Why I hate the Yamaha Bolt 

Thank goodness not as much as your ex wife though so there's a win

@@RabidHedgehog Burned that guy almost as badly as your balls got cooked on the yamaha

That's fine to each their own. My view is not biased. I don't own a HD either. And as stated Yamaha is a brand of pedigree machines of which I've had in my garage and still want so many of them. This, this is not the Yamaha. This is not the Vstars, this is not the Virago, this is not the XS. This is trash compared to those and that's where I'm angry. Not I'm such a Harley fan boy I can't see past the Orange and Black. It's because this bike is not that great when everyone says it is... As stated. Good power, good brakes, made by Yamaha (meaning reliable) the end.

Also on top of that I have rode 100s of other machines from all other manufacturers. I like Suzuki's cruisers and Honda's (except the Fury which one day it'll go there like it did here), and some of the HDs, haven't met an Indian I hate. Haven't met a Kawi I hate either to be honest. And there are many Yamaha machines I'm cool with as well. Haven't met a Moto Guzzi I hate yet either. But that's just it. When you ride everything from everyone and then you sit on something that just isn't them it doesn't help. Couple that to I'm taller, and a bit heavier than average at 6 feet 209 so it doesn't fit me either. I have a Honda CX500C that's totally one of my favorite bikes and it's in it's stock form. Despite it's smaller size and it's sideways VTwin sticking out on both sides I don't touch any hot bits and it fits me... What a novel concept. Same with the Rebel 500 I've owned, same with the Sportster's, same with the TU250X, same with the S40 and countless other smaller displacement motorcycles I have rode including Yamaha's own VStar 250, 650, 1100 and so on. So don't call it biased when you expect greatness and you get whatever the heck this is.

@@RabidHedgehog for sure, v-star line is so much better than this bolt thing

@@vladdmytruk2955 There is no V-Star line left now. Best, Pete.

@@ptrisonic that is what he said

This came only as so many have asked about the Bolt and I have rode these things enough to know I'm not a huge fan. But persistence brought this to fruition. Yes it's more dramatic and crude than usual, but that's what happens when you poke the bear. Now for those highly regarding reviews as I have seen them as well when I was looking for a motorcycle years ago those folks were shorter and lighter. But since day one of throwing a leg over one of these to each and every ride leading to this one I just keep getting angrier with it. Trust me that's what the disclaimer was about. I filmed this bike many times and it always always went south. I also had complaints I only post bikes that are likeable with little complaints. Sooo with one stone I hit two birds. Trust me and ask some of my teammates, I stated this might not go as well as they believed it would. But sometimes you do have to show the other side.

someone HAD to make a video against it to be the only one against it on youtube... a way to get more views i guess. so angry about looks. because most harley guys only care about looks because their bike is broken most of the time so all they can do is look at them. ill keep riding my bolt not looking at the silly things yamaha did at the factory because i fixed them.

Its called personal opinion - and its different from yours. Fair enough.

@@AnotherLSMonte he's not doing it for a shock factor review or just to be different and he also isn't a "harley guy". If you have watched the videos, he reviews tons of bikes and owns Indians now and has no grievances with Yamaha overall. When you've tried multiple bikes and come to the bolt you see the truth. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, you can love the bolt and that's fine but he's test rode the thing three different times and has tried to like it and simply can't.

i think his old lady left him for a guy that rode a bolt. Only reason i can think of for why someone would hate a bolt so much even when he admitted they're faster and more reliable than harleys

I am not slamming anyone for loving the bike. It truly is at the end of the day to each their own. So I had to take the unpopular view. This bike is something of universally praised and rarely derided when there are issues that I would love Yamaha to address to bring it in line with their other motorcycles.

What did you change on yours?

Thanks! That is how it should be. Some people forget the flaws and or do but write them off some how when they are pretty glaring. Yes it is the unpopular view to not like this machine, but it needs to be shown by someone. I'll just fall on that sword.

I agree but you being so overly negative in the first minutes make people fill like your not really giving it a far chance

I personally love the look of bolt, basically a hd sportster for fraction of price

Better review then the video gave!

Not really.... We're six model years in to this and the Sporty is still here and the Bolt has faded fast... Destroy the Sporty in speed and reliability, yes, sales.... No not even close.

And no constant breakdowns like the Harley live at the mechanics shop

How? A 1200 Sporty will dust a Bolt and the Evolution motor is bulletproof. The quality isn't even in the same ballpark and if you disagree you're just admitting you've never been near a Sportster. The Bolt is Yamaha's ATTEMPT to compete with the Sporty, and they failed miserably.

Steve Malzone I got rid of a 883 for a bolt because of all the issues with it. So I have experience with both. Have you ever ridden a bolt? Or are you just going with what this reviewer says?

They sure did in their reliability. The instrument cluster, seat, and air box sucks. But fixed all that with aftermarkets, now I love it. A coworker bought an 18 883 and he only had it for 3 months, it’s in the shop already. Crazy

exactly

Who cares what this guy thinks

Thanks, I know that the over-the-top antics of this video really did not go over well with others, but it came from the heart. The Rebel 1100 is a solid piece of kit and even adds cruise control to the mix as well. You also get almost an extra inch of travel out back for the suspension, a little more fuel capacity, over 50lbs less weight with the Rebel with a larger engine to boot. Worth the little extra cost for sure. I need to get a Rebel 1100 on camera, best I got was around a little parking lot even though I was promised a full ride.

He made plenty of points that can easily be pointed on an 883 as well or most bobbers for that matter, i strongly suggest you go for a test ride before making a decision, this guy's review is super bias and so don't mind it.

My 2005 Sportster was not expensive at all regarding replacement or aftermarket parts. I had a problem with the brake pistons and my local dealership treated me like I was their most important customer without even trying to get me to trade it in for a newer model. I may be the exception, but I was treated far better by the dealership than when I rode a Honda and needed dealer support. I finally stopped riding because of my age. Reflexes slowed down way too much for me to feel safe around the "cagers".

its not a r spec

The SC950 has a bit of a different frame setup on the rear section and also the seating as well. I probably need to try one, but I was so mad at the Bolt at the point they came out I was like.... And no.... Now they are already discontinued so it will be a bit harder to find.

This thing reminds me of a mini FXDR for real. And it was not even out yet to compare when I first rode it! But seriously I have done every single versions of this thing and I never want to do it again. Hope this nailed the coffin shut.

@@RabidHedgehog If you hate the Star Bolt so much then, why make a video about it? I mean, with all due respect, no one cares what other people think about their bikes. I don't like Harley Davidsons but I'm not going to make a trolling video about them. And yes, I would buy a Yamaha Bolt before I buy a Hardly American bike. I mean, Harley Davidson bike. Lol

@@Sig721Tau He explained the reason at the start of the video.. because people asked for it and it's his 'job' as a RU-vid reviewer/rider. Views.

Psshhhh HD doesn't have the money to pay me to sway a review. This bike just sucks in my opinion and I was asked by too many people to make a video no matter my fight back on they wouldn't like it... So I did it... And they didn't like it.

Of course it was "biased." Biased toward his personal opinion and taste.

That is a most excellent choice

@@RabidHedgehog thanks for your help, brother.

I try my best.

Now that is some logical thinking there!

Brutally honest? More like extremely dramatic.

Thanks

Your comment helped me more than this guys video.

See I cannot see how on earth this bike gets universal praise. And everyone, every video. There is something bad to say but it all ends with.... But I still like it.... How? Death wobble, bad suspension, terrible gauge cluster.... etc. etc... but I still like it?

@@RabidHedgehog Sounds like you were describing a 883 Sportster. Lol

That's why I put it in the title lol. And in the description that no that hate the Bolt thing is not click bait it is a real deal thing. So many reviewers, 5 things I hate..... BUT IT'S GREAT! It's like stating on your Craigslist ad, Runs Great, needs a head gasket..... That means not so great then right? So yup no punches held and no pulling just solid blows.

@@RabidHedgehog I got the point. If I ever get my motorcycle out of my garage we should go for a ride. I'm not that far from you from what I can tell. I don't want to give out private information in a public forum so I'll just say I'm near Reno & Douglas. That should be vague enough.

This is the base. the C-Spec does have a different seating and such.

@@RabidHedgehog Oh I gotcha. Yeah I agree about the LCD screen, it's kinda trash in bright light. The C-Spec also gets very hot, I can't imagine being sat that much closer to the block. At least with the C-Spec you're up a little higher.

@@Tsaier I heard models from 2019 or 2020 improved many issues along with LCD screen etc

@@Voltomess C-Spec owner here (well technically XV950 Racer but its 99% the same bike), engine heat is really only a thing when you are at a stand still and it only happens when the fan kicks in and we are talking for 1 or 2 seconds, its not like your legs are going to constantly be baked, 95% of the time there is no heat. As for the LCD screen, nope its still pretty shit and shame on Yamaha for not updating it. But KOSO makes aftermarket displays for all 950 models (Regular Bolt, R Spec, C-spec and SCR950) that are SOOO much better than the stock, plus it comes with a Rev meter, Gear indicator, customisable lights, etc. The only thing its missing is a proper fuel gauge but seeing as the bike doesn't have a fuel sensor I can see why that is the case, the bike still has a reserve light though (and you can go approximately 50km on it, plenty of distance to find a gas station...in europe anyway, heard you americans are having gas issues now haha) so its not all that bad, and resetting the trip meter is literally just a button click so its not like you are doing extra work.

after 50k you are married :)

I like your S50 as well. Heck I even like the S40. There is no excuse for what transpired when this one was released.

I have same thoughts but I probably choose bolt because its better than 833

See that could be it.

I have a video on the Rebel before their changes that occurred in 2020. I overall liked the Rebel and owned one for a while.

Multiple rides over multiple years and pretty decent distances. Let's be real the Bolt is dying, going from 4 distinct models (Bolt, C-Spec, R-Spec, SC950) to now just the R-Spec (it was the best of the bunch but still soulless) and most people claim to love it but listen to the laundry list of changes just to make it right. It's got the death wobble, well we had to use this bearing, it has terrible suspension... Etc etc. I wanted to like it. I like the mechanical, but hate the wrapper. This is a description I've even given the Revolution Max HDs like the Sportster S and Pan America. I want Motorcycles that just work and if I want to change I can, not I have to change because it don't. My Royal Enfield, Moto Guzzi, and Indian are all that way. My Enfield has remained stock, the Guzzi I added heated grips and a center stand only, and my Indian is built because I wanted it to be a reflection of my stupidity, but it didn't have to be changed, but it has seat (floating seat), handle bars, heated grips, highway bars and pegs, additional driving lights, sissy bar and fender rack. Again, options, not necessities. That's how it should be. I get the Bolt is a clean slate, but it's awful in that form. Even the anemic old Sportster was better in stock form, hence the comparison, and I'm not necessarily a fan of Sportsters, but them and the V-rod are the only Harleys I do respect. I've owned and rode other Yamahas with much love, but not this.

It is also a no from me lol. The seat and such is better but the seating position changes where my left leg falls and the wire instead of digging in the back of my leg like the R and Base is now in my knee cap.

I have a C-Spec (technically an XV950 Racer but they are practically the same bike), I'd like to add to your point: 1) Seating is pretty comfy (compared to the bikes I owned before it, the seating however isn't the same as the R-Spec so can't really comment on it) 2) Same point as above, however I don't see how this is a valid argument honestly. The R-Spec is a bobber, if you think the experience will be different on a HD Sporters then you might be dissapointed... 3) You're right, guage is absolute shit, which is why I upgraded to the KOSO meter, which is a MUST for any Bolt owner, I would even say it should be in your shopping cart when you get the bike, it looks much better and has more functions, if you haven't yet I strongly recommend you get it. 4) Lean angle is on par with other bobber style cruisers though, the sportsters aren't any better in this regard, that said the C-Spec has far better leaning angle, the thing is pretty darn sporty, you would have to be quite aggressive to scrape the footpeg hehe 5) True, there is only so much you can do with 52HP (and 80Nm of torque) but that is pretty standard in that class of cruisers, even the 1200 sportsters have the same top speed as a Bolt. Besides I don't think its fair to even play out this criticism, this isn't a sport bike or a touring bike, imo 130Kmh is plenty fast enough to have fun and honestly from my experience on the C-spec the bike could still provide a good level of punch up to 160Kmh. 6) Compared to an HD no it doesn't vibrate, but compared to say a Triumph bonnevile it does kind of vibrate, but honestly I don't think its enough to actually bother anybody (unless you are super sensitive, in which case why ride a motorcycle?) 7) I'd like to swap the stock with an Akropovich exhuast for improved looks and sound (and performance) 8) I personally am not a fan of the original and R-spec models, I vastly prefer the looks of the C-spec, it looks sporty and is different enough to not be mistaken for a HD Sportster, but to each their own I guess haha 9) Agree with you there, additionally I want to add that because it is on the heavier side of the motorcycle market it is more stable compared to my Street Twin, which makes cornering more comfortable imo 10) Merely above average? the bike is build like a gun! I know this because I know what bad quality is (I owned a Hyosung GT650 R) 11) In the US maybe, in europe this thing set me back 7,500 EUROs XD XD but still vastly cheaper than an HD sporters (an Iron 883 costs almost 10,000 EUROs and that bike is vastly inferior to the Bolt) 12) Agreed, the airbox can (CAN) get in the way, that said for me it never got in the way, the footpeg of the C-spec is pushed more to the back than the R spec and is slightly higher, providing a sporty seating positions which prevents my knee from getting to the box. That said you can get Airfilter modes that can shrink the size of the box to a comforatble position, though in my opinion that just ruins the looks of the bike, but hey atleast the box isn't going to be in the way. 13) Agreed, same can be said for the C-spec and the SCR, genrally you should avoid the original model, it lacks so much, only has a measly 48Hp and isn't as refined. 14) agreed, 12L is not terrible but really wish it had more. Atleast the bike is fuel efficient, 55MPG is quite good, should be able to give you a range of around 200-250KM in one go. 15) The back seat is generally not comfortable on any cruiser (or nakeds or sports bikes haha), they are only comfortable on adventure/touring bikes (and some nakeds, like the Bonnevile), I don't honestly think this is a fair point to use against the bolt, that said a sissy bar usually fixes the discomfort issue.

OMG you are so awesome !! looks like this guy buying bikes and want them to fit his ass perfectly without any adjustments lol.

Just because suspension and ground clearance is there does not make the motorcycle Yamaha enough to not be Harley enough... so yes.

Yeah already used the pine cone bit... Needed something more graphic...

That's strange because I just watched a video where they took it to the canyons and it carved really well at high speeds. They did scrape some but were able to stay up with some pretty fast riders.

Learn to ride then lmao

@@jlrutube1312 Every other bike I own has WAY more cornering clearance.

Thanks for the info. Have a great day!@@ChopperCharles

A 1979 Honda CX500C.... yeah a small bike still. Yes along with others such as an Indian Scout and an Indian Chieftain. But to me the smaller displacement motorcycles are supposed to be the bread and butter of the industry. Suzuki has it right with the S40, C90, M50, C50, and the older S50. Heck even the VanVan 200 I fit and the TU250X. Honda has it right with the Shadow, the CB500 series, the Rebel 500, the Rebel 300, the CB300 series as well. And Kawasaki with their 400 series and such. And Yamaha's own R3 and Mt-03 and even the Vstar 250 and other machines that are small, easy for smaller riders, and light do so much better than this thing. Sorry to say this bike does not belong in the Yamaha stable and it is showing as the C-spec is already dead, the SCR950 gone, leaving only the Base and R-Spec. All Yamaha had to do was put the attention to detail they have done for all these years in their other bikes into this one and it could be with us for a long time to come and a true all around contender. It could have killed the Sportster, it had the heart, that engine is good. But it didn't have the rest.

Yeah, watching this video taking the ire of the internet at this time. It's almost like a made fun of someone's grandmother.... But it had to be done. All those reviews that are like this bike is great but.... But? Don't add a but in there! If it is not great just say it.

Good motorcycles to start out on are the ones that you are comfortable one yourself. The Shadow 750, Suzuki M50, C90, C50, and even finding an older S40 would be good to look at. If the Bolt fits then take a look at it through your eyes. My opinion is not everyone's for sure. I would say find one that fits you well.

Test drive the bolt, it's a fun bike to drive around

Well it was not a Yamaha dealer. And they got a preview and laughed about it as most of them are like me and not really fond of the machine. They just didn't want to put their words to it because after all, it is a business. But the name was omitted to protect the innocent dealer.

Gave plenty of reasons, poor design, fit and finish, awful ergos and gauge, I did say the Bolt would be more reliable

Yep... Stepping on the toes with this one. But I rode that hype train into a dealer the first time and was like.... Um what is this? from first seat to last ride.... never been that great.

The C-Spec was one of the first ones I ever rode and sadly I am not a fan of it either. I tried to like the Bolt due to the hype and such, but there's not a version that would ever be parked in my garage.

@@RabidHedgehog thanks mate

Even though the Boulevard is ages old at this point the bike is better put together and feels well made. I will say that the engine is not as strong as the Bolt and I will say that overall the bike is a bit lazier and softer, but in this case it is not a bad thing. Heck it even has a inverted fork! The Rebel is more nimble, not as quick with power, seat, though uncomfortable, is passable as a seat and has even been updated for 2020, which I need to test. And there are no goofy bits to hit with your leg or engine cylinder offsets on either and heat is also much better on these two than the Bolt. These bikes, one being cheaper, and one being on par or a bit more expensive than the Bolt even, do represent different ideas on the cruiser than the Bolt as well, but are otherwise good interpretations of what a bike should be.

Here is my take. I think the Rebel is its own thing, it's a cheap motorcycle that doesn't try to imitate a Harley sportster contrary to the Bolt. That's a good thing in my opinion. There are no major design flaw that you wouldn't be able to fix. Like the Hedgehog said, the seat is thin and your butt will hurt after 2 hours of riding, Suspensions are ok if you're 70kg or less but even in that case the fork needs 15W oil. Brakes are mediocre but you can really get a lot more bite out of these by swapping for ebc pads. I haven't been on a Boulevard though.

Or did I take the right meds to see the truth?