Not to be outdone by Kawasaki’s new Vulcan S, Yamaha showed off its new addition to the Star Bolt lineup of retro-styled middleweight cruisers, the Bolt C-Spec. It also showed a pair of heavyweight cruisers upgraded with bullet-style fairings.
The C-Spec gives Bolt riders a more sporting option, and it isn’t just dressed up for the part. In addition to the special paint and trim and restyled solo seat (with attached cowl), the C-Spec gets clip-on handlebars and rearset (more mid-mount, really) pegs to get the rider in a riding position that is more standard than cafe, but still better suited to twisty roads than the feet-forward position of the regular Bolt. The instruments are relocated to adjust for the hunched over rider. Yamaha product planner Derek Brooks told us it has “sport-tuned” suspension, giving it the handling chops to match its looks.
The other two additions to the Star line are the Stryker and Raider Bullet Cowl additions. The two bikes—the 1864cc Raider and 1304cc Stryker—reap the benefits of extra style and wind protection.
The Bolt C-Spec will be in dealers in January, with an $8,690 MSRP. The $12,090 Stryker Bullet Cowl and its $15,390 Raider big brother will be in Yamaha shops in October.
Yamaha 2015 Stryker Bullet Cowl
Yamaha 2015 Raider Bullet Cowl
I thought cruisers aren’t fashion anymore – I’ve seen enough of them in the last 30 years to last me a life time!
The longer shocks are good, but the clip-ons are dumb.
Still, even hipsters deserve a bike that makes them feel good about themselves, and the Bolt seems to be well-received.
The C-spec looks good. It may be viable compromise for those who like standard bike, but for whatever reason (maybe age…) would prefer more comfort of cruiser.
Your mother was a Sportster, and your father smelt of Ace Cafe!
I just read elsewhere that the pegs have been moved back 5″ and 1.25″ up from the standard positions, allowing up to a 37 degree angle of lean (but it sounds kind of cramped). The C-Spec shocks will be 6mm (1/4″) longer than stock — more would have been better. Personally, with every new “standard-ish” bike model I see, I compare it to the Ducati Scrambler – and the Scrambler always wins.
The C is interesting, but in the whole Northern USA the roads have potholes and frost heaves so you’re talking about a South only bike. Here in New England you need an Ohlins like shock. The roads vary from paved but dirt road like to motocross track. Nice looking custom though.
Better looking than the original butt ugly Bolt, but others are still much nicer. Sorry Yamaha.
Well I’ll be damned, fork gators! I’ll bet I’ve had a dozen fork seals leak over the years.
Where’s the cafe racer version???
It’s partly just the photograph but the Bolt looks like a cruiser that’s missing it’s handlebars.
The Bolt looks nice but if you want that café racer look that really works straight off the peg, it has to be a Thruxton!
God that’s a beautiful bike (Bolt C-Spec). But I’m afraid the ergos are a deal breaker. I’ll have to sit on one to be sure, but it seems pretty obvious.
61 and still havin’ fun.
The pegs on the Bolt puts the rider in a position that have my legs cramped up in a fetal position, while my weight is still centered on my tail bone. The worst of both worlds. Good thing it has such a weeny little gas tank. I could be in serious pain if I rode the Bolt too long.
I like it – i’d choose it long before a Sportster. Just needs little oomph…
The Bolt is almost adorable. But those shocks still look short, and my vertebrae hurt just looking at the tail end of it. The Stinker and Raider continue to do nothing for me.
When these models are on Sons of Anarchy, then they’ll sell.
That’ll be “Grandsons of Anarchy”.
That there’s funny right there, now.
In comparing the Bolt C-Spec to yesterday’s Kawi, one seems to be a lot more attractive (to my non-cruiser guy eyes) than the other.
Wow bolt on a little quarter fairing and it’s a whole new model. Taking a page from Harleys playbook I see.
Lol, too true. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.