Yamaha looks to the future by unearthing the past with the all-new Bolt, a simply styled cruiser inspired from the classic Virago 535. It's a sporty crossover with a more natural, upright riding position than traditional cruisers.

The Japanese manufacturer says a new trend is emerging in the motorcycle world, with a “back to basics” approach -- a trend in which “designers and custom bike builders are stepping back to a time when the mechanical beauty of a motorcycle was highlighted in its styling.”

Forget about shiny chrome bits and “Fat Boy” proportions: The 2014 Yamaha Bolt sports a plain look in compact, racy dimensions, with a “raw metal” theme embodied by a minimalist fairing, as well as brushed aluminum and glossy black appliques. Available colours include Bluish White Cocktail and Metallic Black.


Proven powerplant
The 2014 Yamaha Bolt borrows its air-cooled, fuel-injected, 942cc V-twin from the V-Star 950. Same thing for the 5-speed transmission and clean, low-maintenance belt final drive. The tube-type, single-backbone, double-cradle steel frame utilizes a 4-point rigid engine mounting system to optimize the machine's overall rigidity.

While 54 hp at 6,000 rpm and 59.3 lb-ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm may not sound like much to some, the 2014 Yamaha Bolt will likely prove very responsive thanks to its compact size and reduced weight. At 247 kg, it weighs 30 kg less than the V-Star, and 15 kg less than its closest competitor, the Harley-Davidson 883.

Bolt R-Spec
The base model will arrive in Canadian showrooms later this month at $8,999. By June, owners will be able to customize their Bolt in many different ways thanks to a wide range of exclusive accessories.

Want more? In the middle of summer, Yamaha will launch the 2014 Bolt R-Spec. Look for extra features such as a dual-texture, premium buckskin/suede seat design, a specific badge, and dual premium rear shocks with remote reservoirs. This one will be available for just $200 more, in Matte Metallic Grey and High Sparkle Green,.