Serowbot wrote on 03/09/13 at 21:20:47:In stock form,... and as a direct competitor with the Sportster pricewise ... (I wasn't aware that the selling price was dead even)...
I agree with WD and Gerry...
The Sportster has the lines, and the heritage...
Yammer, either has to better the entry level price,... or give us something more for the money...
(if that engine is based on the Star/virago... it lacks the hydraulic lifters,.. and screw on oil filter, that a Sporty gives)...
Although,.. rumor is,.. Harley is going all fuel injection, and water cooled,... very soon...
So,..things may change...
...us, retro fans, may have need for new hunting grounds?...
...
I think the engine is based off the 950 platform Yamaha has in their current Star 950 T bikes
this is the description Star has of the 950 T engine: The 57.5 cubic inch (942 cc) engine is an air-cooled SOHC 60° V twin. With four valves per cylinder, a pent-roof shaped combustion chamber, and 9.0:1 compression ratio, this engine has been carefully designed to produce excellent power characteristics – and best-in-class acceleration.
which is almost the same as what they have for the bolt:The 58 cubic inch (942cc) engine is an air-cooled SOHC 60º V-twin with four valves per cylinder, a pent-roof shaped combustion chamber, and 9.0:1 compression ratio. The engine is designed to provide excellent power and superior low-end torque.
the 950 is an awesome bike by itself, the bolt is just a stripped down restyled version of that. it may lack hydraulic lifters but I bet the first valve check is at 16000 miles, not the every 4000??? miles that older viragos required
this bike is fuel injected as well, this bike definitely competes with the sportster 883, the yamaha's 3.2 gallon tank is a bummer though, the suspension is a wait and see, the r-spec suspension upgrade is only $300 or so and it might make the difference, I do believe that the yamaha does put the Honda Shadow RS sporty look alike out for the count though
but the bottom line is that the sportster and this new yamaha will still probably be lower in class than the Triumph Bonneville ( just saying )