Yamaha rolls out the all new 2014 Yamaha Bolt

New Delhi, April 10: Japanese motorcycle maker Yamaha, which is well acclaimed for making sports bikes, is now ready to hit the US motorcycle market their new cruiser motorcycle Yamaha Bolt 2014. The company has already introduced the bike in the US and Canada and the bike is slowly gaining popularity out there. The Bolt has only been released in the American market and the company has disclosed any plans to bring it to India.From a distance, you won't probably tell a difference between Bolt cruiser and Harley-Davidson's tried-and-tested Sportster Iron 883 … and the price tag of $7,990 (Rs 4.3 lakh, roughly) is also not too far from its competitor's base MSRP. The Bolt is 33 pounds lighter (with a curb weight of 540 pounds) than Sportster, and its 27.2 inch seat height is only one third of an inch taller than the Harley's. Certainly, the Rs 4.3 lakh price tag of Bold certainly makes it a great alternative to Harleys in the country. According to Yamaha, the cruiser segment is slightly changing and the big deep-fendered, classic-styled bikes are now less popular then they were seven years ago. Due to this, the company says it has adopted a back-to-basics approach as it thinks that the new trend focuses more on the motorcycle itself and less on chrome and fancy accessories. That means you won't find too much chrome on Bolt. A second version of the Bolt, the Bolt R-Spec, will retail for an additional $300.00, and add remote-reservoir shocks (apparently, also non-adjustable, as is the suspension on the Bolt), a “suede-type” seat with colored stitching, as well as special paint and graphics. The Standard Bolt comes in Pearl White and Raven, while the R-Spec will be available in Matte Gray and Camo Green.The Bolt looks like a perfect cruiser bike in both looks and performance. The Bolt comes with a 58-cubic-inch 942 cc V-Twin air cooled 4-stroke engine, which is also available in an R-spec version. It has a five speed multiplate wet clutch transmission. It's belt driven and has a two-into-one exhaust. The exhaust features black headers, but with heat shields and muffler done in contrasting aluminum. Gold-anodized shocks with piggyback remote reservoirs distinguish the R-Spec model, which also has an upgraded saddle with contrast stitching. It features steel fenders, and according to Yamaha, is the “perfect platform for personalization.”The bike combines relatively low weight for the cruiser class, a low seat (27.2 inches) and relatively short wheel base (61.8 inches) to provide agile handling. The engine is rigidly mounted as a stressed member of the double-cradle steel frame.Wheel sizes are interesting, with a 150/80/16 rear tire and 100/90/19 front. Brake discs, both front and rear, are a single 298mm disc. Despite the cast wheels, both tires require tubes. Wet weight (fully fueled) is listed at 540 pounds for both models.Although Yamaha doesn't disclose horsepower or torque figures, The Bolt's mill will be comparable to the Hog's in terms of output. A 3.2 gallon fuel tank promises roughly 150 miles of range—similar to the Sporty's 3.3 gallon tank.On the roads, the Bolt is easy to swing and virtually any body type should able to negotiate its mid-mounted controls and command a flat-footed stance at stoplights. The contemporary touches include include an LED taillight in a classically styled housing, and an LCD speedometer beneath a smoked lens. The Bolt's v-twin comes to life with a relatively loud but modulated hum. Clutch effort is light, and first gear engages with a smooth click. The seat, though cupped, is quite comfortable for even long journeys. The single disc brakes work well. At the moment, the Bolt does not offers ABS. On the whole, the bike gives you a sense of balance, composure and usability, despite its less-than-versatile, low-slung layout.The Bolt comes with plenty of accessories, including but not limited to higher bars, passenger seat and backrest, and special rider seats. Overall, the Bolt clearly takes advantage of its strong, smooth running engine, supple ride quality, and agreeable ergonomics. Although, the HD's Sportster certainly edge out the Yamaha when it comes to heritage and brand mystique, there's also plenty that makes Bolt a worthy competitor. SpecificationsUS MSRP Price $8,290Engine Type 58-cubic-inch (942cc) air cooled 4-stroke, V-Twin, SOHC, 4-valveBore x Stroke 85.0 x 83.0Compression Ratio 9.0:1Fuel Delivery Fuel InjectedIgnition TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)Transmission 5-speed multiplate wet clutchFinal Drive BeltSuspension Front Telescopic fork, 4.7-in travelSuspension Rear Dual remote reservoir shock, 2.8-in travelBrakes Front Wave-type disc, 298mmBrakes Rear Wave-type disc, 298mmTires Front 100/90-19M/C 57H tube typeTires Rear 150/80-16M/C 71H tube typeLength 90.2 inWidth 37.2 inHeight 44.1 inSeat Height 27.2 inWheelbase 61.8 inGround Clearance 5.1 inFuel Capacity 3.2 galWet weight 540 lbFuel Consumption ± 20kpl/57mpg(Imp)Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty).