2016 Yamaha Star Bolt Motorcycle Review

[@IanHolden]

I found the review a tad harsh tbh. I own a 2014 Bolt and I tested a lot of other cruisers before buying it. I actually had a deposit down on the Harley Street and took it back. This is a far superior ride to any of the Harley's (bar the street which was focussed a bit differently). The bike is not a fast bike but it's on par with the 883 and the Forty Eight. Brakes and suspension is also better. The neutral is not hard to find but I suspect the gear lever was set wrong for the rider. The mirrors are useful up until around 100kph then they blur. My only gripes with the bike are the footpegs scrape easily (but it is a low cruiser), the stock pipe is very quiet and the speedo housing can be troublesome sometimes. And when I say sometimes, maybe once a week or so and I use my bike as a daily commute. The only bike I'm really excited to try is the baby scout otherwise I'm very happy with my buy after testing the alternatives. Sorry dude, you had me in the beginning but you came off as just a bit too cynical towards the end. I think you had your expectations set a little too high to begin with.

[@Jaxen90841]

Just bought one off the showroom floor this afternoon. I like scraping pegs. I'm sure I will be happy with it. I might wish it had a 6th gear sometime.

[@joanieandme]

Scott9084 I just raised my forks two inches with extensions, and the back 1inch with some of Baron's Blocks. Much more clearance haven't scrapped since!

[@paintballhead03]

man I have 2015 bolt r-spec and I love it...it's a cruiser not a crotch rocket..you just cruise, there is enough pickup for having fun. your not burning corners on this thing, just enjoying the ride. hard review

[@Gear1993Head]

Your funny. lol

[@eddyvega4534]

This is a great bike. Came off a roadstar and I couldn't be happier with my bolt.

[@depravedone]

I will agree the gauges suck, but the engine has a great torque curve that you will learn to love once you understand where the engine is happiest. And the Indian Scout is a liquid cooled engine rated at DOUBLE the horsepower. The comparison to it is insane... Also with an intake, exhaust and a tune it makes nearly 20 more horsepower on top. When you kept rolling on the throttle from low speed, did you realize you were lugging that engine at about 1,500 RPM, maybe lower.

[@chtomlin]

Yes, my jaw hit the keyboard when he tried to compare it to the Scout, lol.

[@Yamahog]

What I want to know.... is what the heck was he doing in 5th gear at 30 mph when he knew 2nd or 3rd gear was where he should have been.... sheesh. and ya ,,,, the Scout 60 makes about 80 HP, and the Scout about 100 HP..... And FYI .....The Tail Pipes on both are just "way too long".... wtf? Shorten the dang things to a cool looking length.... nuff said !

[@jacspring7729]

Not sure what you’re used to but I find my Bolt has plenty of power. You do want to use the gears, but rolling past 50 it accelerates just fine for passing - no downshifting required. It’s definitely much faster than the HD 883 but slower than the 1200. Agree about display and exhaust. They should go with an analog display to go with retro style. I’m 5’9” and it fits me perfect.

[@Mulskeraper]

I own a yamaha star bolt, the fact that you couldn't find neutral astounds me. Neutral is easy as hell to find, especially compared to most bikes. As far as the seat goes, you are correct. The seat is definitely in need of replacement almost immediately.

[@Yamahog]

Great Review TWO. ....Fast forward to 2021.... I'm thinking that Yamaha must have tweaked some of the things that were your peeves. In all fairness though.... I'm 5'-6", 30 inch inseam, and 150#'s .... So ya, 1st gear gets the bike rolling, and is excellent for the rush-hour crawl. For me, pop it into 2nd , and a 3 degree turn of the throttle and you are moving fast. For me, My 2019 Bolt is fast,( stock version) The throttle on the newer bikes is very twitchy now. you only have about " 10 minutes of the clock", ( 36 degrees), of twist now between idle and wide-open. So for those curious. (with the limiter kicking in at 5,800 rpm's, and peak torque, 59.3 #ft, occurring at 3,000 rpm's ), here's the " Usable " numbers I get: (they are listed here about 3 to 5 mph lower on the top so you don't hit the rev-limiter....) 1st gear: 0 to 37 mph. 2nd gear use from 20 to 50 mph, 3rd gear: 30 to 65 mph, 4th gear : 45 to 85 mph, and 5th gear: 55 to 105 mph. Other Data..... At 3,000 rpm, Hp= ~ 34, at 5,252 rpm, Hp = Torque= 59.3, assuming a flat Torque delivery of 59.3 foot pounds, therefore You would have a usable range of 2800 rpms to do your business.... passing on a hill or just having a rip onto the highway, etc. My Take away from what TWO said ; is if you are a Big Dude, The Bolt might not be for you. Maybe go with the the Indian Scout, ( 100 HP versus the Bolt's 60 HP), or equivalent... That Said,.... with Empathy, lol , Yup . the Bezzle on the Speedo is a pain in the Sun and it definitely needs to be back-lit better than it is. Sport Rider converts will love the mid controls, ... you can stand up on this thing without an issue... At Speed and going straight of course, over a speed bump or 2 x 4.... your skill level here is needed too...... Self Cancelling Turn signals on it now, a definite bonus. :)) Cons..... The only 2 things that are a bug for me, is backing up the bike, Being Mid-controls means that the foot pegs restrict your leg movements. and where they put the ignition, Yea, off the of the tank area as TWO said..... but why so low down on the right side????? Why not on the left between the two cylinders..... Ohh well, it is what it is. Ride-ability. Road clearance will be governed by rider weight if shocks aren't adjusted as needed on any bike, But the Bolt's lean angle left and right is , about 38 degrees.... Very rare that you will scuff the peg, and experienced riders can easily get this lean at 15 ~ 20 mph thru a hairpin turn if needed with out fear of washing out. So all said and done, The Bolt is an awesome and very Flickable Bike with a 29 degree rake that is suitable most riders. Try one out and see if it fits you. For other Bike Data, including my Blurb on gears and speeds.... then go here: www /dot/ gearingcommander /dot/ com ( yes. replace the /dot/ part with real ones.... no spaces ).... lol Stay Safe Ciao

[@TheEasy10pins]

How can you expect the Bolt to compare to the Indian Scout? The Scout has 100hp, the Bolt half that.

[@ridesmajano4065]

That explains the domi making review has no clue what his doing

[@michaelagent9482]

It's 65 hp but I get it

[@ironlion925]

LOVE my 2016 BOLT, my only complaint is foot pegs grind on the street during a banked R or L hand turn.......YAM XT FREAK ...I blacked out the chrome ring around the speedo cluster.

[@Yamahog]

@ Fredee , I can get a good 38 degrees of lean angle out of my Bolt. Stock suspension, etc The only time I've clipped my left peg , was when I bought it, and I was riding it like I was riding my Virago, (foot forward...), and I forgot... lol . The other time...The Right peg I tagged coming out of the local KFC and took the exit too sharp and scraped the exit curb... lol. Sooo Not sure why the peg scrape issue. You really should have a good 35 degrees of lean on that ride......Stay Safe

[@paradigmstorytime]

I'm pretty sure they're entry level cruisers are the v-star250, and the v-star custom(650)

[@paradigmstorytime]

Also with an aftermarket exhaust people say you get more in the top end. Plus a much better sound. I think it's fuel mapping runs it lean, like a lot of bikes seem to do from factory.

[@zafariqbal-js7tn]

Yamaha is king of all motorcycle manufacturers

[@RobertBrumley60]

BFS

[@jordanasel3745]

Lol fuck yahama

[@DB-sd3cw]

Yamaha has big dick energy

[@raptour8631]

Peder Hansen it also play the music

[@rbarnes9938]

Really like this review. This is so much more informative than main motovlogger's reviews. Real impressions, no drama, information on important factors and no obvious bias.

[@Mr57k]

There must be something wrong with that spesific bike..maby it has to do with break in. This bike is really strong and has a linier tork from 0 to 180 km/h. It is NOT a lazy bike. On the contrary. Ex. give it all you got on fourth and shift to fifth gear and you really has to grab the bar not to fall off. So ...this bike is not representative at all.

[@WRooXter]

+Jan Wessel I think there is something wrong with the reviewer. Neutral isn't hard to find at all. I have a 2014 model with the supposed hard to see speedo. However, I do have a mod to relocate my speedy and I adjusted the position on it and I have absolutely no problem seeing it, ever. My bike is by no means stock. I don't know anyone who keeps cruisers stocked anyway! Yamaha/Star build this bike for ease of customizing.

[@Mr57k]

Francois, yes you are probably right :-)

[@TheXopony]

+Jan Wessel I agree . My 2014 bolt seems to run much different than the one this guy is testing .

[@Mr57k]

roger mate

[@vicentefuentes67]

I am fascinated by the cruiser type bikes (especially the Japanese because of its high quality of manufacture and reliability, although the original concept is American), I have a Suzuki Intruder VS1400 year 1993 for 25 years and it is still beautiful and reliable. I really like the design of that Yamaha Bolt, the minimalist style and the simple and efficient design and mechanics without giving up modern manufacturing technology. The only question I have is about belt transmission, is it reliable? I have always had cardan bikes and they are literally zero problems.

[@cowrider9823]

i really enjoy watching your reviews. Stream of consciousness but to the point, focused and no nonsense. I like the fact that you don't try to somehow make it "objective" but just state what you observe. All those impressions you share out loud is very helpful for a newbie like me to learn about things to look for when testing a bike. Thanks!

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+Cow Rider Welcome!

[@JojoCrazyCat]

I was looking at one of these today. They are a little sporty cruiser. Great for shorter riders who want a bike they can ride.

[@rodtaviousclark9810]

I just got minds last Thursday my brand NEW YAMAHA BOLT MOTORCYCLE

[@wkalinski77]

Thanks for your review. I was considering the Bolt because I'm short and liked the look, but your review saved me from a mistake. Mirrors and power are very important to me. Thanks.

[@kempflar]

You should watch other reviews of the bolt

[@detroitdizzle5513]

I was directly behind you during this test ride on an fz09! great job on all your reviews!

[@pinktransportationllc142]

beautiful bike, i really want to get one but is it hard to learn how to ride?

[@2015GTPP]

no not at all. just watch a couple training videos and you will be set

[@C0zyDunt]

Buy one it's a great bike. I've had mine for a year and love it. Get the R spec if you can because the rear suspension is better. Mine is the standard, but I managed to buy R-spec rear shocks off of ebay and they are better. Mine doesn't vibrate like this guy's reporting. If it did my wife would want to be on it more. I find it's easy to ride and a lot of fun. I've had bikes that dive into corners, plus bikes you've had to haul into corners, but this just corners, no problem. If you want to just cruise around having fun. Just the bike.

[@Yamahog]

Yea, ok, agreed ... well my mirrors do vibrate quite alot. I can grab them and they stop but really they should have been a design concern.... stock bike... (lol @ the wife bit )

[@stevemagdaleno9759]

Great review Bryan! I've been tossing around the idea of getting a Bolt for an around town kind of bike, but may be reconsidering now after watching your review. I've heard lots of complaints about the display, but this was the first video where I really saw just how washed out it gets. That, coupled with the lackluster motor has definitely swayed my opinion a bit. I just wish a dealership around here allowed test rides like this.

[@katana258]

+Steve Magdaleno been washed out from day-1 and they will not fix / change t just try to sell ya a aftermarket sun screen ..for more $$ ..air filter blocks your rt. knee .. hinders the use of the rear brake .. the cafe ed. moves the pegs back some what .. power more then a h.s. sportster but way behind a triumph bonnie , handling is iffy ..

[@TheXopony]

+Steve Magdaleno You for sure want to ride one befor you mark it off your list . I really like mine . Down the road get you a set of pipes ,intake and re map , sounds great and looks much better too .

[@KimonoSkunk]

I loved the song.. showing the Bolt off. What song was that? The overall review of the Bolt is very good, and I am currently trying to choose between the Bolt, the M50 Boulevard (Whos looks I eally like a lot, just havent seen in person yet.) and the Kawasaki Vulcan S (Green). Ill have to sit (drool) on each of them until the springtime. After taking the MSF Safety Course that is. Which do you recommend as a first bike between those muscle cruisers? Keep the excellent reviews coming, and I'll keep watching. Kimonoskunk

[@opwave79]

Thanks for the review. I see the mirror vibration issue you were talking about. Do you think that could be solved by changing the mirrors?

[@amansaad3660]

Hey man. I like your review. Best review so far, between Bolt & Sportster.

[@joanieandme]

Very good review, thank you. I've got a 2014 bolt, price and style I couldn't pass up. All your points are bang on. The bike is nothing special. but, it is a bit of a canvas that one can customize. mine is looking better and getting faster with the ECU flash. cheers!

[@blackhawk2475]

If possible, can you demo ride the vstar 1300 if you get a chance? I would like to get your input to compare it to the Bolt you just test rode. Just to get your opinion on it. Thanks.

[@tjrosal7894]

In your honest opinion, whats better the kawasaki Vulcan S 650 or Yamaha Bolt 950?

[@LIGHTIMPACTSI]

Did you ever test ride victory octane, if u did how u compare it with the bolt..

[@Claymireko]

I have a bolt 2015, you need to know the engine to get all the power out of the engine. The best explanation i can give is that it has 2 modes, relax and highway xD.

[@bRobOfficial]

I couldn't of said better myself lol!!

[@ogvit0r]

Sat on this at the motorcycle show and goddamn could you feel the weight. Leaned it over and almost dropped it, just felt weird. Sat on the new 883 and that was way more comfortable. Not being biased, I'm a Triumph guy but I was really surprised at how awkward the Bolt felt.

[@morteparla6926]

I _think_ Yamaha wanted to make a bobber style bike, cheaply. Hence the narrowed air cooled 950 V Twin from the V Star 950, the kinda cheap and crappy speedo, and a fair bit of plastic. After all, the MSRP is only $7,999. But! The bike is good where it counts; it's a dead reliable engine, and the bike is well made and reliable in general. Side note: The valve train noise is because there's a lot of valve train lol. 4 valves per cylinder, and all the moving parts that come with each valve.

[@Big_John_C]

What's up with that huge moped like muffler???? I've ridden a bolt with a Barrons exhaust, and it sounds awesome, and has much more torque!

[@jjr.r1181]

you know how everybody says that the bolt goes after the sportster iron. I think that it is compared the the dyna (in size) just put a 1300 in the bolt and you have another comparison, that's just my opinion

[@pasnbyu52]

What jacket are you wearing in the video??

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+Rick Hayden kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYuwqGyger6Eoqs

[@chriswellington5255]

I own the r spec which solves the seat and suspension. in have had the intake\ exhaust\ and ignition system upgraded which I found solves all the problems you had with the bike. eg power\ response\ and sound.

[@bRobOfficial]

which intake did you go with?

[@thedeads3401]

7:02 No! The scout has a water cooled engine! This air cooled machine is more equivalent to the Harley Sportster 883 than the 1200.

[@Yamahog]

Ummm Deads.....Actually the bolt makes 59.3 ft lbs of torque at 3,000 rpm's, and pulls through all of its gears. The 883 only produces about 45.4 HP at its top end, (4750 rpm), and the 1200 makes about 47.2 HP, ( 3500 rpm), respectively when the rev-limiter kicks in. The Bolt however produces 59.3 ft-lbs of torque at 3,000 rpm and at 5252 rpm , Where HP=Torque ... 59.3 HP .... and at 5780 rpm when the rev-limiter kicks in, ....= an indicated hp of 65 .3 hp .... However, due to mechanical efficiencies,,, 62 Hp is pretty much it..... So give it 60 HP nominal... These HD's don't even compare fairly to the bolt and never will. They, ....Any HD designed Cruiser, per se,.... "Will Never see their true potential as long as HD keeps the revs below 5252 rpm's .... ever.!"... Nuff said on this. TWO, Bro are you sure that the bike wasn't de-tuned like Kawasaki does to speed limit new riders ....??? Your specs are "way off" .... even for a 250 lb rider . That bike should have launched you in every gear..... And the brakes, a one or two finger pull should of had you slowing down to a dead stop in no-time, same with the rear, too much toe-pressure and it will lock her up and squeal to a skid stop ... seriously ! Stay Safe !

[@RaiderWolf-yd6nm]

It's curious what you criticized on the SCR950, like vibration, you approve of on the Bolt, for example.😄😄😄 Would you say the SCR950 is mostly the Bolt, but with a more comfortable seat? Although, you didn't say the SCR950 was like riding on a marshmallow, which I suppose is because of the different tires between the two bikes,

[@darrengilbert7438]

How did this bike compare to the new Honda Rebel 500?

[@RoosterRoox]

Most informative and mature review on this bike. Cheers

[@mitchelltj1]

How do you compare this with the Vulcan S?

[@ronlheureux7623]

Toss that gauge and put on an one from eBay for under 50 dollars, and you can get an analog/digital one with more features and better ones. Then there is that hideous stop lamp. You have much better options there for peanuts.

[@chtomlin]

So you thought this would be on par with the Indian Scout? Really? At half the horsepower?

[@tjrosal7894]

Whats better Vulcan s 650 or yamaha bolt 950?

[@pigwigpa]

I find the 950 quiet torquey out of the box. even though it is corked to meet emission standards. There are solutions to the speedo problem via shade or a relocation kit. Yamaha build the bolt to be personalized. So, all the stuff you don't like goes away

[@pjgingras]

Great review. I was actually considering to buy one of these, but the performance issue (specially at high speed) is definitely a deal beaker for me. The speedometer doesn't seem to be adequate either.

[@jeremychurchill5778]

Have you tried the Yamaha virago?

[@vinjofin1972]

If you want to go fast. Buy a sportsbike. I like the Bolt. Havent ridden one yet. I myself own a Honda VTX1800 and coming from a Z1000 I have to say. To cruise is much nicer then driving a fast bike. Because everytime you are on a fast bike you want to drive fast. On a cruiser you dont.

[@Iwickerman]

good review, hear the vibe in your voice. new 5600 on clearance. cheap

[@jywang0723]

Very thorough review. Thank you.

[@Jibbles32]

I saw your name and it seemed familiar, then I heard your voice and I knew! Lol love your cigar and your motorcycle videos.

[@luislaurencio]

is there a cruiser that looks like this but with two seats

[@smo181]

+luis laurencio it actually has a small rear seat, or at least mine dones. Maybe with the newer years its just an option?? So far my wife has no complaints with the seat I have stock

[@MrTnewell]

got a 2017, you can see the speedo great, need to learn the power band, it has plenty of power, tires are good, all gears are easy to find, the mirrors are good, i think you are making things up to bitch about, stay with your homemade bobber and you will be fine

[@kellyj5389]

Nice job in the review videos!

[@Victic005]

You can't test ride a bike a lot of time. I bought a Yamaha R3 and a Ninja 636 brand new, and I loved both, without test rides. I only was able to test ride the Kawasaki Vulcan S.

[@RangerRyke]

a scout is water cooled and makes 100hp. Don't think you can really compare any size air cooled vtwin to that.

[@DustinTavo]

It’s not like a 500cc thumper that’s for sure. I got a ton more torque from a direct comparison from my 650cc SUZUKI Savage. Unless you’re comparing to a 500cc with way more torque than the Savage/s40. The Bolt felt way more powerful and stable, hence why I’m upgrading to one. Rode 650 to dealer. Rode bolt, oh wow this thing feels way more steady and grounded and noticeably more powerful. Rode 650 home.... ph wow I don’teven like my bike now it feels timy and weak and skittish.

[@dnlcast2]

I enjoyed your brutally honest test review, thanks!

[@dnlcast2]

highonimmi so raise them genius...lol

[@Bricklinsv1970]

Ill stick with my Honda Shadow 1100 ;)

[@maurol8493]

impresija od šitheda

[@Jooeffoh]

14:45..what? Mate have you ever ridden a suzuki TL1000 v-twin. How about a ducati v-twin or a honda vtr SP1/2?? You're talking nonsense there!

[@everydaymotor-rm5xw]

Love my Bolt, hate the name.

[@maverickb9465]

Can you review Kawasaki Vulcan 650S

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Already did

[@Sig721Tau]

+TwoWheelObsession At 6:35, you let off the throttle. Why did you do that? How are you going to tell if the bike can roll off the line fast if you let off the throttle? It makes no sense at all, sir.

[@Sig721Tau]

+TwoWheelObsession Also, at 15:49 you barely gave it any throttle when you downshifted. Why would you do this other than to downplay the usability and power of this bike? Are you a Harley rider/owner?

[@cosmic7431]

great review

[@johjohns1]

Ducati Monster 821 v twin makes 115HP

[@MrEvilTag]

that display looks like it belongs in the 80s or 90s

[@cesarbarroso7225]

Oh, this is the plain bolt model, the R-Spec should be better, and looks better.

[@tinman3586]

The Bolt looks like an awesome bike. Only thing that kind of turns me off to it is that I see a lot of women riding them which gives it sort of a "girl's bike" vibe.

[@lolrofl5]

you sound like the guy from cigarobsession

[@robbiewallace2754]

Dude it's a cruiser bike. It's not meant to be a fast bike.

[@Goshujinsama01]

2016 still tank gap :(

[@davynhainstock7503]

Ain't nuthin wrong with yamaha

[@tngchinghwa]

meh, can't believe yamaha is still sticking to that display gauge, total crap, it's been 2-3 years since they released the bolt and they still didn't replace it, the air filter is also very awkwardly placed, and that tank cap, total shit too, i had difficulty trying to put it back in, so did the salesman. seriously expected more from yamaha, really hoping they can improve on these shortcomings though, very keen to ride an entry lvl cruiser

[@greg3318]

+Tony Tng If you do it a couple times it becomes second nature but i do have to agree, why would they have the gas cap be separate. Other than that, the air filter is like any other cruiser and the speedo doesn't make a difference since you don't look at it when you're riding in traffic.

[@ferway6295]

You weigh 250 pounds, of course it's slow. I weigh 210 and my R6 feels slow. I really do wish they would make a higher displacement Bolt. An air cooled 1300 maybe just to stay ahead of the 1200 Sportster.

[@Mr57k]

Bullshit, must be something wrong with that spesific bike. 350 hahah.

[@hoigari76]

oh god,and the bolt are quicker than the sportster!i know its a cruiser but the engine power in these bikes are horrible! :/

[@NickLiang]

+hoigari76 When you are cruising you don't need huge amounts of horse power. When you cruise with a super sport you are probably using 50% of the total engine power. BHP relates more to top speed.

[@BARRIEMOREBARLOW]

I'm cruising, not racing.

[@dantae666]

Lack of chrome and sounds like a sports bike along with the rest of it. Not good. I sense ill be buying a 48 in the UK

[@brucedriscoll2206]

Dude... seriously?

[@Wataru3298]

一回ひねって惰性で走ってるの？ 話し声入れるためにエンジン音は控えてるの？ なんか運転上手いとは思えないんだけど気のせいかなぁ…

[@209tipsykasters8]

Ian Holden seems like he doesn’t know what’s he talken about seen these fly he’s a hater an it’s better then a sportster

[@huetuber1204]

This video has made me rule out the Yamaha Bolt. It seems that they need to make some more refinement on the bike. Perhaps the second generation will be better. As of now, Yamaha's first run on this bike leaves much to be desired.

[@darnellrogers8884]

Sounds like a moped

[@Sig721Tau]

Motorcycle porn starts @ 0:07 lol

[@rubo1964]

Basically HD sportster copy.Only drawback after 5yrs worth less then half price HD will still hold 75% value.Personally looks very ugly to me specially huge gaps seat tank ugly exhaust and hideous instrument cluster.If you going to pluck down 8k then change Exhaust seat might as well buy the Indian Scout with 100HP and killer looks.

[@Mr57k]

HAha, payed and bought by HD.

[@jeffdavid8635]

Piece of crap compared to the scout