Review of the Yamaha Bolt Star XV 950 motorcycle

An offshoot of the Midnight Star 950 or V-Star 950 line is the Yamaha XV950 Bolt cruiser, which appeared on the European and US markets in 2014 . The main idea behind the release was the concern’s desire to try to make a bobber based on a 2-cylinder V-twin and at the same time use a belt drive , like on classic American bikes.

The model turned out to be successful, and in a relatively short time it acquired three additional modifications. The release of all but one continues. The prototype model does not leave the conveyor either.

Appearance

Yamaha XV 950 Bolt looks bright and original. This is evident in the alloy but elegant wheels and in the overall shape of the frame. At the front there is a stylish round headlight. As for the exhaust pipe, it is not chrome-plated, like the rest of the bike. The pipe is almost all black, matte in color. This goes well with the gloss black main frame and black rims.

The mirrors here are large, but not round. This is typical for a cruiser. The mirrors are located high enough so that you don't have to bend over too much when using them. There is no windshield. It’s not that this part cannot be installed in the future, but then the unique appearance of the cruiser will be largely lost.

Estimated cost

Bolt's story begins in 2014 , and has not yet had time to acquire interesting facts, but this only intrigues and attracts attention.
In America, the price of a new beast is approximately $8,000, but here it rises to $11,500-12,000.

There are almost no used ones on the market at the moment, because the model is completely new.

On the street or on the track, it always has an increased level of handling - the Yamaha R1 motorcycle, the characteristics of which you will find here.

One of the most legendary motorcycles produced of all time:

Comfort

Bikes of this class are, in principle, not designed for fast riding. These are recreational vehicles. So there's no need for a windshield here. However, it is important to remember that if you exceed 100 km/h, the rider will gradually begin to be blown off the motorcycle. This applies to any model where there is no windshield, and the air flow therefore enters the person.

Overall this model is convenient. It will be comfortable for those who prefer heavy, bulky equipment. If you just need a practical bike, then this is not about cruisers. In this case, for example, road motorcycles are suitable. So, perhaps, this model will be inconvenient only for those who are not used to this class.

Black and white

One of the features of the XV950 Bolt model is the highest quality of workmanship and assembly, almost at the level of hand-made products, which distinguishes Yamaha’s new product from its famous competitor, which is frankly crooked in places and requires finishing with a file.

The motorcycle leaves the impression of a complete machine, surprising with the elaboration of the smallest details, which, however, is typical not only for the XV950, but also for the newest naked MT-07 as well. As usual, Yamaha artists paid a lot of attention to the design of the engine - and this is already a stone in the garden of Japanese competitors, some of whom are not too worried about the unprepossessing power plants, simply covering them with decorative plastic shields on all sides.

The only disappointment is the paucity of color options for the XV950 Bolt, which is available only in black and white colors in both the Russian and American markets. True, at the same time, residents of North America have the opportunity to buy a motorcycle in the R-Spec version, which differs from the base model in original colors (Matte Gray and Camo Green), more advanced rear shock absorbers with expansion chambers, a seat and mirrors.

The top modification of the XV950 model will not be officially supplied to Russia. The motorcycle is very compact: the Bolt is only 15 cm longer than the naked FZ-8! The seat height is “children’s” 690 mm, which removes all restrictions on the minimum height of the rider. However, tall pilots will feel a bit cramped behind the wheel of the new Yamaha, and all colleagues “over 180 cm tall” complained about the inconvenience.

The compact and quite informative dashboard fits perfectly into the motorcycle’s surroundings, however, difficulties arise with the readability of the dim LCD display in bright daylight...

Also, don't expect the XV950 to be much fun as a travel device. After all, this is a city motorcycle, and its reasonable “limit” for daily use is 400–450 km. Already after 100 km of continuous driving, an irresistible desire arises to stop and perform several spectacular movements from the morning exercise program.

So, for example, while crossing the Mojave Desert along the American highway CA-62, at the end of the first hour of driving, I really regretted that that day I had chosen the Bolt and not the Stryker (the motorcycle fleet in the USA consisted of motorcycles of these two models)…

Dimensions and weight

The car is large and heavy. You can feel it if you just hold the motorcycle with the support removed. This can be said about all cruisers. This is their strength and weakness. Such dimensions and weight are needed so that the bike can realize the potential of the engine. This will help create that unique feeling that only occurs when driving a cruiser.

The dimensions of the Yamaha XV 950 Bolt are as follows:

• height – 1120 mm;
• width – 945 mm;
• length – 2291 mm;
• wheelbase – 1570 mm;
• seat height – 691 mm;
• ground clearance - 130 mm;
• curb weight – 246 kg;
• Tank capacity – 13 l.

The ground clearance does not allow the car to be used off-road. However, the bike can handle some bumps on the road without any problems. But rural, unpaved roads are clearly beyond the capabilities of such technology.

So this motorcycle, like most other cruisers, is only suitable for smooth country roads. Of course, it is possible to drive around the city, but it is unlikely to be comfortable for the rider himself or those around him.

Spun

2014 model year, 942 cm3, 52 l. pp., 247 kg (curb weight), RUB 890,000 (2017)

text: Anton Vlasov photo: Roman Romanishin

In the photo: Anton Vlasov

»Until recently, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers ignored the serial bobber segment, preferring cruisers and rare choppers. At the same time, the concept of a city motorcycle, made in this undeservedly forgotten “form factor”, a compact, comfortable and stylish device equipped with an “airy” V-twin, is in demand today more than ever - which is confirmed by the growing popularity of Harley-Davidson Sportster family machines in all its impressive variety.

Last year, the Yamaha Motor concern presented its vision of a serial bobber, the XV950 model, which in the United States is simply and succinctly called Bolt. And, apparently, we have a 100% hit.

The popularity of the Harley-Davidson Sportster is a consequence not only of the low cost of motorcycles from this prolific family, but also of their versatility. On the one hand, it is an exclusively American product, with a distinctive style and typical design.

On the other hand, maneuverable, easy to operate and relatively economical Sportster series vehicles fit harmoniously into the cramped streets of cities of the Old World. Europeans appreciated the driving performance of these compact cars and, of course, the endless possibilities for their individualization. Oddly enough, over the last decade there has not been a single worthy alternative to the Harley-Davidson Sportster from Japanese manufacturers!.. The appearance of the Yamaha XV950 Bolt corrected this situation.

Conceptually, the XV950 model is almost identical to the American bestseller. Motorcycles of this rare type today are usually called serial bobbers, although such a phrase, of course, sounds as ridiculous as “serial custom” or “mass exclusive”.

In the generally accepted understanding of the word, a bobber is a radically lightweight cruiser, from which everything unnecessary and even a little more has been removed, in which such devices are similar to the canonical choppers. The fundamental differences begin in the steering geometry and in general in the design of the chassis, since a modern bobber is designed for everyday city driving, which primarily implies good maneuverability at low speeds.

With the return of classic fashion, bobbers have become one of the attributes of hipsters, metrosexuals and other strange individuals wearing square sunglasses, old-fashioned sneakers and untucked plaid shirts. Because a bobber is first and foremost about style, and only then about driving performance, technical characteristics and other insignificant little things.

From this position, the Yamaha XV950 Bolt hits the target: the motorcycle has a harmonious and simple appearance, in which there is no desire to change a single element... Although no, I would still retire the large muffler located on the right side of the device - here a “2 in 2” exhaust system would look much more appropriate!

Specifications

The engine here is not particularly productive by modern standards. However, a cruiser doesn’t need anything more powerful, because its beauty is not in its engine performance. The technical characteristics of this machine give a feeling comparable to the feeling of driving a large sea ship.

Of course, there are disc brakes here. The drum version on such a hulk would be dangerous. The tubular steel frame suits the class perfectly. As for the drive, many will be pleased that it is a belt. After all, there will be no characteristic, unpleasant sounds for some that arise with other options.

Photo gallery

Compact, lightweight and maneuverable, the Bolt feels at home in city traffic. And he is able to give any motorcyclist a lot of pleasant emotions and the opportunity to make the bike his own masterpiece.

Let's look at it in our small selection.

Brief history of the model

2014 - start of production and sales of Yamaha XV950 (Bolt). In addition to the usual modification, R-spec modifications are also offered. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R) (all markets). Factory designation: 1TP1, 1TP2, 1TP3; 2DX1, 2DX2, 2DX3.

2015 - appearance of the C-spec modification (Racer). Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt C-spec (Racer) (all markets). Factory designation: 1TP5, 1TP6; 2DXA, 2DXB; B331, B332.

2016 is the last year of production of the C-spec (Racer). Release of the limited edition Yamaha Bolt C-spec (Racer) 60th Anniversary. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt C-spec (Racer) + 60th Anniversary (all markets). Factory designation: 1XC3, 2DE3; 2DXL, 2DXM; B33M, B33E.

2017 - appearance of the Scrambler modification. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt Scrambler (SCR950 / XV950SCR) (all markets). Factory designation: BP65, BP61, BP62; BS54, BS55, BS52, BS53, BS51, BS54; BL31, BL32, BL33, BL34.

2018 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt Scrambler (SCR950 / XV950SCR) (all markets).

2019 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt Scrambler (SCR950 / XV950SCR) (all markets).

2020 - no significant changes. Model: Yamaha Bolt (XV950CU); Yamaha Bolt R-spec (XV950R); Yamaha Bolt Scrambler (SCR950 / XV950SCR) (all markets).

2021 - Only Bolt R-spec model offered, available in North America and Australia only. Model: Yamaha Bolt R-spec (North America, Australia).

Warm atmosphere

The new product received a time-tested 942 cc “air” V-twin with a cylinder angle of 60°, which is equipped with the XVS950 cruiser, sold in the USA under the name V-Star 950. In the version of the Bolt model, the power plant was slightly updated, although the main characteristics of the engine remained the same the same: Japanese engineers limited themselves to reconfiguring the intake and exhaust systems, and also changed the “firmware” of the control unit.

The result of all the manipulations was a slight increase in engine performance - mainly in the low and medium speed zone, where true bobber lovers “live”. As befits a motor of this class, the power plant of the new Yamaha product has excellent traction characteristics, which are expressed in the absolute indifference of the engine in which gear and what speed to accelerate the motorcycle.

Traditionally, for derated V-twins, the maximum engine power is one and a half times less than the torque: 52 hp. With. and 80 Nm. In general, the bobber engine does not stand out in any way.

The Yamaha engine is a rare and pleasant exception to the rule: it is clear that not only engineers, but also designers worked on this power plant! The only foreign element in the harmonious appearance of the model is a large and unsightly muffler, which also probably weighs as much as half the engine...

I was pleasantly surprised by the operation of the gearbox: Japanese engineers improved the clutch mechanism, which increased the clarity of the gearbox compared to how the transmission functions on the XVS950 cruiser. The gears are engaged precisely in German style, the “neutral” position is unmistakable - even when the motorcycle is standing still and you have to click through all five gearbox stages to reach neutral gear.

I would characterize the well-chosen gear ratios with the word “urban”: the first three stages of the transmission are short and help the not very large and productive engine to easily “drag” an almost 250-kilogram device at a low speed under pressure, which is especially in demand when driving around a metropolis.

And fourth and fifth gears are for highway driving, where the Bolt easily maintains cruising and most comfortable 120 km/h without the need to increase engine speed. Despite the fact that the engine of the new Yamaha is cooled exclusively by air flow and is not even equipped with an oil cooler, during the entire trip across the United States, the V-twin bobber, bristling with developed cylinder fins, never gave reason to complain about a particularly “warm atmosphere” behind the wheel.

At the same time, on the endless plains of Arizona, the air temperature rose above 30 ° C, and on the approach to Los Angeles our group had to weave for about an hour in a sluggish stream of cars, stopping at countless traffic lights every 100 m...

It is impossible not to write a couple of lines about the sound of the engine and the level of vibration of the 942 cc V-twin, since for fans of this type of technology this topic is sacred. To my taste, the Yamaha engine, devoid of balance shafts and rigidly fixed in the frame, equipped with a 2-in-1 exhaust system, has complete order with both, although orthodox fans of “vibration stands” may think that “it won’t be enough.”

However, these characters are unlikely to pay attention to the XV950 at all, since they traditionally deify exclusively American-made equipment from the times when John Kennedy won the US presidential election