You have to understand motorcycle TH-cam videos and negative examples. Exaggerated and not completely accurate. People are lazy and just say something. Like my Ducati Scrambler and the heat that comes off it. Um, yeah, like .000001% of my experience.
1. Personally never had seat problems but I get it. 2. Sure the stock sucks, but that’s easily changed. I run ss forward controls and drag bars. I find the position decent and not uncomfortable. 3. ALL BALLS RACING BEARINGS FOR THE STEM. Cures that wobble atleast did for me. 4. The tranny is fine for what the bike was designed for. “In town bombing” a 6 speed would make the bikes biggest REAL DOWNFALL worse. (3 gallon tank) 5. Gotta pay to play in any class. 6. The weight bothers you? It’s a mid weight bike. Is what it is. It’s only heavy if your used to a grom or something like that. **** The honest only real problem with the bolt is it’s fuel capacity and range. Can’t hit the highway and get to far without the low fuel light popping to take the fun away. But, again for what it was designed for, the capacity makes sense. Your not gonna buy a Bolt and somehow make it compare with a gold wing. It’s a fantastic bike! But know it’s not a do everything Swiss Army knife, it’s more of a boot knife.
I should note: I own a 2017 bolt r-spec bought new. Vance and Hines vo2 intake, Dean speed “just the tip” slip on, Ivan’s flash, ss forward controls, drag bars and the Koso TNT-B meter... (I like an analog tach) 13k miles of which maybe 300 highway. I use it to get back and forth to work and play around every once a while. As much as I wish for more power etc etc. I would be doing that on any bike. If I’m completely honest with myself, other than rider position, the bike is kinda perfect as is and will carry many riders happily during the occasional sunny day and fair riding. In other words anything you buy. Regardless car, bike, boat, you will find things you hate, love and wanna change. Enjoy the journey.
I don’t disagree! All great points! I have a 5 things I love video which I really call out the amazing things about this bike. Actually I had a bobber version which I loved, it was a passion project for sure. I think Yamaha did it right over the Harleys for sure. Thanks for watching!
the wobble is caused by the tires not being balanced i have a 2020 bolt and there is no wobble at all and i have rode my bolt for about 6 hrs 3 hrs one way and 3 hrs back and i never had a problem
It is weird for sure. Lots of different opinions on this. Wheel bearings, rubber triple tree bushings, tires not balanced. In this case the tires are as the rear is brand new and the front was rebalanced at the same time.. odd for sure!
@@UrbanMoto I replaced the stock steering head bearings for All-Balls tapered racing bearings and the wobble is completely gone! It was really bad before and thats the only thing I changed.
@@UrbanMoto the neck bearings are plastic. Replace thise with real ones and that wobble goes away. Seriously doubt it's tires not being balanced. Bolts are known for cheap plastic neck bearings that cause the "death wobble".
The best cruiser bikes according to me 1. Kawasaki Vulcan S 2. Honda Rebel 500 3. Kawasaki Vulcan classic LT 4. Yamaha Bolt 5. Harley davidson Iron These are best beginners and budget friendly cruiser motorcycles
First of all, the front fender is backwards. Lol. But second, how can stiffening the handlebar mount solve a problem that happens only when you let go of the handlebars? Do you think the bars themselves are resonating? I would expect the rubber mounts to reduce that, but it would depend on the weight towards the end of the bars. But as someone else said, lots of bikes use rubber bushings. Perhaps they hit a sweet spot of steering geometry and handlebar size/position, which might explain why changing bars helped in your case. After I changed tires on mine, the issue almost completely disappeared, still using factory bars. But I always have at least one hand on the grips anyway, so it has never been an issue for me unless I test it purposely
Lots of good points. Like I said I’m the video to could be tired or wheel bearings? It’s my buddy’s bike so good catch on the fender haha never noticed that 🤣 thanks for watching and the feedback!
I bought a brand new Star Bolt thinking it would be the perfect last bike to have but was really dissapointed with it. There is not much ground clearance for cornering so it scrapes round most corners the rear suspension is dire, it neads a higher top gear I couldnt see the speedo in daylight and being digital numbers you can't take a quick glance so you have to look at it for a couple of seconds which made me feel unsafe. The seat was uncomfortable and the pointy bit at the front caught my jacket when I was getting off. Its only 51bhp and for a 950cc is poor performance and its not exactly light, it also feels unstable at high motorway speeds so after its first service I sold it.
have a bolt for 3 or 4 yrs and never had a front wobble, met some other bolt owners and they never as well, mine is a 2017, wonder why some do and some dont ??
I do not know. Yamaha never publicly called out the issue but I know a lot of Bolt riders that have it and some that don't. Very odd that they wouldn't globally fix this issue? hmmmm
I bolt never has a death wobble. That's because I follow the manufacturer's instructions to check the steering head bearings annually, and adjust to the correct setting with a tension wrench. I also balance my front wheel. Some people either never check it, or the bash it tight with a hammer and chisel. Then they complain about the death wobble. yes they do need a sixth gear, but in saying that, they have plenty of torque and don't need to be so low geared. Go up 2 teeth on the front pulley and the problem is solved. Norton 850 Commando's were the same. You had to gear them up to unleash their true potential.
I love my bolt , no wobble, eady upgrades, not as pricey as Harley and able yo really customize without killing the pocketbook. But everyone has there opinions. Thanks for yhe vid.
It was a bike I was borrowing from a friend. My Bolt didn't wobble that bad. I dunno. Could have been bearings, tires etc. Still though lots of folks out there have that issue.
Who is it that makes the forward controls? It's sounded q little muffled when you named the company, and I really want some forward controls lol thanks in advance
This bike may be great for some. But can't remember sitting on a bike more uncomfortable than this bike. It's built for small people. It feels like a mini bike to my 6'3" frame. Now if your under 5'10" it may work for you.
Coming from nothing and looking for a first bike, I like this but it has many shortcomings. It feels strange to pay the same for a used bolt than something used with abs, better instruments, water cooling, and doesnt death wobble.
I agree! There are a lot better options out there. BUT I will say for the price you do get a lot and there are so many ways to customize to your style.
@@UrbanMoto it’s grown on me. For the bikes intended use of zipping through town and backroad ripping, it’s perfect. Highway is kinda revved out unless You stay under 75.
Not that it matters much since the Bolt was discontinued in my market in 2020 (new emissions regulations, ugh!), but: I'm still of two minds about the thing. I'm sure it's a better motorcycle than comparable Harleys - as lots of Japanese cruisers are/were, but, at the end of the day, you'll still be riding a Yamaha. If your heart's really set on an H-D and you want all that history and antiquated-ness of the brand, the Yamaha won't do it for you. I did own and ride a metric cruiser in the mid/late 90s while a few of my buddies were on H-Ds and it wasn't even a close call when it came to ride-ability, power/performance, etc - the Japanese bike would run rings around the Harleys and I always had to go easy on the throttle if I didn't want to leave the Fat Boys behind when we were riding together. And it was only a puny 800cc Kawa that, on paper, only made marginally more power than the Evo. Still: There were moments when I felt like I really, *really* would've preferred a "real" H-D for all the wrong reasons. Like an engine that seemed to want to jump out of the frame while idling or a transmission that would give off that "clunk" when you put it in gear. Of course, that usually only lasted until I jumped on one of their US bikes and found out just how terrible they felt if you wanted to do anything but chug along in a straight line at 60 to 80 kph... :D
Bolt should just come standard with a better seat rather than the need to buy a better seat. I'm not willing to sit through all the reasons why you hate the Bolt. Basically the Bolt is something not worth buying.
I heard that the wobble was caused by sub part neck bearings. Supposedly swapping them to all balls racing neck bearings fixes that
That death wobble scares the shit out of me as potential new rider.
It’ll be fine just ride safe! Keep both hands on bars!
@@UrbanMoto both hands on, let off throttle, progressive braking. Oh and don't ride like a psycho.
You have to understand motorcycle TH-cam videos and negative examples. Exaggerated and not completely accurate. People are lazy and just say something. Like my Ducati Scrambler and the heat that comes off it. Um, yeah, like .000001% of my experience.
@@UrbanMoto This kind of wobble do it vibrate and make your hand feel numbness at high speed?
CBR900RR and TL1000S owner..."cough" 😂
1. Personally never had seat problems but I get it.
2. Sure the stock sucks, but that’s easily changed. I run ss forward controls and drag bars. I find the position decent and not uncomfortable.
3. ALL BALLS RACING BEARINGS FOR THE STEM. Cures that wobble atleast did for me.
4. The tranny is fine for what the bike was designed for. “In town bombing” a 6 speed would make the bikes biggest REAL DOWNFALL worse. (3 gallon tank)
5. Gotta pay to play in any class.
6. The weight bothers you? It’s a mid weight bike. Is what it is. It’s only heavy if your used to a grom or something like that.
**** The honest only real problem with the bolt is it’s fuel capacity and range. Can’t hit the highway and get to far without the low fuel light popping to take the fun away. But, again for what it was designed for, the capacity makes sense.
Your not gonna buy a Bolt and somehow make it compare with a gold wing. It’s a fantastic bike! But know it’s not a do everything Swiss Army knife, it’s more of a boot knife.
I should note: I own a 2017 bolt r-spec bought new.
Vance and Hines vo2 intake, Dean speed “just the tip” slip on, Ivan’s flash, ss forward controls, drag bars and the Koso TNT-B meter... (I like an analog tach) 13k miles of which maybe 300 highway. I use it to get back and forth to work and play around every once a while.
As much as I wish for more power etc etc. I would be doing that on any bike. If I’m completely honest with myself, other than rider position, the bike is kinda perfect as is and will carry many riders happily during the occasional sunny day and fair riding.
In other words anything you buy. Regardless car, bike, boat, you will find things you hate, love and wanna change. Enjoy the journey.
I don’t disagree! All great points! I have a 5 things I love video which I really call out the amazing things about this bike. Actually I had a bobber version which I loved, it was a passion project for sure. I think Yamaha did it right over the Harleys for sure. Thanks for watching!
@@UrbanMoto cheers!
came right at me lol I’m looking at getting a bolt for my second bike after owning a grom for a year 😂
the wobble is caused by the tires not being balanced i have a 2020 bolt and there is no wobble at all and i have rode my bolt for about 6 hrs 3 hrs one way and 3 hrs back and i never had a problem
It is weird for sure. Lots of different opinions on this. Wheel bearings, rubber triple tree bushings, tires not balanced. In this case the tires are as the rear is brand new and the front was rebalanced at the same time.. odd for sure!
@@UrbanMoto I replaced the stock steering head bearings for All-Balls tapered racing bearings and the wobble is completely gone! It was really bad before and thats the only thing I changed.
I heard it's completely gone on the new generation bikes
@@UrbanMoto the neck bearings are plastic. Replace thise with real ones and that wobble goes away. Seriously doubt it's tires not being balanced. Bolts are known for cheap plastic neck bearings that cause the "death wobble".
I ( Thank Goodness) never had the death wobble. But I agree 100% with a 6 speed.
The best cruiser bikes according to me
1. Kawasaki Vulcan S
2. Honda Rebel 500
3. Kawasaki Vulcan classic LT
4. Yamaha Bolt
5. Harley davidson Iron
These are best beginners and budget friendly cruiser motorcycles
Shadow didn’t make it on there?
@@coledeleon405 my apologies, I will rate it beside Kawasaki vulkan classic
Shadow should also be on this list, The bolt is a sharp bike. But the shadow needs to be on your list. Harleys are cool….. But not reliable.
First of all, the front fender is backwards. Lol. But second, how can stiffening the handlebar mount solve a problem that happens only when you let go of the handlebars? Do you think the bars themselves are resonating? I would expect the rubber mounts to reduce that, but it would depend on the weight towards the end of the bars. But as someone else said, lots of bikes use rubber bushings. Perhaps they hit a sweet spot of steering geometry and handlebar size/position, which might explain why changing bars helped in your case.
After I changed tires on mine, the issue almost completely disappeared, still using factory bars. But I always have at least one hand on the grips anyway, so it has never been an issue for me unless I test it purposely
Lots of good points. Like I said I’m the video to could be tired or wheel bearings? It’s my buddy’s bike so good catch on the fender haha never noticed that 🤣 thanks for watching and the feedback!
I bought a brand new Star Bolt thinking it would be the perfect last bike to have but was really dissapointed with it. There is not much ground clearance for cornering so it scrapes round most corners the rear suspension is dire, it neads a higher top gear I couldnt see the speedo in daylight and being digital numbers you can't take a quick glance so you have to look at it for a couple of seconds which made me feel unsafe. The seat was uncomfortable and the pointy bit at the front caught my jacket when I was getting off. Its only 51bhp and for a 950cc is poor performance and its not exactly light, it also feels unstable at high motorway speeds so after its first service I sold it.
have a bolt for 3 or 4 yrs and never had a front wobble, met some other bolt owners and they never as well, mine is a 2017, wonder why some do and some dont ??
I do not know. Yamaha never publicly called out the issue but I know a lot of Bolt riders that have it and some that don't. Very odd that they wouldn't globally fix this issue? hmmmm
I bolt never has a death wobble. That's because I follow the manufacturer's instructions to check the steering head bearings annually, and adjust to the correct setting with a tension wrench. I also balance my front wheel. Some people either never check it, or the bash it tight with a hammer and chisel. Then they complain about the death wobble. yes they do need a sixth gear, but in saying that, they have plenty of torque and don't need to be so low geared. Go up 2 teeth on the front pulley and the problem is solved. Norton 850 Commando's were the same. You had to gear them up to unleash their true potential.
I wish I knew how to do that I’m buying a 2016 bolt next week🤣
I have a 2017 scr scrambler basically the same bike and I have had absolutely no death wobble at all?
Do you like the SCR? I want a vintage looking cafe racer with modern amenities.
I just bought ot 3 weeks ago. Can you please tell me if is normal that the exhaust is to hot that it is almost burning my right knee?????
I think that wobble is your wheel or neck bearings. Lots of bikes have rubber mounted bars and don’t do that
Very well could be. I had the wobble on my old Bolt as well. The washers fixed it almost 99%.
The first Sportster was the K model 1952
The wobble sounds like a proper recall buddy
Thank you, my friend ! That was SO HELPFUL!
Very welcome!
I love my bolt , no wobble, eady upgrades, not as pricey as Harley and able yo really customize without killing the pocketbook. But everyone has there opinions. Thanks for yhe vid.
I can't handle the heat when I sit on traffic on a hot day , way too hot
Death wobble? I had new tyres put on 'Avon Cobras'. No death wobble. Job done. Other people say changing the headstock bearings cures it as well.
It was a bike I was borrowing from a friend. My Bolt didn't wobble that bad. I dunno. Could have been bearings, tires etc. Still though lots of folks out there have that issue.
Who is it that makes the forward controls? It's sounded q little muffled when you named the company, and I really want some forward controls lol thanks in advance
He wrote it in the clip in black it’s S.S Custom Cycles
@@ananiahg9069 Thanks!
This bike may be great for some. But can't remember sitting on a bike more uncomfortable than this bike.
It's built for small people. It feels like a mini bike to my 6'3" frame. Now if your under 5'10" it may work for you.
I can see that - I'm 5'7 and it fits me well, but can imagine this is not great bike for anyone your height
Idk I'm 6 foot and I feel comfortable on it
Coming from nothing and looking for a first bike, I like this but it has many shortcomings. It feels strange to pay the same for a used bolt than something used with abs, better instruments, water cooling, and doesnt death wobble.
I agree! There are a lot better options out there. BUT I will say for the price you do get a lot and there are so many ways to customize to your style.
its discontinued for the bolt R
appreciate paperwork
This bike sound like a nightmare compared to its peers. No wonder they are so available near me.
Don’t let go of the bars 😂
Neck bearings change them to all balls no more death wobble
No gear and fuel Cap indicator and a small size fuel tank. I don't like them from my opinion
Great points also!
Yamaha's Sportster !!!!!
if this bike got death wobble i don't think so the gov allow to import this bike in the country
And yet here it is and a LOT of people have the same issue. This wasn’t my bike but I have heard many others having this issue.
I have a sportster fron 73 so you a bit off bud
Your correct on the original but the 1200 came out in 88, which was more the comparison. Thanks for watching 🤙🏻
@@UrbanMoto I bought a new Harley 1200 Sportster in 79
@@hollissowers8428 I was just going off the good ole googles. Not a big Harley guy. 🤷♂️
Your weights are off - the 1200 sporster is 564 pounds, the 883 is 545 and the Bolt is 542
There is vibration on the handlebars after 50 km/h and of course death wobble. I've met people who couldn't find their solution.
no need for a 6 speed...just change the pulleys
Don’t think I’d like this bike as much with a 5 speed
5spd does indeed suck
@@UrbanMoto it’s grown on me. For the bikes intended use of zipping through town and backroad ripping, it’s perfect. Highway is kinda revved out unless You stay under 75.
They really need to improve the performance, today its a slow bike
Not that it matters much since the Bolt was discontinued in my market in 2020 (new emissions regulations, ugh!), but: I'm still of two minds about the thing. I'm sure it's a better motorcycle than comparable Harleys - as lots of Japanese cruisers are/were, but, at the end of the day, you'll still be riding a Yamaha. If your heart's really set on an H-D and you want all that history and antiquated-ness of the brand, the Yamaha won't do it for you.
I did own and ride a metric cruiser in the mid/late 90s while a few of my buddies were on H-Ds and it wasn't even a close call when it came to ride-ability, power/performance, etc - the Japanese bike would run rings around the Harleys and I always had to go easy on the throttle if I didn't want to leave the Fat Boys behind when we were riding together. And it was only a puny 800cc Kawa that, on paper, only made marginally more power than the Evo. Still: There were moments when I felt like I really, *really* would've preferred a "real" H-D for all the wrong reasons. Like an engine that seemed to want to jump out of the frame while idling or a transmission that would give off that "clunk" when you put it in gear. Of course, that usually only lasted until I jumped on one of their US bikes and found out just how terrible they felt if you wanted to do anything but chug along in a straight line at 60 to 80 kph... :D
I'll add that the stock air cleaner is ugly and jabs your knee space.
Every single air filter does that in the bolt!
@@UrbanMoto yup, exactly.
hmmm not gonna buy this...thx man for the warning
It's a glorified Virago they tried to clone a Harley
Snap editing sucks
Appreciate the constructive feedback 👍🏻😉
Bolt should just come standard with a better seat rather than the need to buy a better seat. I'm not willing to sit through all the reasons why you hate the Bolt. Basically the Bolt is something not worth buying.
Your so wrong. I bet if TH-cam showed dislikes still I would not need to tell you.