2014 Star Bolt and Bolt R-Spec – First Look Review

Fully embracing the popularity of stripped-down, back-to-basics customization as well as the need to offer cool, affordable motorcycles to attract new and young buyers, Star Motorcycles has introduced the all-new Bolt and Bolt R-Spec cruisers.

Based on the V Star 950 platform, the Bolt is powered by a fuel-injected, 58-cubic-inch (942cc), air-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin mounted in an all-new double-cradle frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. When Rider strapped a V Star 950 to Jett Tuning’s dyno back in 2009, it cranked out 47.3 horsepower and 56.1 lb-ft of torque, which should propel the claimed 540-lbs-wet Bolt down the road briskly. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and belt final drive, while spent gasses exit through a blacked-out 2-into-1 exhaust.

2014 Star Bolt in Pearl White
2014 Star Bolt in Pearl White

With mid-mount footpegs, wave-type brake rotors, a short 61.8-inch wheelbase and 12-spoke wheels shod with narrow tires (100/90-19 front, 150/80-16 rear), Star says the new Bolt is a performance bobber. The Bolt R-Spec ups the ante with the addition of remote-reservoir shocks, a suede-type seat with colored stitching, and special paint and graphics. Both models have a 27.2-inch seat height and a 3.2-gallon fuel capacity.

Advertisement

Staying true to its “we build it, you make it your own” motto, Star will offer a complete line of custom accessories for the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec, allowing customers to take their bikes in different directions, from touring to café racer.

The Bolt will be available in Raven and Pearl White for $7,990, with bikes available in April. The Bolt R-Spec will be offered in Matte Grey and Camo Green for $8,290, with bikes available in dealerships starting in July.

2014 Star Bolt R-Spec in Camo Green
2014 Star Bolt R-Spec in Camo Green
2014 Star Bolt in Raven
2014 Star Bolt in Raven
2014 Star Bolt R-Spec with cafe racer accessories
2014 Star Bolt R-Spec with cafe racer accessories
2014 Star Bolt with touring accessories
2014 Star Bolt with touring accessories

5 COMMENTS

  1. Why is it that they always leave out some of the most important information in the specs…. Do they think we really don’t care how much HP and Torque the motor has… ?? Of course they know… but why won’t they tell people… ? Is it a Japanese thing maybe… Now we have to wait for some Magazine editor to get the bike over to a dyno and put the information out in a Review…. maybe 2 months from now.
    BlueStrada

  2. The other issue is why manufacturers persist in giving figures for power at the crank (which is not available to the rider) versus power at the rear wheel, which is. This is the same as giving dry weight versus rolling weight with all fluids. A little bit of honesty would help.

    Saying that, this Bolt looks like a good answer to many riders’ long term questions. A stylish, capable bike that could cover most purposes, while making the rider feel good (the primary objective) seems like a great way to go.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here