The magnificent 2015 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec is an exploration of retro styling, the distant heir to classic dragsters and cafe racers. This vintage-looking Japanese street bike targets riders after a stylish machine with authentic character and a fair amount of mechanical feel.

The Bolt C-Spec is devoid of flashy plastics and tasteless bling, making for a discreet, yet delinquent addition to Yamaha's cruiser lineup. The clean looks are emphasized by a round headlight, the missing windscreen, clip-on aluminum handlebars, a rigid cover where the optional passenger seat would go, specific levers, and a new front brake master cylinder. Ground clearance is increased, with the front and rear suspension adding 9mm and 6mm of travel, respectively.


A good engine for the Bolt C-Spec
Similar to the regular Bolt and the V-Star 950, the 2015 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec uses an air-cooled, fuel-injected, 942cc V-twin. Likewise, the double-cradle steel frame, 5-speed transmission, and belt final drive are nothing new. The engine's 52 hp at 6,000 rpm and 59.3 lb-ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm perfectly match the philosophy of the C-Spec (more torque than power).

A number of modern technologies keep the retro-inspired Bolt C-Spec in the 21st century including aluminum cylinders with ceramic composite plating, forged aluminum pistons, and injection settings that ensure immediate throttle response and improve fuel economy.

Ergonomics designed for drag racing
The biggest change to the 2015 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec can be found in the bike's ergonomics. While it remains easy to access thanks to a low seat height of only 766mm, the odd, dragster-style riding position (knees bent, upper body stretched forward to reach the handlebars) requires some getting used to. Even at idle, you must pay special attention not to hit your shins on the footpegs or your knees on either the airbox or the rear cylinder head.

The Bolt C-Spec is a pure, uncompromising cafe racer that doesn't care too much about comfort. Luckily, the remote reservoir gas shock rear suspension (borrowed from the Bolt R) does a surprisingly good job of smoothing the ride.

Bolt C-Spec has true sporty potential
Benefiting from smart weight management, the 2015 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec is 30kg lighter than the V-Star 950 and weighs 15kg less than a Harley-Davidson 883. The brakes offer generous bite, yet can be controlled with two fingertips. The Bolt C-Spec actually shows true sporty potential: Once you get past 30 km/h it feels quite nimble and confident in traffic, and when you hit the open road it displays sharp handling on slick pavement, never faltering in corners.

The V-twin revs up exceptionally well, so passing a convoy of slower cars proves easy. Meanwhile, the light-action clutch lever makes up for the manly transmission, turning shifts into a pleasant affair.

While it remains easy to access thanks to a low seat height of only 766mm, the odd, dragster-style riding position (knees bent, upper body stretched forward to reach the handlebars) requires some getting used to. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Bottom line
The new 2015 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec is a sporty street bike in the mould of classic cafe racers, and will thus appeal strongly to riders who like cool, clean, retro styling more than anything. There are many accessories available if you believe it's missing something (starting this fall, a special kit will add an Akrapovic exhaust, performance air filter, short clutch and brake levers, and mirrors that attach to the handlebar tips).

Pros

• Great looks
• Sporty potential
• Responsive engine with a lot of character

Cons

• Riding position requires some getting used to