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The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has been a popular choice among cruiser enthusiasts since its launch in 2014, and in 2023, Yamaha gave it a major update. The 2023 version promises to be a sleeker, more powerful, and more refined cruiser motorcycle.
The 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has undergone a significant layout overhaul. This bike features a minimalist styling with cleaner lines and a low profile that harkens back to the glory days of American motorcycles.
The bike’s slim bodywork also includes a blacked-out engine, exhaust, and other components that give it a rugged and aggressive profile. The instrument panel is also compact and modern, featuring a round analog speedometer with a digital odometer and trip meter.
The 3.4-gallon fuel tank is located under the rider’s seat, keeping the weight low and centered for improved handling and stability. With a fuel economy rating of around 51 mpg, the Bolt R-Spec is an economical choice for both commuting and touring. The motorcycle also features new modern lighting, including a new LED headlight and a redesigned LCD display.
The Bolt R-Spec retains its classic cruiser styling, with a low-set seat and a wide handlebar that gives it a comfortable riding position. The bike’s blacked-out components, including the wave rotors, cast wheels, and exhaust, add to its aggressive look.
The 2023 Bolt R-Spec has a suggested retail sale price (MSRP) of $8,899 in the United States, as per Yamaha. When compared to other cruiser motorcycles in its class, the Bolt R-Spec is priced competitively. It offers a similar level of lively performance and features as other bikes in its class but at a more affordable price point.
2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Key Specs
- Make: Yamaha
- Model Year: 2023
- Type: Sport Heritage
- Color: Storm Gray
- MSRP Price: $8,899
- Warranty: 1-year limited factory warranty
- Engine: 942cc
- Power: 65 HP
- Mileage: 51 mpg (21.7 km/l)
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.4 gal (12.9 l)
- Seat Height: 27.2 in (690.88 mm)
- Wet Weight: 542 lb. (245.8 kg)
2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Specifications
Engine
| Engine Type | 58-cubic-inch (942cc) air-cooled SOHC V-twin; 4 valves |
| Power | 65 horsepower |
| Torque | 59.3 lb-ft (80.4 Nm) |
| Bore x Stroke | 85.0mm x 83.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel injection |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Transmission | 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.4 gal |
Chassis
| Suspension/Front | Telescopic fork, 4.7-in travel |
| Suspension/Rear | Dual piggyback shocks, 2.8-in travel |
| Brakes/Front | Hydraulic single disc, 298mm |
| Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic single disc, 298mm |
| Tires/Front | 100/90-19 Bridgestone® EXEDRA G721 F |
| Tires/Rear | 150/80-16 Bridgestone® EXEDRA G722 R |
Dimensions
| LxWxH | 90.2 in x 37.2 in x 44.1 in (2291.08 mm x 945.48 mm x 1117.14 mm) |
| Seat Height | 27.2 in (690.88 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 61.8 in (1570.52 mm) |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 29.0° |
| Trail | 5.1 in (129.54 mm) |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 5.1 in(129.54 mm) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.4 gal (12.9 l) |
| Fuel Economy | 51 mpg (21.7 km/l) |
| Wet Weight | 542 lb. (245.8 kg) |
Competitors
| Model | Price | Engine | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom | $9,199 | 903cc | 105 mph |
| 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS | $11,199 | 948cc | 130 mph |
| 2023 Kawasaki W800 | $9,999 | 773cc | 110 mph |
2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Features
Additional Features
Bobber-Style Seat
Solo rider saddle adds to the minimalist bobber look while providing support for longer rides.
Modern Lighting
LED rear taillight looks cool and adds to the modern bobber appeal.
Real Steel Fenders
Steel front and rear fenders are ideal for personalization, including paint and customization.
Slick Instruments
Compact digital LCD meter assembly provides clean styling with excellent visibility.
Chassis/Suspension
Advanced Suspension
The beefy front 41mm fork tubes offer excellent suspension performance and the twin rear shocks, which include piggyback style gas chambers, have been tuned to provide great comfort and handling while contributing to the machine’s low, aggressive profile.
Agile Wheelbase
Bolt R-Spec’s short, 61.8-inch wheelbase contributes to the bike’s great handling, providing precise, tight turns in city riding and solid, stable handling on the open road.
Handling-Focused Frame
A double-cradle frame provides precise handling and enhances city riding enjoyment thanks to the rigid mount system mounting the engine directly to the frame.
Low Maintenance Belt Drive
At just 21mm wide, the drive belt contributes to the slim and clean look of the rear end. The belt has a carbon-fiber core which adds strength and durability for longevity.
Low Seat Height
The low-set seat provides a great riding position while being a mere 27.2 inches off the pavement, so most riders can easily put both feet firmly on the ground at a stop.
Modern Wheels & Tires
Distinctive 12-spoke cast alloy wheels provide strength and toughness while Bridgestone® tubeless 100/90-19 size front and 150/80-16 size rear tires offer excellent road grip in varying conditions.
Powerful Braking
The 298mm front disc brake and 298mm rear disc brake both use wave rotors, the style usually found on sport bikes. The front brake uses a floating mount for great heat-distortion resistance, contributing to excellent braking performance.
Slim, Stylish Fuel Tank
The 3.4 gallon fuel tank is a traditional teardrop style with a slim shape that includes flattened top and side surfaces. Plus the premium flangeless design makes for even cleaner lines, enhancing the Bolt R-Spec’s custom styling without the ugly tank seams found on so many other bikes in the class.
Engine
Advanced Cylinder Design
The pent-roof combustion chamber shape was precisely engineered to direct the fuel/air charge to the center of the piston for more efficient combustion and maximum power. Ceramic-composite plated cylinders provide excellent heat dissipation and reduced oil consumption.
Air-Cooled V-Twin
The 58-cubic-inch (942cc) engine is an air-cooled SOHC 60-degree V-twin with four valves per cylinder, a pent-roof shaped combustion chamber and 9.0:1 compression ratio. The engine is designed to provide excellent power and superior low-end torque.
Compact Air Cleaner
The stainless steel air cleaner cover provides a “raw metal” look that accentuates the Bolt R-Spec’s distinctive styling. In addition, the air cleaner design provides great intake efficiency and enhanced torque characteristics.
Fuel Injection
A sophisticated twin-bore fuel injection is used on the Bolt R-Spec to deliver strong acceleration for the ultimate in urban riding fun. Precise 3D maps for ignition timing and fuel injection enhance performance in the mid- and low-speed ranges.
Lightweight Performance Pistons
High-quality forged aluminum pistons have a lightweight, high-strength, compact design that contributes to reduced vibration and increased durability.
Low Friction Internals
Special roller-type rocker arms with needle bearings are used to keep friction loss to a minimum, increase durability and help the engine achieve the ideal performance characteristics.
Unique Bolt Exhaust System
A 2-into-1 exhaust pipe layout on the right side of the engine contributes to the lively performance and minimalist styling while delivering a rich, throaty exhaust note.
Top Features
Compact, Stable Chassis
The slim body and low seat design combine to give the Bolt R-Spec light maneuverability and a stable handling feel. The upright riding posture helps the rider feel the wind, hear the sounds and experience the pulse of the machine.
Ready to Customize
For riders who value making a bike their own, the options for the Bolt R-Spec are limited only by the owner’s imagination. As the perfect beginning canvas for personalization, the Bolt R-Spec is the ultimate example of a motorcycle conceived and designed with owner customization in mind.
Rider-Focused Engine
The Bolt R-Spec uses Yamaha’s advanced technology to create a riding experience superior to other similarly sized machines. Fuel injection and ignition timing maps have been chosen specifically for this bike to deliver class-leading performance with strong low- and mid-range torque that’s sure to bring a smile to every rider’s face.
Unique Bolt Persona
Components such as the sculpted 3.4 gallon teardrop fuel tank, muscular blacked-out V-twin engine, distinctive 12-spoke front and rear wheels, belt drive, and steel fenders all combine to bring a hotrod Bobber style to Yamaha’s Sport Heritage lineup.
Urban Performance Styling
The Bolt R-Spec is stripped down with minimal chrome, epitomizing the “Urban Performance Bobber” look. The compact chassis proudly showcases the 58-cubic-inch (942cc) air-cooled 60-degree V-twin powerplant.
Performance And Handling
The 2023 Yamaha Bolts is a cruiser-style motorcycle that is made to deliver an exciting and comfortable riding experience.
2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Top Speed
Under the hood, the 2023 Yamaha Bolt is run by a 942 cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produces 65 horsepower and 59.3 lb-ft of maximum torque, letting riders to speed up to 106 mph, tops. The rider-focused engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission, and Yamaha claims that the new Bolt R-Spec has enhanced strong acceleration and top speed.
The Bolt R-Spec features Yamaha’s proprietary fuel injection system, which ensures smooth throttle response and improved fuel intake efficiency. The motorcycle also has a new air charge intake system that improves airflow to the torquey V-twin engine.
Braking Performance
The 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec’s powerful braking system is a crucial safety feature that has been designed to provide the rider with reliable stopping power in all riding conditions. The motorcycle’s front and rear disc brakes bring excellent impressive power and enable bikers to navigate through traffic or slow down for corners confidently.
The motorcycle features a 298mm front single disc brake and a 298 mm, petal-cut disc brake, both equipped with ABS. With the customization in mind, the brake levers and pedals let users adjust the position and minimize friction loss, ensuring that the rider can operate the brakes with maximum efficiency and comfort.
Cornering And Handling Characteristics
The basic Bolt R-Spec features a low center of gravity, which helps it corner smoothly and confidently. The bike’s suspension has also been upgraded, with new 41mm telescopic forks and a new dual piggyback shock that provides a fun ride even on bumpy roads.
The Bolt R-Spec’s handling characteristics have been significantly improved with the new handling-focused frame, 61.8-inch wheelbase, and suspension upgrades. The stiffer steel frame provides enhanced stability and balance, while the new suspension offers a more comfortable ride and excellent road grip. Plus, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec base model also has a new Dunlop American Elite chunky tire, bringing excellent grip and stability.
2023 Bolt R-Spec: A Brief Review
Besides the outstanding SOHC V-twin power engine with superior low-end torque, many have praised the Yamaha Bolts’ comfort and ergonomics. The bike’s low seat height and forward-mounted foot pegs provide a relaxed cruising performance and riding position for long travel rides. The bike’s suspension system has also been commended for its ability to absorb bumps and rough road surfaces.
Users have praised the compact chassis of the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, noting that it provides a comfortable and stable ride. They appreciate how the bike feels solid and well-built, with no wobbling or shaking at high speeds. The double-cradle frame has been reported to deliver good handling and stability in turns and corners while maintaining maximum power.
The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec weighs around 542 pounds, making it relatively light for a cruiser bike size. Users have commented on how the low weight of the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec makes it easy to maneuver and handle. They appreciate how the bike feels responsive, even at low speeds. The light weight also helps to make the cycle more fuel-efficient, as it requires less energy to move the bike forward.
The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is a stylish and versatile cruiser motorcycle that has garnered a lot of positive reviews from users. However, the fuel tank capacity is considered to be a drawback.
The 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec comes with a 3.4-gallon teardrop fuel tank, which is considered small by many riders. Our team members shared that they need to refuel frequently, especially when riding for longer distances. This can be a hassle, as riders would have to take breaks and find gas stations more regularly, disrupting their riding experience.
Also, with such a great engine displacement, the 106 mph speed is way to subpar compared to its competitors. So we suggest this bike for commuting or riding in the city and highway only.
2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Potos & Videos
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*Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article may vary depending on the dealership and location. Additionally, the specifications mentioned, such as horsepower and top speed, may vary from different sources as they are often tested under different conditions.
