Motorcycle specifications YamahaXV 950 (Bolt) 2016 Steel sparrow

here's the kind of little rascal that's going to make customs long for more. Or rather, bobbers. With its stripped-down look, maximum simplification, surly spirit and head for the hills, Yamaha's new XV 950 is sure to shake up the manufacturer's range... and everyone else's. And upset one of the segment's icons, the Harley 883 Sportster. And by the same token, it upsets one of the segment's icons, the Harley 883 Sportster. Presented in the States under the name Bolt, this machine is a real agitator, and it shows!

the XV 950 gives the Japanese manufacturer's series a real boost. With its compact profile and fighting spirit, it's a world away from the long XVS cruisers and their senatorial Dragstar ancestors. You have to go back to the 535 Virago to find this cheeky attitude.
In Uncle Sam's country, it's called Bolt; and that name suits it so well that I'll continue to call it that. Do you mind?!? So, Bolt, young metal and twin mad dog, arrives on the old continent with a striking silhouette, a hard-hitting style, and a few little effects for show. Petal brake discs, an impetuous round LED taillight, minimalist mudguards; and if you opt for the R version, an imitation suede saddle and separate bottle amortos.

is the Bolt derived from the XVS 950? Not at all. Aside from the engine (revised for this new case), the Yam bobber has been given its own definition. Chrome, big handlebars and ostentation are all gone. Featuring a new chassis with double steel cradle, 41 mm fork and twin side shocks, the Bolt is a sparrow compared to its XVS cousin. It is 145 mm shorter, weighs 31 kg less, and its 1570 mm wheelbase is 115 mm shorter. The machine is much more agile than the Midnight Star, especially with a much lighter tire profile: 100 / 90 - 19 at the front and 150 / 80 - 16 at the rear. Nothing exceptional in the braking department. We stick to the basics, with a 298 mm disc per wheel, combined with a 2-piston caliper on the bow and a single-piston caliper on the stern. It can be skilfully complemented by optional ABS (standard on the R).

back on the rear! Look at that pot! Or should I say, that big, manly gun. We can also talk about the air filter cover, which isn't discreet either. And so much the better! The Bolt isn't here to hide in the shadows.
On the engine side, the 942 cm3 has been reworked, especially in the intake area. Its air filter is 15% smaller than that of the XVS. New mapping was required, and the result is 52 horsepower, or 2 less (no big deal), but improved torque. With 8.1 mkg, that's 0.3 more at the same 3,000 rpm. Oh, and before I forget, the engineers took the opportunity to integrate a rubber damper in the clutch to smooth gear changes.

low in the saddle, with a 690 mm seat height in line with class standards, the Yam Sportster promises to be a sensational machine. The technical choice of rear drivetrain doesn't give us cause for optimism when it comes to comfort (to be put into perspective with the R version). The 21 mm wide drive belt is the thinnest ever used by Yamaha.

a few small accessories are available to spice up the 950 Bolt, such as an Akrapovic exhaust system, a bubble, a Stiletto saddle, spoked wheels, a spring-loaded saddle, fork protectors and more... With this model, Yamaha offers a substantially daring custom, ready to abuse the initiatory H-D 883. It doesn't want to make any concessions, and in fact, it doesn't have to.

M.B - Photos Yamaha Europe and Yamaha USA