This may be my favorite motorcycle review. You come across as a human with practical needs and not someone whose entire identity is around being “a motorcycle guy” to whom gear ratios, horsepower, torque, etc are all that matters. You hit the truly salient points for a man who just wants to get out there, ride, and have real adventures. Also, your trip sounds dope; and seems like it must have been from all those stickers you collected. 🤙
I'm very drawn to the Bolt as I love the look of the Evo-powered Harley-Davidson Sportster which the Bolt cloned. One reviewer pointed out how many mods you can make to the Bolt using assorted Harley-Davidson parts that simply bolt on. I would replace that air cleaner on day one. I ride a Victory Cross Roads Classic, but wasn't to move back down to a lighter cruiser. I would also prefer a mid controls setup at 6'2" with my 32" inseam so I'm focused on the Yamaha Bolt Scrambler. It has a higher seat height to make those mid controls more comfortable for a tall guy. My main concern is the comfort /vibration at speeds above 70 mph. Traditionally, the entry level cruisers vibrate a lot at higher speeds to push their owners to move to bigger bikes. How is the Bolt at 70, 80, and 90 mph?
Thank you for showing me a review of a bike you have personal experience with. I hate when people have them for 30 minutes and talk about everything they don't like when they aren't used to the bike and don't understand it
Phenomenal review! What I love about your video is that you don't base your review on popping wheelies or going around the block for 20 minutes, you actually rode this machine, traveled great distances on it which is what motorcycling is to me. I watched many reviews of the Yamaha Bolt over the past few weeks with a prospect of getting one. But it's after watching your video that the deal got sealed for me. I just bought a brand new 2020 Bolt R-Spec a last week and it's bloody amazing. Thanks for your awesome review and thoughtful input. Ride safe!
This is all sooo great to hear because I just bought a 2014 bolt with 9500 miles on it for a pretty good deal. I'm really glad to hear that they are this dependable and well built. I always knew that they were supposed to be good bikes, that's why I sought one out, but to hear that it withstood a 10,000 mile trip so well and with no issues is very comforting. Now I really feel like I made a good decision in buying one.
Haha! I can't remember saying to go to auto zone? But I get the oil changes there lol having all the gear is too restrictive and cumbersome. I know I should wear it all, and I'll probably regret not some day, but it's much more comfortable to just t shirt and shorts go cruising.
I had a Kawasaki er6n 2013 and when from Quebec to P-E-I, then Maine it held very well and last week I bought the Yamaha bolt r-spec 2021, and I saw your video couldn’t be more happy to hear that !
Been always interested in motorcycles, went to a dealership to look at them for the first time ever last week. Saw the Yamaha bolt and absolutely loved the look and style, after this review I’m definitely gonna make this my first bike
I got a 2016, got it brand new and it did come with a backseat and foot pegs. In case that's a deal breaker for anyone... Also, I've done two 5k-7k km trips so far and I'll do another soon.i really like it. Not your typical touring bike that's for sure, but I'm not looking for that. One thing that was important to me was changing the seat. On my first trip my ass was sore after every day. Got a Corbin seat and on the next trip did 600-700km a day with no problems. Also worth noting is that you'll have to stop for fuel about every 1.5- 2 hours depending how fast you drive. I don't mind since I wanna stretch the legs after that time anyways, but some people might...
strange times never were, you all just believed everything the media and politicians stuffed down your throats! Stop following the dangling carrot! Thats what the mule, donkey or horse does when its master wants it to obey!
It's super encouraging to see you sitting comfortably with the seat height and foot controls where they are. I love this bike but at 6'4" I've been nervous about it being too squishy. Thanks for sharing.
Great review. I only recently heard about the Bolt and it looks like a great bike! The guy whose Harley sputtered going through CO must have had a carbureted bike. I rode my fuel-injected Dyna from SoCal to Sturgis and it never coughed, wheezed, sputtered or nothing from the desert to the Rockies, and across the Plains.. That was my first fuel injected bike and it gave me a ton of confidence in the system.
Yup, Yamahas are Bullet proof. Had a virago for 3 yrs, ( Honda for 8 yrs before that)....now the Bolt. Awesome bike .60 HP, pulls like a jet taking off , through all of the gears, Brakes are awesome. Weight distribution is awesome, the C of G is between your ankles , not between your knees, so the weight is low slung. 35 Degree lean L&R . not a peg scraper. Awesome bike. Would prefer analogue speedo though on this one.. Virago had analogue, I miss it. 29 degree rake makes it very flickable and easy to avoid issues at 65 ~70 mph. Also makes it easy to do the "Slow-traffic" crawl when needed without doing a Duck-walk for whatever miles....pick up your feet and,,,, well ...crawl along. Being air cooled means no coolant issues.or bugs and rad issues either.Just start and ride....Just a remark on the Vid.... looks like you took the peanut tank from an HD 48 and stuck it on the bike and then crimped the sides inward..... I hope that's an illusion and not an intentional insult to the ride.. lol . Stay Safe W
I found the Bolt to be a little small for me, and I don't really care for EFI. I have used my 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which is physically larger than the Bolt, and has shaft drive, for an adventure touring bike for almost 20 years. I have ridden it on dirt and gravel roads, through mud, rain, sleet, snow, and it has held up fine. It now has 119,000 miles on it and still runs like new. Out of almost 50 bikes I've owned during the past 46 years, the Vulcan 750 is the most comfortable. I'm on my second one. My first one, a 1993 model, got run over and destroyed by a truck in a parking lot, with over 90,000 miles on it. If they still made them I'd be buying another new one.
I bought a 2018 off the showroom floor cause of this guy and I love my bike all I did was throw a straight pipe shorty on it sounds awesome and super reliable
I am so glad to see a Sportster style metric bike that has mid-controls. It seems so many of them want to go for the forward-control cruiser look. At least Sportster offers both. In my case, my bad back will not allow me to ride with forward controls without sending me to the ER. I can ride all day on my standard Sportster but I can't ride 15 minutes on my buddy's Sportster Custom with forwards. I'm not brand loyal and although I love my Sportster, this looks like it may be moving into my garage with my Sportster.
I've finally saved up enough for an Indian Scout Bobber and all I keep seeing are reviews saying the Bolt is a better deal and just as fun to ride. Guys like you are not making my life easier...but maybe making it better.
Love Yamahas, my Vstar 650 is an 03 with 31k miles on it and still tickin, rode hard and put away wet, revved cold, left in the snow. Clutch slips when cold a bit but maybe bc I haven’t changed the oil this season 😝 things are dang honeybadgers
I have a SCR950 same bike. I rode it from California to Florida. Great bikes. Really need a 6th gear if your going to be doing long distance riding. But great reliable bikes. Super fun to ride.
A great review... one of the best accolades for the bike since you just did that 10k trip. I think I have finally found my next bike for next spring (Germany). Thanks man!
I just got the exact Bolt as my first bike. I have to eventually get a windscreen for long rides. I got mine with the rear seat and rest, passenger pegs, crash guards and phone mount already on. I got a good deal.
I took mine 2000 miles around Spain and it was a joy to ride. I made my own rack out of two pillion seat brackets and the seat from an old garden chair.
@@globalvagrant1392 I found that if you take a second pillion seat bracket, reverse it (you have to enlarge a mounting hole a tiny bit) and fit, the tops of the two brackets make a perfectly flat surface.
Dude. I love how you "uglied" this thing up. It looks bad ass. I'm quite envious of your 10,000 mile trip. I rode out to California once. It was sweet. I also got a kick out of you flat out admitting that you abused your bike and that you have a turn signal out. Bravo! Hell yeah!
Thanks brotha! Haha yeah man I did abuse that thing. So many sketch rocky dirt roads that i would have been screwed if something went wrong. Great times though
Great vid - you need to do one from the trip if you have footage. I have a 2014 Bolt Raven. Some of the same mods as you - Shorty exhaust, Memphis Shades El Paso shield, engine guards, luggage rack, naked air cleaner, fuel pack, fork bag and that’s it. 18k miles and no probs - first 4 years I had it, had to run a 2 mile gravel road to get in and out of my place. Plenty of power, smooth clutch and positive shifting. Runs good on the highway - very solid and grounded. I’m 5’9 and 250 lbs and it fits me perfect. You should def get engine guards and hwy pegs - you will love them.
How did you go about installing the shorty exhaust? I hear people weld it to the cut stock pipe while others got better hardware to wrap around the two pipes.
Thanks for the honest review. Looks like you ran it hard and it held up. I'm in Oregon and planning a trip to southern California and was wondering how it would do..... now I know. THANKS!!
Good review man. I'm looking to get my first bike, and I'm torn between a few different bikes, but a Yamaha Bolt is definitely something I'm considering. I really like those Indian Scout Bobbers too.
Very cool video. I have the same exact bike. Same color, rear seat pad, sissy bar, and rear pegs. Vance and Hines pipes and Vance and Hines air intake tho. Would like to put some bags on it and a windscreen and do some long rides on it. Your video inspired me.
great comments, I'm feeling the same thing.. I'm in grand juncrion, co, I've lived in leadville,co & it seems you've been there too. 2 questions: 1. what yr bolt you got? you never mentioned it. & when you say you got it used, doesn't help me guess. 2. it'd be nice to see the traveling add.ons you've connected to the bike. ie. side & rear sections. thanx again, great job!!
Loved Your video and the review. Got My used 2016 Yamaha 950 this year, and i am loving it big time. My wife drives a 2006 883 spoorster and i have being riding it a few times. Not for my. It´s My second bike. Greetings from Denmark
Nice review brother. I am going to buy one motorcycle in December, I am still undecided between a sportster, bolt, nightster, or even a Vulcan. I really like the bolt, but I have heard that those bikes don't keep their value, I don't want to loose it a lot when I want to sell it. Still have to think that, but they are nice looking bikes.
Thanks man! Yeah idk if they lose too much value. If you find a good deal on a used one you won't lose much when you sell it i wouldn't think. I like the way the sportster looks too though
Having had yamaha dirtbikes for over 20 years. There is no where I wouldn't take them without a concern of it breaking down . Pretty reliable bikes. Not sure about the comfort on such short suspension of a cruiser . It won't die...thats for sure.
Great review on the Yamaha Bolt. I'll be getting one in the December. I love the mirrors and would like to know where did you get them from? You should list your upgrades and where viewers can purchase them.
Great video. I’ve been looking for this type of bike for a while. I’ m not a cruiser person but the slighter lower (not too low) seat and neutral peg position (not keen on the forward style pegs) and arelatively lightweight bike looks good. I have a Suzuki Bandit and a GSXF 1000 F. I’m now 79 and 5.9” and looking for something with a bit more comfort in my old age time to part with the "Bandit". I’ve looked at lots of U Tube videos on the Bolt but this one of yours is really good and informative. Its what I’m looking for! Although not ridden one yet . Thanks again. Graham, Bundaberg, Australia..
Thank you for sharing your review. I am a Honda Rebel owner and looking to upgrade so your honest review on the Bolt was helpful. As a professional shooter guy myself, could I make a recommendation to some of your future video reviews? Did you mention that your brother is your film guy in this video? When you're standing next to your bike doing your piece on camera like you are in this video (with the awesome BMW in the background of course), could I suggest that you set up your frame/shot up on a tripod? If your brother prefers to handhold the camera, could I recommend that you get a gimbal or stabiliser (something like a Zhiyun Crane or Ronin S). You move and sway and step forward and backwards and all of that is totally fine. When your brother makes similar movements while holding a camera that obviously has little to no internal camera stabilisation, it creates this jerky movement around the frame that you're in. When you combine your movements together with his, some say that it can create a motion sickness feeling or that the jerkiness is a distraction to your videos. Watch 15 seconds from 8:38 as an example (look at the quick, jerks and bumps at the edges of the frame/screen). Just thought I would offer this advice as you may not have noticed it before. You have a really engaging persona so keep creating this type of content! 😎 P.S. Very nice bike too by the way!
Are you the old school rebel? I owned those for forever, and loved them. I like the new design too though. Thanks for the encouragement and advice! My brother is not a videographer by any means lol usually I'm just a tripod guy. I need to grab myself a nice fluid head tripod so I can get some smooth motion.
@@globalvagrant1392 I hear that the old school rebels are legendary! I have only been riding for 2 years, so my first purchase was the newer Rebel models right out from the dealer. I actually just sold it though and am now the proud owner of a Bolt. I bought a 2017 model, but it has only 750 miles on it, so it is pretty much brand new! I have a few accessories coming in from the US, but aside from that, this is a great bike! Everything you said about your Bolt is spot on! You're welcome for the feedback. As for the fluid head, those are great, but can also be expensive. You could always just save your money, and sit your camera on a $15 tripod and get your brother or you to shoot close -ups of what you are talking about after your piece to camera. What program do you use to edit your footage, I might be able to help!? Keep having fun shooting and I look forward to seeing how you piece together your next video! :)
man i have a yamaha bolt, if u do a trip like this again id love to come with you, I'm in California , brother I even I have the same bar bag, lemme come I've been in quarantine for 6 months I am over it.
I love my Bolt too! Built to be modified. Also, if you buy it new, (at least in the UK) it does come with the rear seat and pegs as standard. the previous owner lied to you... Great Video though
Maybe it is a UK thing or an option at some dealers. I looked at a couple at dealers near me and they were all naked. I bet your back rest and seat are better quality too
Nice review! Did you find the offset of the rear cylinder or the air box sticking out made the seating position unbalanced or uncomfortable at all? I love the look of this bike but at a glance it doesn't look hugely symmetrical.
You have a point, it doesn't look symmetrical in that regard. I think that is part of what makes it look so mad max, but you don't notice it driving or at least I dont lol both legs are in the same position on either side of the bike. When I'm getting rained on I clench the bike with my knees and lean forward, but even then dont notice anything odd about the way it feels.
Just went on another 7k mile trip with the bolt and a friend, who was on a young shadow phantom. His broke down in Idaho and the bolt didn't skip a beat, again. The bolt has been one of the most reliable things I have ever owned lol
@@globalvagrant1392 dang, now I really need one. The Bolt in my mind has been one of those small bikes I was skeptical about it being able to tour on, but since seeing you just did a 7k trip after doing a 10k on a bolt, I think it would make a perfect starter bike.
Oh yeah great starter bike. I started on a Honda rebel 250 and drove it for years lol but it always gave me chain problems. The belt on the bolt still has tension on it like it's new and I've put 30k on it. My biggest complaint is the clearance is low so I can't hug turns as tight as I'd like. There are other bikes that would be more comfortable for the type trips I've been doing as well.
The guy's Harley-Davidson that sputtered out in the Rockies probably had a carburetor instead of EFI. The carb cannot readjust itself like EFI can. Apples to oranges in technology. All newer model Harley-Davidson's have EFI.
Hey man! Great review! Do you have a video about the route you took during your trip? Or a map you could share? I am planning a road trip around the states as well.
Ah unfortunately I dont have it mapped out. I drove from Alabama through Mississippi and Texas out to New Mexico Arizona area then drove around a lot in Utah and Colorado. Headed up to Montana and Idaho back down to Utah back up in Montana then through the Dakotas and back down to Alabama. I think that covers most of it lol Utah is probably my favorite state to drive around. Colorado and Arizona had some great views as well though
Hey man, I just got this bike and I’ve been kind of getting mixed responses so I figured I’d ask since you have had such extensive experience with it, but I take around an hour commute Every day and I’ve been keeping it around 80 mph since my commute is almost entirely freeway. It seems to get pretty high in the RPMs just based off of sound and I just wanted to know your experience with how fast you were able to go for how long
I'll drive to about 120 miles before the light comes on, then I'm not sure how much further it will go. I think I've put maybe 15 or 20 on it after that. I carried fuel on one of the trips, but I never needed it.
Hi I love how you have your bolt set up. I was just wondering if you could send a link or a name of the things you use to hold your things on your bike ( all the bags and luggage boxes)
Glad you liked the setup! Unfortunately I cant link the saddle bags. My brother and I welded the frames together out of some scrap metal, and I mounted some harbor freight tool boxes to it.
Its comfortable to me. I routinely take her for 2 hour or so drives and I dont think its uncomfortable as far as how it sits and arm and leg positions. Probably my biggest complaint is the shocks, they're pretty bad. You definitely feel a crap road.
Ehh its hard to say. I dont remember it being too bad on the trip. I started noticing it when I got back. Maybe because most of the road trip was high speeds on highways. Now I cruise around a lot of alabama roads
You can’t blame them for wanting to keep,their citizens safe from Covid. It’s what our leaders should be doing! But, I want to make a run to see friends from High School myself. I love the way it looks too! It looks more like a Sportster than a Sportster. Now for the big question, did you experience any wobble in the front wheel? A lot of people have reported a death wobble. Some guys say replacing the front tire solved the problem, while other say switching to tapered rollers bearings on the front fork head.
I have a like new 2016 and live in Medellin Colombia. Thinking about moving to Buneos Aires. think of a coast to coast ride. How do you think it would do?
Global Vagrant can’t remember which right now, but just make sure the terminals line up in the bottom first before you grind, so you can still mount it with one pin
These videos I keep seeing about the Bolt want me to trade in my bike and get one. What was the most amount of miles did you on one day? Also would you comfortability was good? Plus sorry we did not let you in to Canada you should back another time.
Great review. I'm 6.1' to and thinking of buying one. Tell me more about highway speeds. Some say that the bike could do with 6th gear otherwise screams like crazy.
This bike is rock solid man! I have one myself lol! Great content by the way, and oh yeah where did you buy your fork rubber boots? Would you mind giving me the link ? Thanks bro! Ride Safe!!
This may be my favorite motorcycle review. You come across as a human with practical needs and not someone whose entire identity is around being “a motorcycle guy” to whom gear ratios, horsepower, torque, etc are all that matters. You hit the truly salient points for a man who just wants to get out there, ride, and have real adventures. Also, your trip sounds dope; and seems like it must have been from all those stickers you collected. 🤙
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm very drawn to the Bolt as I love the look of the Evo-powered Harley-Davidson Sportster which the Bolt cloned. One reviewer pointed out how many mods you can make to the Bolt using assorted Harley-Davidson parts that simply bolt on. I would replace that air cleaner on day one.
I ride a Victory Cross Roads Classic, but wasn't to move back down to a lighter cruiser. I would also prefer a mid controls setup at 6'2" with my 32" inseam so I'm focused on the Yamaha Bolt Scrambler. It has a higher seat height to make those mid controls more comfortable for a tall guy. My main concern is the comfort /vibration at speeds above 70 mph. Traditionally, the entry level cruisers vibrate a lot at higher speeds to push their owners to move to bigger bikes. How is the Bolt at 70, 80, and 90 mph?
Thank you for showing me a review of a bike you have personal experience with. I hate when people have them for 30 minutes and talk about everything they don't like when they aren't used to the bike and don't understand it
Phenomenal review! What I love about your video is that you don't base your review on popping wheelies or going around the block for 20 minutes, you actually rode this machine, traveled great distances on it which is what motorcycling is to me. I watched many reviews of the Yamaha Bolt over the past few weeks with a prospect of getting one. But it's after watching your video that the deal got sealed for me. I just bought a brand new 2020 Bolt R-Spec a last week and it's bloody amazing. Thanks for your awesome review and thoughtful input. Ride safe!
Thank you so much for the feedback! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video, and I know you are going to love your bolt!
This is all sooo great to hear because I just bought a 2014 bolt with 9500 miles on it for a pretty good deal. I'm really glad to hear that they are this dependable and well built. I always knew that they were supposed to be good bikes, that's why I sought one out, but to hear that it withstood a 10,000 mile trip so well and with no issues is very comforting. Now I really feel like I made a good decision in buying one.
Recently finished another 7k mile road trip. Still holding up the same too
how much did you buy it for? looking to get one myself
I picked mine up used for 3200. I got a great deal though
Same here, got a 2015 R spec with 2000 miles, this bike is a little beast, now all I need is Forward controls and im all set
Those 950 engines are bulletproof.
I believe it now
@@globalvagrant1392
Why in the hell are you riding a bike with sandals and shorts? Lol
@@globalvagrant1392
Also, why would anyone go to Autozone for motorcycle parts? The word 'auto' is literally in their name. Lol
Haha! I can't remember saying to go to auto zone? But I get the oil changes there lol having all the gear is too restrictive and cumbersome. I know I should wear it all, and I'll probably regret not some day, but it's much more comfortable to just t shirt and shorts go cruising.
I had a Kawasaki er6n 2013 and when from Quebec to P-E-I, then Maine it held very well and last week I bought the Yamaha bolt r-spec 2021, and I saw your video couldn’t be more happy to hear that !
Been always interested in motorcycles, went to a dealership to look at them for the first time ever last week. Saw the Yamaha bolt and absolutely loved the look and style, after this review I’m definitely gonna make this my first bike
I got a 2016, got it brand new and it did come with a backseat and foot pegs. In case that's a deal breaker for anyone...
Also, I've done two 5k-7k km trips so far and I'll do another soon.i really like it. Not your typical touring bike that's for sure, but I'm not looking for that. One thing that was important to me was changing the seat. On my first trip my ass was sore after every day. Got a Corbin seat and on the next trip did 600-700km a day with no problems.
Also worth noting is that you'll have to stop for fuel about every 1.5- 2 hours depending how fast you drive. I don't mind since I wanna stretch the legs after that time anyways, but some people might...
I've been looking at this and the Vulcan S. The mere fact this has a parallel twin and SOUNDS AMAZING, makes me want this one more.
Did you end up deciding? I’m also comparing them and the Vulvan is a better machine in almost every way, but the bolt has personality.
10k mile trip😳dude that sounds awesome...
Bike looks incredibly good man. You're more than welcome in Canada once these strange times are over.
strange times never were, you all just believed everything the media and politicians stuffed down your throats! Stop following the dangling carrot! Thats what the mule, donkey or horse does when its master wants it to obey!
@@jtarman70 Doug Ford and Trudope can lick the inside of an unclean truck stop toilet bowl.
I’m most impressed by you being able to drive that much on the factory seat
It's super encouraging to see you sitting comfortably with the seat height and foot controls where they are. I love this bike but at 6'4" I've been nervous about it being too squishy. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah 6'4" might be a bit tall, but maybe forward controls would make it alright. I want forward controls myself
Belts can go an easy 100K miles. I love the Bolt, currently have 2HD's, one with 106K miles, the other 75K miles, no problems.
Thats some great news
Great job dude! I did a 20k mile review and found very similar points. Keep up the videos!
Thanks man I really appreciate the encouraging feedback! I'm already itching to do another road trip on her lol
Great review. I only recently heard about the Bolt and it looks like a great bike! The guy whose Harley sputtered going through CO must have had a carbureted bike. I rode my fuel-injected Dyna from SoCal to Sturgis and it never coughed, wheezed, sputtered or nothing from the desert to the Rockies, and across the Plains.. That was my first fuel injected bike and it gave me a ton of confidence in the system.
Nice video! You're the main reason ill be getting this bike... Nothing beats riding in faith and reliability.
Thanks! You will love it
So good to see a review of someone my height that just did what I'm planning to do to this bike. Exactly what I wanted to see.
Yup, Yamahas are Bullet proof. Had a virago for 3 yrs, ( Honda for 8 yrs before that)....now the Bolt. Awesome bike .60 HP, pulls like a jet taking off , through all of the gears, Brakes are awesome. Weight distribution is awesome, the C of G is between your ankles , not between your knees, so the weight is low slung. 35 Degree lean L&R . not a peg scraper. Awesome bike. Would prefer analogue speedo though on this one.. Virago had analogue, I miss it. 29 degree rake makes it very flickable and easy to avoid issues at 65 ~70 mph. Also makes it easy to do the "Slow-traffic" crawl when needed without doing a Duck-walk for whatever miles....pick up your feet and,,,, well ...crawl along.
Being air cooled means no coolant issues.or bugs and rad issues either.Just start and ride....Just a remark on the Vid.... looks like you took the peanut tank from an HD 48 and stuck it on the bike and then crimped the sides inward..... I hope that's an illusion and not an intentional insult to the ride.. lol .
Stay Safe
W
Hahaha thats an illusion! Dude I wish I had you to come help do a review. You really know your bikes
I found the Bolt to be a little small for me, and I don't really care for EFI. I have used my 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which is physically larger than the Bolt, and has shaft drive, for an adventure touring bike for almost 20 years. I have ridden it on dirt and gravel roads, through mud, rain, sleet, snow, and it has held up fine. It now has 119,000 miles on it and still runs like new. Out of almost 50 bikes I've owned during the past 46 years, the Vulcan 750 is the most comfortable. I'm on my second one. My first one, a 1993 model, got run over and destroyed by a truck in a parking lot, with over 90,000 miles on it. If they still made them I'd be buying another new one.
I bought a 2018 off the showroom floor cause of this guy and I love my bike all I did was throw a straight pipe shorty on it sounds awesome and super reliable
Hey this was great! I always wondered how an air cooled bike would perform on long trips. Good insight 👍
Thanks man I really think she would have made it to alaska and back no problems.
Global Vagrant niceeeee. Did the airbox on the right, or cylinder on your left, get in your way any?
thanks for the review man! im 90% gonna buy a Bolt now!
Love my 14 r spec my wifes always on back we do 100 no problem and great handling even 2 up awesome bike if you don't like it you haven't rode one
I am so glad to see a Sportster style metric bike that has mid-controls. It seems so many of them want to go for the forward-control cruiser look. At least Sportster offers both. In my case, my bad back will not allow me to ride with forward controls without sending me to the ER. I can ride all day on my standard Sportster but I can't ride 15 minutes on my buddy's Sportster Custom with forwards. I'm not brand loyal and although I love my Sportster, this looks like it may be moving into my garage with my Sportster.
I've finally saved up enough for an Indian Scout Bobber and all I keep seeing are reviews saying the Bolt is a better deal and just as fun to ride. Guys like you are not making my life easier...but maybe making it better.
Bobber looks better but I’m leaning to the bolt
Love Yamahas, my Vstar 650 is an 03 with 31k miles on it and still tickin, rode hard and put away wet, revved cold, left in the snow. Clutch slips when cold a bit but maybe bc I haven’t changed the oil this season 😝 things are dang honeybadgers
Dude this was such a good review. Very informative. Definitely going to test this bike out.
I have a SCR950 same bike.
I rode it from California to Florida.
Great bikes. Really need a 6th gear if your going to be doing long distance riding. But great reliable bikes. Super fun to ride.
A great review... one of the best accolades for the bike since you just did that 10k trip. I think I have finally found my next bike for next spring (Germany). Thanks man!
Im headed to cologne Germany next month! Also, did another 7k mile road trip since that video. Still running like a champ
I just got the exact Bolt as my first bike. I have to eventually get a windscreen for long rides. I got mine with the rear seat and rest, passenger pegs, crash guards and phone mount already on. I got a good deal.
I took mine 2000 miles around Spain and it was a joy to ride. I made my own rack out of two pillion seat brackets and the seat from an old garden chair.
Id like to see that!
@@globalvagrant1392 I found that if you take a second pillion seat bracket, reverse it (you have to enlarge a mounting hole a tiny bit) and fit, the tops of the two brackets make a perfectly flat surface.
Thanks for the review I’m going to pickup a 2023 model tomorrow
Dude. I love how you "uglied" this thing up. It looks bad ass. I'm quite envious of your 10,000 mile trip. I rode out to California once. It was sweet. I also got a kick out of you flat out admitting that you abused your bike and that you have a turn signal out. Bravo! Hell yeah!
Thanks brotha! Haha yeah man I did abuse that thing. So many sketch rocky dirt roads that i would have been screwed if something went wrong. Great times though
Great vid - you need to do one from the trip if you have footage. I have a 2014 Bolt Raven. Some of the same mods as you - Shorty exhaust, Memphis Shades El Paso shield, engine guards, luggage rack, naked air cleaner, fuel pack, fork bag and that’s it. 18k miles and no probs - first 4 years I had it, had to run a 2 mile gravel road to get in and out of my place. Plenty of power, smooth clutch and positive shifting. Runs good on the highway - very solid and grounded. I’m 5’9 and 250 lbs and it fits me perfect. You should def get engine guards and hwy pegs - you will love them.
How did you go about installing the shorty exhaust? I hear people weld it to the cut stock pipe while others got better hardware to wrap around the two pipes.
I actually bought it that way used. It looks like they cut it off or removed the original and clamped on the new shorter one.
I recently sold my 2015 bolt.......it was a great first bike for me. Hopefully will get a bigger one down the road.
Thanks for the honest review. Looks like you ran it hard and it held up. I'm in Oregon and planning a trip to southern California and was wondering how it would do..... now I know. THANKS!!
Thats going to be a great ride
Good review man. I'm looking to get my first bike, and I'm torn between a few different bikes, but a Yamaha Bolt is definitely something I'm considering. I really like those Indian Scout Bobbers too.
Dude indian makes some sweet bikes, but aren't they really expensive?
Yeah they're a little more expensive, but they're so nice
We here at Viking Bags really appreciate your content! Great video! Keep up the good work!
I have a 2014 Yamaha bolt that I Commute in ever condition I don’t own a car and this bike plows through it all
Thats a real biker right there
Very cool video. I have the same exact bike. Same color, rear seat pad, sissy bar, and rear pegs. Vance and Hines pipes and Vance and Hines air intake tho. Would like to put some bags on it and a windscreen and do some long rides on it. Your video inspired me.
this helped me decide to buy my Bolt glad i have it
Currently taking mine around the usa again :) holding up like a champ
great comments, I'm feeling the same thing..
I'm in grand juncrion, co, I've lived in leadville,co & it seems you've been there too.
2 questions:
1. what yr bolt you got? you never mentioned it. & when you say you got it used, doesn't help me guess.
2. it'd be nice to see the traveling add.ons you've connected to the bike.
ie. side & rear sections.
thanx again, great job!!
Good video. I’m looking to transition from a Honda CB 919 to this
This looks fairly comfortable. I've tried a Rebel 500 and felt like my knees were being pushed up too high
Great real life real world review of ACTUAL use.
Sold on the Bolt. I'm currently in the market for a used one.
Yamaha is my best friend 👍
Loved Your video and the review. Got My used 2016 Yamaha 950 this year, and i am loving it big time. My wife drives a 2006 883 spoorster and i have being riding it a few times. Not for my. It´s My second bike. Greetings from Denmark
Ahh the sportstar is sweet too. Ya'll have some good bikes!
Great review,which has convinced me to get one .Thank you.
Brother: Cuts out half the bike and you but shows his bike fully all the time
Hahaha
I have an XSR 700 and I think I will get a Bolt as second bike when I have the chance..
Have you ever driven a Harley Davidson 883? I'd like to see you make a comparison video between them. You made some good points on the Bolt.
I have not, but if I get the opportunity I will definitely check it out.
Nice review brother. I am going to buy one motorcycle in December, I am still undecided between a sportster, bolt, nightster, or even a Vulcan. I really like the bolt, but I have heard that those bikes don't keep their value, I don't want to loose it a lot when I want to sell it. Still have to think that, but they are nice looking bikes.
Thanks man! Yeah idk if they lose too much value. If you find a good deal on a used one you won't lose much when you sell it i wouldn't think. I like the way the sportster looks too though
Having had yamaha dirtbikes for over 20 years. There is no where I wouldn't take them without a concern of it breaking down . Pretty reliable bikes. Not sure about the comfort on such short suspension of a cruiser . It won't die...thats for sure.
Great review on the Yamaha Bolt. I'll be getting one in the December. I love the mirrors and would like to know where did you get them from? You should list your upgrades and where viewers can purchase them.
This is awesome! I'd love to see what parts you got for the fender, just got my bolt and plan on some cross country tripping myself :)
Awesome to hear! As soon as it warms up I'm getting back on the road too
Thanks for the video! Where did you get the racks for storage? I just bought a 2014 bolt and am trying to outfit it for hauling some camping gear.
I made the saddlebags but the back rest I purchased on ebay i think. Could have been Amazon, but the quality isn't the best
@@globalvagrant1392 thanks man!
awesome man! love the yamaha bolt. would love to do a trip like this
Hi,I'm from California USA, what a great video. Who did your pre trip inspection?
Thanks man. Good review
What kind of engine oil have you been using, and how often do you change it...thank you
Just watched this again. I am your size. It will fit me. That belt life impresses me.
Yea man that belt life is so much better than chain
@@globalvagrant1392 If it stands up to the abuse it got on your trip, it must be good. Ride safe, bro.
Great video. I’ve been looking for this type of bike for a while. I’ m not a cruiser person but the slighter lower (not too low) seat and neutral peg position (not keen on the forward style pegs) and arelatively lightweight bike looks good. I have a Suzuki Bandit and a GSXF 1000 F. I’m now 79 and 5.9” and looking for something with a bit more comfort in my old age time to part with the "Bandit". I’ve looked at lots of U Tube videos on the Bolt but this one of yours is really good and informative. Its what I’m looking for! Although not ridden one yet . Thanks again. Graham, Bundaberg, Australia..
thank you for the feedback! Im going to have tongo check out a bandit. The bolt definitely does not disappoint though.
i'm sold, gotta find one now
"I kind of uglied it up"
No bruh. The moment you stop caring about the looks, the more it would grow on you.
the cat liked the bmw more :P
Really wish it had a bigger tank as its to smal for what I like. Love everything else about it :)
You can buy an aftermarket bigger tank or if handy make your own
@@charlieslaughter9259 That is true tho have not found a good aftermarket but have one made is a good option tho costly :)
You definitely have a new subscriber
Thank you for sharing your review. I am a Honda Rebel owner and looking to upgrade so your honest review on the Bolt was helpful. As a professional shooter guy myself, could I make a recommendation to some of your future video reviews? Did you mention that your brother is your film guy in this video? When you're standing next to your bike doing your piece on camera like you are in this video (with the awesome BMW in the background of course), could I suggest that you set up your frame/shot up on a tripod? If your brother prefers to handhold the camera, could I recommend that you get a gimbal or stabiliser (something like a Zhiyun Crane or Ronin S). You move and sway and step forward and backwards and all of that is totally fine. When your brother makes similar movements while holding a camera that obviously has little to no internal camera stabilisation, it creates this jerky movement around the frame that you're in. When you combine your movements together with his, some say that it can create a motion sickness feeling or that the jerkiness is a distraction to your videos. Watch 15 seconds from 8:38 as an example (look at the quick, jerks and bumps at the edges of the frame/screen). Just thought I would offer this advice as you may not have noticed it before.
You have a really engaging persona so keep creating this type of content! 😎
P.S. Very nice bike too by the way!
Are you the old school rebel? I owned those for forever, and loved them. I like the new design too though. Thanks for the encouragement and advice! My brother is not a videographer by any means lol usually I'm just a tripod guy. I need to grab myself a nice fluid head tripod so I can get some smooth motion.
@@globalvagrant1392 I hear that the old school rebels are legendary! I have only been riding for 2 years, so my first purchase was the newer Rebel models right out from the dealer. I actually just sold it though and am now the proud owner of a Bolt. I bought a 2017 model, but it has only 750 miles on it, so it is pretty much brand new! I have a few accessories coming in from the US, but aside from that, this is a great bike! Everything you said about your Bolt is spot on!
You're welcome for the feedback. As for the fluid head, those are great, but can also be expensive. You could always just save your money, and sit your camera on a $15 tripod and get your brother or you to shoot close -ups of what you are talking about after your piece to camera. What program do you use to edit your footage, I might be able to help!?
Keep having fun shooting and I look forward to seeing how you piece together your next video! :)
For motorcycles I feel like the year matters much much less than it does on cars. They keep the exact design for a decade lol
@@globalvagrant1392 That is very true! I don't think the Bolt has changed (mechanically) since 2014! Haha!
The cat was a paid actor when the BMW bike was mentioned lol
man i have a yamaha bolt, if u do a trip like this again id love to come with you, I'm in California , brother I even I have the same bar bag, lemme come I've been in quarantine for 6 months I am over it.
Haha im planning a survival video next, but if i end up getting stranded in the usa after that I'll probably end up doing another road trip
I love my Bolt too! Built to be modified. Also, if you buy it new, (at least in the UK) it does come with the rear seat and pegs as standard. the previous owner lied to you... Great Video though
Maybe it is a UK thing or an option at some dealers. I looked at a couple at dealers near me and they were all naked. I bet your back rest and seat are better quality too
Good bike and awesome trip, looks like you had it loaded down like the Beverly Hillbilly's.
In for the Pats shirt!
Nice review! Did you find the offset of the rear cylinder or the air box sticking out made the seating position unbalanced or uncomfortable at all? I love the look of this bike but at a glance it doesn't look hugely symmetrical.
You have a point, it doesn't look symmetrical in that regard. I think that is part of what makes it look so mad max, but you don't notice it driving or at least I dont lol both legs are in the same position on either side of the bike. When I'm getting rained on I clench the bike with my knees and lean forward, but even then dont notice anything odd about the way it feels.
Awesome, thanks man 😁
Your brother appears to have turned into a cat at 8:05..
that belt of yamaha is really a badass durability what you expect from yamaha😉
Can you make a video of the mods you did to your bike?
I'm sold on the Bolt now. I was torn between the Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan, and this.
Just went on another 7k mile trip with the bolt and a friend, who was on a young shadow phantom. His broke down in Idaho and the bolt didn't skip a beat, again. The bolt has been one of the most reliable things I have ever owned lol
@@globalvagrant1392 dang, now I really need one. The Bolt in my mind has been one of those small bikes I was skeptical about it being able to tour on, but since seeing you just did a 7k trip after doing a 10k on a bolt, I think it would make a perfect starter bike.
Oh yeah great starter bike. I started on a Honda rebel 250 and drove it for years lol but it always gave me chain problems. The belt on the bolt still has tension on it like it's new and I've put 30k on it. My biggest complaint is the clearance is low so I can't hug turns as tight as I'd like. There are other bikes that would be more comfortable for the type trips I've been doing as well.
The guy's Harley-Davidson that sputtered out in the Rockies probably had a carburetor instead of EFI. The carb cannot readjust itself like EFI can. Apples to oranges in technology. All newer model Harley-Davidson's have EFI.
gotta change the rear suspension bro for more comfy and you can install a forward controls
When i bought my Bolt it had the back pegs on brand new.
Awesome vid bro
Hey man! Great review! Do you have a video about the route you took during your trip? Or a map you could share? I am planning a road trip around the states as well.
Ah unfortunately I dont have it mapped out. I drove from Alabama through Mississippi and Texas out to New Mexico Arizona area then drove around a lot in Utah and Colorado. Headed up to Montana and Idaho back down to Utah back up in Montana then through the Dakotas and back down to Alabama. I think that covers most of it lol Utah is probably my favorite state to drive around. Colorado and Arizona had some great views as well though
Hey man, I just got this bike and I’ve been kind of getting mixed responses so I figured I’d ask since you have had such extensive experience with it, but I take around an hour commute Every day and I’ve been keeping it around 80 mph since my commute is almost entirely freeway. It seems to get pretty high in the RPMs just based off of sound and I just wanted to know your experience with how fast you were able to go for how long
Lol@ the cat on the bike. Made me laugh for some reason.
How many miles before the reserve light comes up? And how many on the reserve after? Did you carry extra fuel? Cheers
I'll drive to about 120 miles before the light comes on, then I'm not sure how much further it will go. I think I've put maybe 15 or 20 on it after that. I carried fuel on one of the trips, but I never needed it.
@@globalvagrant1392 thanks a lot, god bless u
trying to decide if i should get a bolt or the new rebel 1100!
Hi I love how you have your bolt set up. I was just wondering if you could send a link or a name of the things you use to hold your things on your bike ( all the bags and luggage boxes)
Here is the back seat/seat rest and rear pegs.
www.amazon.com/dp/B081NDVNYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-75iFb7YJEAFN
Glad you liked the setup! Unfortunately I cant link the saddle bags. My brother and I welded the frames together out of some scrap metal, and I mounted some harbor freight tool boxes to it.
very nice review, I'm looking to buy one?
btw i clicked it because a knights tale is the best movie ever made
Bolt looks like it is designed with city in mind, so I am wondering -- how comfy is it on long cruises?
Its comfortable to me. I routinely take her for 2 hour or so drives and I dont think its uncomfortable as far as how it sits and arm and leg positions. Probably my biggest complaint is the shocks, they're pretty bad. You definitely feel a crap road.
@@globalvagrant1392 I see. Were the shocks bad when you took a lot of equipment with you or they're always like that?
Ehh its hard to say. I dont remember it being too bad on the trip. I started noticing it when I got back. Maybe because most of the road trip was high speeds on highways. Now I cruise around a lot of alabama roads
Did you put some sort of cruise control since you were traveling so far?
You can’t blame them for wanting to keep,their citizens safe from Covid. It’s what our leaders should be doing! But, I want to make a run to see friends from High School myself. I love the way it looks too! It looks more like a Sportster than a Sportster.
Now for the big question, did you experience any wobble in the front wheel? A lot of people have reported a death wobble. Some guys say replacing the front tire solved the problem, while other say switching to tapered rollers bearings on the front fork head.
I have a like new 2016 and live in Medellin Colombia. Thinking about moving to Buneos Aires. think of a coast to coast ride. How do you think it would do?
I dont think there is anything it can't handle lol how many miles is that? With regular maintenance im sure it'll be fine
1157 for the front signal bulb, just grind one of the nubs/pin on the barrel side. i dont know why these new bikes keep using non standard bulb sizes
Let me check that out because I'm still driving around without a blinker lol
Global Vagrant can’t remember which right now, but just make sure the terminals line up in the bottom first before you grind, so you can still mount it with one pin
Shout out ma nigga whiskers in the back checking out the BMW. Making sure everything is up to code🐈😍
Hahaha
These videos I keep seeing about the Bolt want me to trade in my bike and get one. What was the most amount of miles did you on one day? Also would you comfortability was good? Plus sorry we did not let you in to Canada you should back another time.
I'll be back my friend! Last day I did right over 700 miles. All day drive pretty miserable but I was ready to knock it out.
Great review. I'm 6.1' to and thinking of buying one. Tell me more about highway speeds. Some say that the bike could do with 6th gear otherwise screams like crazy.
This bike is rock solid man! I have one myself lol! Great content by the way, and oh yeah where did you buy your fork rubber boots? Would you mind giving me the link ? Thanks bro! Ride Safe!!
And your fork BAG as well. Thanks