2020 Yamaha Bolt/R-Spec

[Hugh Janus]

2020 Yamaha Bolt/R-Spec (Yamaha /)

On its website, Yamaha tags the Bolt as an “urban performance bobber,” and it certainly wears some of the hallmarks of the category with its minimal bodywork, compact chassis, and old-school tech, but the Bolt will appeal to almost any rider thanks to its friendly manners and torquey V-twin power. Yamaha’s (nee Star) midsize cruiser was introduced in 2013 and hasn’t changed much since then, soldering on with a fuel-injected, 942cc, air-cooled, SOHC V-twin engine and a spartan, no-fuss vibe. The more premium R-Spec model one-ups the base model with the addition of twin piggyback reservoir shocks, 12-spoke cast alloy wheels, and more in-depth paint options, but both offer a modern LED taillight and an LCD instrument cluster to bring a little high tech to the otherwise bare-bones feel.

RELATED: DYNO VIDEO: 2016 Star Bolt C-Spec

Its low saddle and compact feel will likely call out to shorter beginner and intermediate riders, though the Bolt can more than handle advanced pilots as well. A $7,999 buy-in is a pretty good motivator, and the better-equipped R-Spec model costs just $400 more.

2020 Yamaha Bolt/R-Spec (Yamaha /)

2020 Yamaha Bolt Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

The Bolt regularly makes “best cruiser value” lists because of its no-nonsense style, accessibility, as well as affordability, though its obvious competition, like Harley-Davidson’s Iron 883 and Triumph’s Street Twin models, offer a similarly stripped-down vibe and customizable platform at a reasonable price.

Yamaha Bolt Updates For 2020

The Yamaha Bolt hasn’t had many updates at all since its launch in 2013, so changes to the 2020 model are exactly nil; in fact, even the price is unchanged.

2020 Yamaha Bolt/R-Spec (Yamaha /)

2020 Yamaha Bolt/R-Spec Claimed Specifications

Price	$7,999/$8,399
Engine	Air-cooled SOHC V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement	942cc
Bore x Stroke	85.0 x 83.0mm
Horsepower	50.8 hp @ 5,350 rpm (Cycle World measured)
Torque	58.0 lb-ft. @ 2,900 rpm (Cycle World measured)
Transmission	5-speed
Final Drive	Belt
Seat Height	27.2 in.
Rake	29.0°
Trail	5.1 in.
Front Suspension	41mm telescopic fork; 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks; 2.8-in. travel/Dual piggyback shocks; 2.8-in. travel
Front Tire	100/90-19
Rear Tire	150/80-16
Wheelbase	61.8 in.
Fuel Capacity	3.4 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight	542 lb.

Source