2024 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

[Hugh Janus]

The 2024 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec ($8,899). (Yamaha/)

Overview

The search for a classically styled middleweight cruiser has traditionally started and ended at Harley-Davidson’s Sportster, but with Harley-Davidson taking a more modern approach with its latest-generation Nightster and Sportster S, bikes like the Bolt R-Spec are creeping back into the cruiser spotlight.

Hardware is not the main talking point here, but a quick pass through the Bolt’s features highlight’s Yamaha’s less-is-more approach. Power comes courtesy of an air-cooled 60-degree V-twin. And while that engine may lack the bark of Harley’s finely tuned Sportsters of yesteryear, it offers near seamless fueling and plenty of low-end grunt for casual around-town cruising. Yes, there are some vibrations as you near 80 mph on the highway, but those settle down to something best described as “character” when cruising around town. Just what you want on a mid-displacement cruiser.

Hopefully you’re a fan of the Bolt R-Spec’s blacked-out look. The bike is only available in this Raven color. The keyword to this design is “simple.” (Yamaha/)

There’s not an abundance of room in the Bolt R-Spec’s compact saddle, but the bike’s modest dimensions mean it’s an easy motorcycle for newer riders to get comfortable on. Well-positioned mid-control footpegs make it a comfortable mount for the type of riding it was intended for too. That includes short jaunts around town with the occasional stretch down the open highway. Relatively light handling and sporty shocks offer just enough performance for when the pace picks up.

While that hardware is important and Yamaha is quite good at building seamless machines, the focus for a bike like the Bolt R-Spec is styling, and Yamaha has done a great job of incorporating the classic lines you’d expect from a V-twin cruiser. A 3.4-gallon teardrop tank, dual piggyback shocks, 12-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, and blacked-out finishes fit the bill. Plus, there’s very little badging.

While the Bolt R-Spec’s classic lines are appreciated, there’s a decent number of aftermarket options for the bike. (Yamaha/)

More benefits come in the form of a low, 27.2-inch seat height and modern LED lighting. And while Yamaha hasn’t tweaked the formula much in recent years, the Bolt R-Spec’s straightforward design is what makes it so appealing.

Pricing and Variants

The Bolt R-Spec is available in any color you’d like so long as it’s black (with a small red accent on the tank). MSRP is $8,899.

Intimidating dimensions and a V-twin engine with good low-end grunt make the Bolt R-Spec a great bike for newer riders. (Yamaha/)

Competition

• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/buyers-guide/2020-kawasaki-vulcan-s/"><b>Kawasaki Vulcan S, $7,349 to $8,499</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/buyers-guide/2020-suzuki-boulevard-c50t/"><b>Suzuki Boulevard C50, $9,299</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/royal-enfield-super-meteor-650-first-look-2023/"><b>Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, $6,999 to $7,499</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson/nightster/"><b>Harley-Davidson Nightster, $11,999 to $12,299</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/12/02/2016-indian-scout-sixty-cruiser-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos/"><b>Indian Scout Sixty, starting at $11,749</b></a>

2024 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Claimed Specs

MSRP:	$8,899
Engine:	SOHC, air-cooled, 60º V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	942cc
Bore x Stroke:	85.0 x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio:	9.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/belt
Fuel System:	Fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable operation
Frame:	Steel tube
Front Suspension:	41mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Dual piggyback shocks; 2.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	298mm disc
Rear Brake:	298mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	12-spoke cast aluminum; 19 in./16 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Bridgestone Exedra; 100/90-19 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:	29.0°/5.1 in.
Wheelbase:	61.8 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.1 in.
Seat Height:	27.2 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.4 gal.
Wet Weight:	542 lb.
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com

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