Yamaha Bolt R-Spec AND C-Spec: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, And More

The Yamaha Bolt is an urban style bobber with a compact layout, short wheelbase, V-twin engine, and comfortable riding posture. As claimed by Yamaha, “it’s a cruiser with performance.”

The Yamaha Bolt was inspired by the old bobber style and was launched with two models, the Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec. These updated models featured the same engineering as the standard Bolt, but with slight modifications in their design and color schemes. The R-Spec is a more stylish version of the standard Bolt while the C-Spec is a café racer. Both Specs are just as fun and easy to ride as the standard Bolt, each of them perfect for cruising around the city.

Read on to find out the detailed specs, history, performance, and price of the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec were introduced in July 2014, one year after the Standard Bolt XV950, as new additions to the Star series.

The Spec pair was powered by the same air-cooled 942cc engine as the standard model.

The first Standard Yamaha Bolt debuted in 2013 as an urban style cruiser with an old classic look. The Yamaha Bolt was designed with a minimalistic approach while keeping the customization options open. With its low riding position and deep fenders, the bike looked really cool being equipped with less flashy chrome parts and all the basic accessories.

The Yamaha Bolt was actually a better version of the Harley Sportster with an improved engine design, power, handling, and performance.

The R-Spec is a slightly upgraded version of the Standard Bolt which made for a better riding experience thanks to a fwe upgrades. These included:

• High performance piggyback reservoirs on the rear shocks
• Cast alloy wheels instead of wire-spoked wheels and a new color scheme.
• A more upright seating position

The bike also costs a little more than the standard version due to the additional features. However, the 942cc engine provides an equally impressive performance as the Standard version.

The R-Spec version is still being manufactured by Yamaha even today, with the latest model being released in 2022. From 2014 and onward, all Yamaha Bolt R-Spec models kept the same features, except for different color schemes.

• Color Options:

• Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Price

The Yamaha Bolt C-Spec is the Café racer version of the Standard Bolt, designed with the same basic design as the Standard and R-Spec models, but with a different V-twin engine to provide quick rides over short distances. The bike featured the same upgraded piggyback rear shocks as the Bolt R-Spec. The changes specific to Yamaha Bolt C-Spec include:

• Down café bars
• Narrow clip-on handlebars
• Mini cowl headlights
• Standard seat cowl
• Slightly hunched over seating position

The Yamaha Bolt C-Spec was discontinued after the release of the Scrambler XV950SCR in 2017.

• Color Options: 

Desert Bronze, Camo Green, Ser, Liquid Silver, Envy Green, Matte Silver

Price: $8,690

With a high fuel tank, large rear wheel, short wheelbase, and standard upright riding position, the Yamaha Bolt is a traditional bobber. Yamaha took an open approach while designing this cruiser so that it can be customized. The bike featured a vintage look while fitted with the latest Yamaha’s technology.

Just like the Standard Bolt, the R- and C-Spec are also nimble, small and lightweight. Both Specs are urban cruisers with an even powerband, a tiny wheelbase, and good throttle response. The Yamaha Bolt C-Spec has a café style appearance with its bulging fork gaters, drag bars, and tapering tail fairing. The C-Spec also features side race plates, a seat cowl, and a mini-cowl headlight to enhance the café style.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec features an accent stripped paint and a contrast stitched saddle that keeps the same modern bobber look as the Standard Bolt. These minor changes distinguish the Bolt R-Spec from its other siblings.

Similar to the Standard Bolt, the Spec pair is powered by a 942cc air-cooled engine, capable of producing maximum torque at 3000 rpm and maximum power at 5500 rpm. The engine has twin bore fuel injection and a revolutionary cylinder design which helps to effectively dissipate heat and reduce friction. The Specs have quick acceleration at mid to low-range torque, thanks to the ignition timing and fuel injection.

The engine also features a two-into-one exhaust system that is unique to the Bolt. Built with the latest technology, the R-Spec and C-Spec provide better performance compared to other middle-sized bikes. Both the Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec are ideal for city commutes but not suitable for fast highway trips.

Both the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec have the same aluminium double cradle frame as the Standard Bolt with a 29-degree rake. The creatively designed components like the 3.4-gallon peanut shaped gasoline tank, 61.8-inch short wheelbase, and steel fenders keep the chassis compact and light.

The five-speed transmission runs smoothly thanks to the final belt drive. The front suspension in the Spec duo has a 119mm front fork, similar to the base model. However, the rear suspension is upgraded with piggyback dual rear shocks that provides the same 2.8 inches of wheel travel as the base model.

Both Specs are also easy to control and handle, even at low speeds. The 298mm wave discs function as the front and rear brakes. These discs allow better braking performance and heat dissipation.

The Yamaha Bolt has excellent ergonomics with a low yet comfortable seat and compact body design. The C-Spec version has a slightly hunched seating position with narrow handlebars and a 30-inch seat height. While the R-Spec version has an upright seating posture with straight handlebars and a 27.2-inch seat. However, the low seat layout and thin body design in both Specs allow for quick maneuverability.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec feature digital LCD instruments and modern LED lights. Basic instruments and gauges are also displayed on the multi-function display, which are easily accessible via switches and buttons on the switch housing at the grips.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec and C-Spec both produce 65 hp.

Both the R-Spec and C-Spec are updated versions of the Standard Yamaha Bolt. Both bikes are powered with the same 942cc V-twin engine and feature the same high performance rear shocks. The only difference is that the C-Spec has a café racer style with narrow handlebars for a hunched over seating position. Meanwhile, the R-Spec has a more modern style with cast alloy wheels and an upright seating posture.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has a displacement of 942 cc.

The durability of the Yamaha Bolt depends on various factors such as riding habits, road conditions, and the duration of services and maintenance. If maintained properly, the Yamaha Bolt can easily last over 100,000 miles without needing any significant repairs. Since the average yearly mileage of the bike is about 3,000 miles, this translates into 30 years of service.

The main reason behind the Yamaha Bolt’s fame is its simplicity, affordability, performance and versatility. The 942cc V-twin engine produces maximum torque and power at 3000 and 5500 rpm respectively. The bike is compact, sleek, light and comfortable to ride. The Yamaha Bolt can be easily customized with limitless aftermarket options available at an inexpensive base price of $7,999.

Although the R-Spec and C-Spec already comes with state-of-the-art components, there are plenty of aftermarket options available to change the style of these bikes. You can turn the Yamaha Bolt C-Spec and R-Spec into your dream bike by using various high-quality aftermarket parts. These include crash bars, fairings, fenders, luggage racks, seats, etc.

Moreover, by modifying the handlebars and seat, as well as adding saddlebags to carry extra luggage, these city cruisers can also be turned into touring bikes. Additionally, passenger backrests and sissy bars can be added to make these bikes safer for extended road trips.