Yamaha announces the Bolt, new for 2014. The minimalist cruiser combines a blacked-out look with a muted paint scheme and peanut tank to make a motorcycle that combines the modern and the retro.
The Bolt is powered by a 942cc air-cooled 60° V-Twin with four valves per cylinder and a single-pin crankshaft. Fuelling is by a brace of 35mm injectors. The five-speed transmission features an adjustable shift lever and final drive is via belt. Emissions are controlled by a three-way catalytic converter.
The engine is rigidly mounted in the steel cradle frame and brakes are single discs on both ends. The Bolt is fitted with alloy wheels; 19” front and 16” rear. Front fork is non-adjustable 41 mm and dual rear shocks adjust for preload. Yamaha claims a wet weight of 247 kg. Wheel base is 1520 mm and seat height is a low 690 mm. Modern touches are an LED taillight and digital speedometer.
Yamaha is offering a line of accessories for the Bolt that numbers forty items and is promised to grow. Steampunk touches such as a brass speedo visor, rigid mount leather saddlebags and a retro seat with integrated spring suspension will be available from your friendly Yamaha dealership.
The uprated R version adds remote reservoir rear shocks, suede style seat with special stitching and special paint and graphics.
Yamaha has set MSRP at $8999 for the standard model, which comes in white and metallic black. The R spec is $300 more and available in matte grey metallic and green metallic.
The Yamaha promotional video seems to promise the Bolt compliments a lifestyle of vintage guitars, strong coffee and pretty girls for plaid-shirted men with a Chuck Norris glare. Kind of what we all aspire to, no?
