Yamaha unveils new Bolt 950

**AllanB** · 13th October 2013, 15:05

The irony with the whole cruiser thing and shouts of HD clones is that HD actually have not invented the cruiser - they just have not significantly changed their styling from the original 50's bikes. Nothing wrong with that but 'claiming' a 'look' that was just period correct in it's day is hardly on.

It would be like Honda saying that they pretty much globalised the IL4 layout so all others are a wannabe. (yeah yeah others had IL4's before but not to such success).

I know - did Honda invent the leak free motorcycle? - better claim that too.

**Road kill** · 14th October 2013, 18:44

Originally Posted by AllanB

The irony with the whole cruiser thing and shouts of HD clones is that HD actually have not invented the cruiser - they just have not significantly changed their styling from the original 50's bikes. Nothing wrong with that but 'claiming' a 'look' that was just period correct in it's day is hardly on.

It would be like Honda saying that they pretty much globalised the IL4 layout so all others are a wannabe. (yeah yeah others had IL4's before but not to such success).

I know - did Honda invent the leak free motorcycle? - better claim that too.

Your spot on there.

The names cruiser,sportbike,adventure bike were all invented by the Japs for Jap bikes.

Bikes like HD,Ducati,motoguzzi,Triumph ect ect are simply what they always have been.

The Japs needed more acceptable names for their many clones of other bikes so they could claim,,,,,,something.

Fuck knows what.

**Theantidote** · 14th October 2013, 20:03

if i had 13k to spend on a bike i'd probably go a good looking sporty but that's just cause i have some freakin romantic notions about harleys history that means jack shit today...but if the bolt were a couple of k less then it would b a no brainer for me...
i think the bolts styling is what it is, a factory style bobber with no end of options if you have the money...saves non mechanical/engineery peeps like me the hassle of cutting shit off and welding shit on to get what we want...no shame in that...

**Theantidote** · 14th October 2013, 20:06

Originally Posted by Road kill

Your spot on there.

The names cruiser,sportbike,adventure bike were all invented by the Japs for Jap bikes.

Bikes like HD,Ducati,motoguzzi,Triumph ect ect are simply what they always have been.

The Japs needed more acceptable names for their many clones of other bikes so they could claim,,,,,,something.

Fuck knows what.

i always thought some of their cruiser names were some what gay...thinking the anal INTRUDER for one...and then the STEAD just sounds kinda like a village people name...there were others that i've lost in a haze of too many smokes...

**st00ji** · 20th October 2013, 13:25

i wonder what the motorbike industry would look like today if the japanese had never gotten involved.

a lot leakier, rustier, and less reliable would be my guess.

**AllanB** · 20th October 2013, 16:07

I'd propose the term 'sport bike' was in direct relationship to the Jap bikes - I don't remember it in use before the first 86 GSXR750 arrived and the flood of Japanese 'sport bikes' followed. Prior to that the japs built - well, naked jap bikes! Chucked a bikini fairing on to sport em up - think evolution from Z900 to Z1R.

The others were just as noted above - 'Ducati' (you could only buy a sporty Ducati) was a 'Ducati', Harley was (and still is) a 'Harley', Triumph was ...... on it's death bed ........ back from the grave now and laying claim to the first 'factory' Street Fighter.

I'm not big on 'names' despite owning a Hornet! in the states the Hornet name is trademarked to the car so they were a Honda 919 over there - (919cc) - I prefer that.

**Dangsta** · 20th October 2013, 16:55

Originally Posted by ratusratus

copy cats....design ya own bloody bikes!!!

Isn't that what Indian Motorcycles said about HD

**AllanB** · 20th October 2013, 20:05

Originally Posted by Dangsta

Isn't that what Indian Motorcycles said about HD

Ah now the 'new' (version 9?) Indian is a interesting one - fresh start but harking back to the 'glory days' - is it a HD copy given that company is Indians target market?

**Monkfish** · 29th October 2013, 12:56

Anyone know what price they will be here, and when they arrive?

**Edbear** · 29th October 2013, 14:06

Originally Posted by Monkfish

Anyone know what price they will be here, and when they arrive?

Yamaha had a stand at HD last weekend and they are $14k. I think they are available, I didn't ask. I was very impressed with the Bolt after seing it in the metal. The only thing I would probably change would be the muffler, the rest looked great.

**Monkfish** · 30th October 2013, 07:08

Originally Posted by Edbear

Yamaha had a stand at HD last weekend and they are $14k. I think they are available, I didn't ask. I was very impressed with the Bolt after seeing it in the metal. The only thing I would probably change would be the muffler, the rest looked great.

Nice, I wonder if they are targeting the "Hipster" crowd?
I know they're targeting the Sporster but that also puts it in direct price comparison with the Bonneville and other naked street bikes.

**ellipsis** · 30th October 2013, 09:18

...saw it at HD last weekend also...kind of cool...my missus loves the pipe...she's a sportster rider like me...takes all sorts...

**Theantidote** · 9th November 2013, 21:12

It seems to be here...the bolt is pure japanese factory bobber style...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-658918514.htm

I still think they look freaking cool...but the price guys come on...a bit over the top...at that price i'll wait a few years and pick 1 up 2nd hand for a more realistic price...