QUICK FANG: Yamaha XVS950CU Bolt - Insane Bolt
Yamaha wants the Bolt to capture the hearts and wallets of the next generation of cruiser riders, the younger Gen-X and Y-ers. While they’re not as cashed up as the baby boomers, they’re a discerning bunch when it comes to style, taste and individuality. And in this custom-bike era many are looking for a blank canvas like the Bolt to work with.
The Bolt is clearly aimed at taking market share away from Harley-Davidson’s entry-level cruiser, the 883 Sportster. This explains why Yamaha didn’t follow Triumph’s retro-twin model by developing a parallel-twin air-cooled engine, instead opting for the four-valve, DOHC, 942cc (58 cubic inch) 60-degree V-twin from its V-Star cruiser.
The engine comes with performance touches like forged aluminum pistons and ceramic cylinder liners. That said, it only features a single throttle body, albeit with two 35mm injectors that work with a Mikuni system and 3-D ignition mapping.
Bulk mid-range torque is its claim to fame, perfect for an entry-level cruiser with a bit of attitude. Its claimed peak power and torque numbers come out comfortably in front of the 883 Harley engine’s figures.
The valves adjust with screws on the tappets, which is good news for home mechanics – and they’ll get plenty of practice with 6500-kilometre valve-check intervals.
The gearbox uses five straight-cut gears operated via a light-pull clutch. That’s handy because the high first gear calls for a bit of clutch work when you’re threading slowly through urban traffic. A quiet, 21mm carbon-fibre reinforced belt sends power to the rear wheel. The all-new, rigid, tube-steel frame is familiar looking and incorporates the engine as a fully stressed member.
Suspension is basic, but Yamaha says the spring and damping rates have been selected to balance ride quality and a nice, low look. The Bolt beats the 883 H-D in both suspension travel and cornering clearance.
The upper-spec Bolt R features gold-anodized reservoir units with different internal damping and the same springs. The non-adjustable 41mm KYB fork houses a 19-inch alloy wheel that’s slowed by a 298mm wave-style disc and twin piston, sliding-pin caliper. The 16-inch rear features the same size disc and a one-pot caliper. The R comes with ABS.
The rest of the bike is a mix of minimalistic nostalgia and high-tech touches including steel guards, an LCD speedometer, LED taillight and a trip computer.
The Bolt successfully combines cruiser looks with reasonably sporty performance. Overall it’s a cool-looking and fun-toride motorcycle that really nails its design brief.
SPEX - Yamaha XVS950CU Bolt
ENGINE:
Type: Air-cooled, SOHC, four-valve 60-degree V-twin
Bore x stroke: 85mm x 83mm
Displacement: 942cc
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel system: EFI
TRANSMISSION:
Type: Five-speed constant mesh
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS & RUNNING GEAR:
Frame: Welded steel, twin-spar
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic forks, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Preload adjustable dual shocks, 70mm travel (Dual KYB remote reservoir shocks for R model)
Front brake: Single 298mm wave-type disc, twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 298mm wave-type disc, twin-piston caliper (ABS fitted to R version)
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES:
Wet weight: 247kg
Seat height: 690mm
Fuel capacity: 12 litres
OTHER STUFF:
Max power: 38.3kW (52hp) at 5500rpm
Max torque: 79.5Nm (59.3ft/lb) at 3000rpm
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