2014 n 2018 bolt? I’m thinking bolt for one main reason. Bassani radial sweepers exhaust. Thoughts? Thanks in advance. Appreciate any feedback. Side note. I’m 6’3. 235lbs.
I was going to say the Vulcan S until I saw your height, you might like the Bolt better haha. In all seriousness sit on both, because the Bolt starts off a little bigger feeling but the Vulcan S is very adjustable, so it's a toss up! The Bolt does have better pipe options like you said...really you'd be happy with either likely, just depending what you fit better on. Probably easier to find a used Bolt for cheaper, and any year Bolt will be basically the same (aside from the R or C spec)
I'm out now and wear the old poly pro top as a sweater. Just rock it
I sat on a 2024 Yamaha Bolt.
It's one of the few motorcycles that I can sit on and put my feet on the ground, while also having the footpegs underneath me.
So, if I had an unlimited budget, I'd have been more than willing to test-ride one.
Instead, I purchased a used CSC Motorcycles San Gabriel ST-250.
I’m around 6ft2 would you still recommend this bike even with the forward pegs? I’ve done some research on these and it looks like the bike I want, just looking for one locally to test ride now
Definitely go sit on one and see what you think! Even over 6 foot you may be comfy on it, there's no real way to know until you sit on and size it up. In my experience most people over 6 feet just prefer forward pegs on a cruiser to get their knees down some and get those longer legs out in front of them to avoid cramping or knee pain after extended riding...but everyone is different. Hope you can find one to try out!
I'm 6' 3" and it's cozy.
Pullmore with forward pegs?
@@jolly.red.giant. Completely stock. Forward pegs would probably help for longer trips, but in the city and weekend road trips I'm doing just fine .
Did you buy it? How is it?
The waffle top is literally the best thing the army has ever made.
is this a good beginner bike?
Is there a death wobble issue on bolts? Some say it's hot on the leg area coz of the engine sticking out?
I have never experienced a death wobble at all personally! you will get some heat on your legs but no more so than any other air-cooled V-twin style motorcycle I've ridden, actually I find you get less heat on the legs here than you would with most Harleys etc.
Honestly sweater looks great, no need to call yourself out. great review. Michael better appreciate.
Thanks hahaha
Great review deff hot a lot intel great intel and you’re sweater idk man you kinda pulling it off lol also is this bike good for a beginner rider I love it and I want to purchase it
Great review. Great humour. Army jacket 🤔?!
With an air and oil cool would it be able to withstand long cruises without overheating? I’m looking to get my first bike. Considering this one
Absolutely! I've taken VERY long rides on air/oil cooled Yamaha bikes including the Vstar 950 which shares an engine with the Bolt, and my Yamaha Raider (plus my Victory Highball), with good engineering an air cooled motorcycle can run all day and not have issues. And if anyone knows how to engineer a motorcycle then Yamaha does haha.
@@AlexSimmons11c I think city driving is more an issue w/ air cooled than highway trips.
I'd like to see a Bolt done up with mid-late 1960s NorCal-styling. Nothing radical -- just clean with a lot of chrome and a solid candy paint job.
Is the fuel tank steel or aluminum? I bought my previous bike not knowing and it sucks not being able to mount magnetic bags.
I've used a magnetic bag on a Bolt before, so I'm going to say steel
@@AlexSimmons11c good to know thanks man
is the Bolt counter balanced? i always wondered what the vibration level is like on them
To be completely honest I am not sure if it's technically counter-balanced or not, but I would imagine so as Yamaha does tend to do that in their modern V-twin models, and I don't experience much vibration on it while riding. Always feels VERY smooth to me for being a V-twin.
I like your sweater bro, looks nice
I thought so haha
The pushrod vs ohc thing isn't the reason why the bolt has more top end. It's the engine architecture and increase in displace meant that makes more top end. If the 883 had the same bore x stroke it would make a similar amount of power
Thanks for lending your input Leonidas!
I have 60,000 miles on my r spec water got into front coil riding in rain shorting out front cylinder. Dried out, taped up, and runs fine.
I actually like the sweater lol looks classy
great video
Dang I'm 6'4". I just love the looks of this bike. They make forward controls for this?
You can convert it over to forward controls with some modification, I have seen people do it but it takes either custom brackets to attach to the forward frame or possibly someone makes brackets that I'm not aware of, then you have to get a longer shift rod and brake lines. Not "easy" but definitely can be done.
There a front peg relocation kit available. Moves your pegs forward 4 inches. Aftermarket a lot cheaper than yamaha. Very Easy to install.
Great review. Looking at either the iron 883 or the xv and think I'm swayed towards the yammy.
Lots of fans out there for both bikes! I like the bolt myself better, but that's all up to rider preference
Sadly bacause of the Euro 5 restrictions the Sportster range is no longer available in the UK. I have a Softail Street Bob (air/oil cooled). my 3rd Harley-Davidson . In the not too distant future I aim to downsize and will most certainly be looking at getting the R Yamaha Bolt.
JP Liverpool UK.
Already bought a Sportster so it's cool.
What a nice looking sweater!
Isn't it? All thanks to Uncle Sam...only cost me 12 years of service...
The old polypropolyene shirts we had in the AF were comfy and warm, you just have to watch the static from it...
Only problem I have with your waffle gear is that it’s your top layer
Does this hold true for older models aswell? Still a good bike?
Romeo Victor my 2014 still runs just as good as the day I got her
Man I totaled my MT09 and stuck between another MT or this completely different Bolt lol.
I've always wanted to hop on a cruiser, how fast does this go?
Not as fast as your MT09 haha, I had an FZ09 myself so very familiar. You will not get the same acceleration, overall power, or handling characteristics out of a Bolt that you got with your MT09...but it's a totally different feeling and I'm not going to say you'd be disappointed! See if there's one you can ride near you...
I’ve got a bolt and an MT10. The bolt will do 100mph max and it won’t like it. They are good on the smooth highways but tiring on bad roads.
@@AlexSimmons11c haha I figured it'd be more tame, but it looks so cool
@@stephenhadley2490 these are some hard decisions haha, do you like your bolt? I'd definitely miss the speed a bit and performance a bit, and my friends would give me shit all day haha. But I think it'd be a nice change
I like the Bolt but I would always need a second bike I think. I use mine more around town. If you want to make yourself slow down a cruiser is a good way to reset your mindset. If it was my only bike I'd be changing the fork Springs and rear shocks.
I got the same model but 2018.
Only complaints are tank capacity and gauge.
Oh that and the stock seat. . . . .but Mustang seat fixed that!
Side note -
Denali Soundbomb Mini in stock location will damage your front fender and may break off. (I'm 6'1" 205)
Awesome! Yeah the tank could be bigger but...they were going for that slim-line feel so...glad the mustang seat worked out
Bro your sweater looks comfy tho!
It is hahaha...can't beat the ugly army waffle top
I want to like the bolt, everytime I sit on one it feels top heavy. Handlebars feel narrow, too wide of shoulders I guess. I love seeing them in action and they sound awesome though.
Gut-Z Guy once you start riding she’s nimble as all hell
Never diss the waffle top
The bolt is an amazing bike, but what are you doing with the stock exhaust? Change that shiet and you got close to a perfect motorcycle.
Nice video.
Thanks Beard!
Oh forgot to ask . REVIEW the 2019/2020 Yamaha R3. It’s Yamaha best selling bike in the USA!!
I just so happen to have one of those sitting around, I’ll review soon!
I love the waffle top. Kept me warm at fort drum lol
Alex which do you prefer?
Iron 883
Bolt
I'm planning to buy ...
For most cases I would recommend the Bolt over the iron 883...it is a little bit lighter, has a slightly larger engine AND it is an overhead-cam engine VS. the pushrood design of the 883...and in most cases you will get the bolt cheaper...so unless you just really like the 883 better I would suggest the bolt.
@@AlexSimmons11c thanks Alex I appreciate
I tested both pretty thoroughly and ended up going with the 2018 Bolt cuz it wasn't really even close. The 883 might be slightly more customizable, but that's all it had over the Bolt. Ive done some super easy and fun customs already though
I have the same sweater, except green
Hello, is this a good beginner bike?
Was wondering that
Do you think that it will work as a first bike?
NICLAS _Games I know your asking the vlogger but my opinion on your ? Is ALMOST any bike is good as long as you know your limits on the bike, and it fits you or you fit it. Peace
Dylan’s Kingdum that^^^
How’s it ride at 60-70mph?
Gonzo69batz smooth as butter
That’s cold weather gear. Army. Hooah. My Harley-Davidson SeventyTwo 1200 is very lovely.
I’m 6’2 and I would say it’s not too bad riding it.
What about the death wooble i hear ???
I’ve never experienced a death wobble on one
i kinda like the sweater honestly
Yo I hate having a waffle top on, rather just wear the fleece. XD
I was sold on one of these until I heard about the death wobble ! Sounds very worrying
I thought Yamaha quit making these. No cruiser category on their website. Well this is in the "Sport Heritage" category along with 2 naked/standard bikes. They're still making these.
I didn't even notice the sweater until you brought it up and spent a lot of time talking about it. Not sure why you did but it looks OK. If it's functional, that's all that counts.
I've got that same shirt. Polartec?
Yep, army issue haha
I have the bottoms too, great layering system
they need to bring back the vstar 600cc+ series back !
Nice shirt. Do they make them for men ?
It's a lovely sweater. Who's trash-talking that comfy sweater?
Nice sweater
It's not a sweater it's part of the ECWCS system. Your wearing a waffle top as it is called by the army.
Why dont you keep your hand out of the picture so we can see the bike.
Pointing out what I'm talking about for the newer riders, thanks for the feedback
Ur army sweater is hideously cool
And it was free...well it cost 10 years in the Army but...otherwise it was free haha
Is this a good beginners bike?
It can be a great bike for a beginner that wants or needs a little more engine than the usual 2500cc-500cc we usually recommend
Alex Simmons thanks for the info I pull the trigger on Zx6r feels amazing as a beginner, not passing 3rd gear yet lol
👍👍👍