Minimalist bobbers are nothing new, but many manufactures use different language when describing these “back to basics” motorcycles.
Take Star, for example. The Yamaha-owned brand markets its latest creations – the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec – as “performance bobber” motorcycles.
These bikes take all the basic cues from timeless bobbers such as the Harley-Davidson Sportster, but are upgraded with the latest in Star technology.
Both bikes feature a slightly oversquare, 942cc air-cooled SOHC V-Twin that is hooked to a five-speed transmission, a double-cradle chassis, 27.2-inch solo-seat height, and a claimed wet weight of just 540 lbs.
The Bolt Spec-R receives some cool upgrades, including gold-accent shocks and a faux-suede seat with colored stitching.
Attached above is Star’s official video of its new Bolt and Bolt Spec-R, which are being released as early 2014 models.
For a First Look of the bikes, including photos, click here.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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They look (typically Yamaha) underlit, under braked and with a stupidly small fuel tank. Let history prove me wrong.