2017 Yamaha Bolt

The Yamaha Bolt otherwise known as the XV950CR or XV950CUSP was clearly designed as a retro revision to the current stereotypically cruiser template used by every manufacturer since the rise of Harley Davidson. The Bolt’s design is for those who grew up in the 1990’s and 2000’s due to the black out treatment on everything that should have be chrome. It’s like the HD V-Rod in some ways although the Bolt could never look as good if it was covered in chrome.

There are currently 2 versions of the Yamaha Bolt the Bolt C-Spec and the Bolt R-Spec for 2017. The Bolt R Spec is more Cruiser like in seating position when the C Spec is a cafe racer style which is essentially the model with drooping handle bars. Both models look good and cost about the same price. Interesting to note the past versions where named ‘Hell for Leather’ which came with a  old school exposed sprung seat made of leather and the ‘Paint Black’ version with was mostly black.

In terms of design I liked the re-interpreated retro styling that doesn’t look like a traditional modern cruiser and more like an even older standard motorcycle. Just take a look at the Royal Enfield Classic if you need more explanation. If you don’t like the design there are of course a ton of accessories you can add or change derived from the regular Yamaha Star series cruisers. Build quality is standard Japanese so it’s as good as it gets and both C Spec and R Spec look slightly awkward in pictures but in real life look great.

The Bolt’s technology spec list is not completely modern as it’s missing the required twin-cam layout (for a start). This doesn’t mean that it’s bad after all Yamaha could have used one of their higher specifications ones but there is a very good reason not to. With this design the Bolt has a class leading amount of torque from 2000RM and that’s the best part leading to the rear final drive which is a belt drive arguably helps to keep the drivetrain smooth and parts nice and black. As a result it’s definitely for cruising not racing due to the power curve.

There is really nothing further I can add to the review of the Yamaha Bolt as it a nice basic motorcycle that you can easily customise. The Yamaha Bolt sells for around the $12-13,000 in Australia which is really quite good for a 1000cc motorcycle although not particularly fast one outright but there is plenty of power for commuting or posing.