The Last Air-cooled V-twin made in Japan! Beautifully Styled Bolt R Spec. | Beloved Motorcycle

Table of Contents

BOLT R-SPEC(941cc)Owner: Moca
1. MYBIKE COMMENT
Check out the Bolt R Specs user reviews.

BOLT R-SPEC(941cc)Owner: Moca

This article introduces one MY BIKE submitted to Webike Community every week. The model introduced this time is YAMAHA "Bolt R Spec" and the owner is "Moca".

The Bolt, introduced in 2014, was in the lineage of Yamaha's Star series of cruisers, but with a simple, manufacturer-custom style. The engine, a 942cc air-cooled OHC 60-degree V-twin, was rigidly mounted (directly attached) to the frame at the point, giving the rider a direct feel for the heartbeat. The original "Star" series models such as the "Dragster" and "Midnight Star" featured a low-and-long cruiser style with lots of chrome and glitz, but the Bolt changed that image in a flash. The cut-short fenders and chrome-less exterior give it a bobber-like appearance, and variations include the "R-SPEC," which has rear shocks with a reservoir tank and machined wheels, and the cafe-spec "C-SPEC," which has separate handlebars and steps that are set back. The sporty style is very unique.

Moca's Volt is an R-SPEC, with a gunfighter seat, front panel, and dress-up cover on the exterior, and the handlebars are slightly raised with risers. The risers on the steering wheel have also been raised slightly. Although the Bolt's presence has been strengthened, it also rides well, and one of its strong points is its ability to turn easily at intersections and corner well on winding roads. However, it is still a cruiser, and it requires some personalized tuning for sporty riding, such as measures against possible rubbing on the steps and adjustment of air pressure, but the Volt may be the last of the large Japanese air-cooled V-twins, and it will be a perfect fit for those who are into it.

After 2020, the Bolt was integrated into the R-SPEC. It was Yamaha's only cruiser model, but production will end in 2021.

The 941cc OHC air-cooled V-twin with XVS950A has 54 PS since 2017/5,500 rpm.

The finned cover made by Kijima emphasizes the sculpted beauty of the air-cooled engine!

The cylinder head protruding from the small tank gives it a powerful, custom look!

MYBIKE COMMENT

Motive for purchase

I wanted an air-cooled V-twin engine bobber and cruiser and considered importing one but gave up (Harley Sportster was sold out and used motorcycle prices skyrocketed), but the Yamaha Bolt was a model I had been interested in for some time.

Advantages

The heartbeat and engine sound of a V-twin engine. Bobber style, neo-classic styling.
Low center of gravity. Regular fuel, good fuel economy. Easy to turn at intersections, good cornering on winding roads. Beautifully shaped fuel tank. An exaggerated mechanical "thumping" sound when shifting gears gives you a sense of steering.

Disadvantages

Footpegs are low, and when banked deeply, the step is scraped. The rear suspension hardness can be adjusted, but the stroke of the rear suspension is too short and there is a limit to the adjustment. The rear tire pressure is set at 2.8 kg, which is too low, and the tires are bouncing all over the place. The engine and crankcase covers look cheap. The handlebar is a little far away from the bike, which makes my shoulders stiff.
Dark halogen head (I will keep the halogen head for the time being because it is neoclassical style). Stock grips are too thick.

Advice for prospective buyers

Due to emission regulations, sales of new Yamaha Volt vehicles in Japan have been terminated with the 2022 model year as the last model year. Regrettably, only used cars will be distributed from now on. The last air-cooled V-twin produced in Japan, I think it is a hidden masterpiece.