2025 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec – Powerful Retro Bobber with a Modern Edge

Motorcycles have always been more than just machines; they carry personality, attitude, and a story. Yamaha understands this perfectly, and the 2025 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is proof of it. It’s a motorcycle that brings the old-school bobber feel into today’s world—minimal design, raw performance, and a strong road presence.

For Indian riders who love cruisers but also want a touch of sportiness, the Bolt R-Spec looks like a solid choice. Let’s break it down.

Styling – Pure Bobber DNA

The first thing that strikes you about the Bolt R-Spec is how clean and muscular it looks. Yamaha has skipped shiny chrome and instead gone with a blacked-out V-twin engine, chunky steel fenders, and a slim teardrop-shaped tank that holds just under 13 litres of fuel.

It’s compact, short, and aggressive—the kind of bike that feels at home in city traffic as well as parked outside a café. The 12-spoke alloy wheels with fat Bridgestone tyres add to its street credibility, while the LED tail-lamp and digital LCD meter give it a modern twist.

Engine – Built for Torque, Not Top Speed

At the heart of the Bolt R-Spec sits a 942cc V-twin engine, air-cooled and tuned for strong torque delivery. Instead of chasing high RPM power, Yamaha designed it to pull hard at lower revs—perfect for quick overtakes and relaxed highway cruising.

The five-speed gearbox is paired with a belt drive system, which not only keeps the rear end clean but also requires less maintenance compared to a traditional chain. Riders will also appreciate the deep exhaust note from the 2-into-1 system—it’s throaty, bassy, and very fitting for a bobber.

Fuel efficiency is rated at around 21–22 km per litre, which is decent considering the engine size and weight.

Ride & Handling – Easy to Live With

One of the highlights of this motorcycle is its low seat height—set at roughly 27 inches. This means most Indian riders, even those on the shorter side, will find it easy to flat-foot at signals. The bike weighs about 246 kg, but the compact design makes it feel lighter once you’re on the move.

The double-cradle frame is solid and gives confidence in corners. Yamaha has equipped it with 41 mm front forks and twin rear shock absorbers that come with gas chambers. Together, they provide a nice balance of comfort and stability.

Braking duties are handled by 298 mm discs at both ends with wave-style rotors, giving it strong and reliable stopping power. Whether you’re riding through city traffic or cruising on an open highway, the Bolt R-Spec feels predictable and stable.

Everyday Usability – Not Just a Showpiece

Unlike some heavy cruisers that are tough to handle in Indian conditions, the Bolt R-Spec feels surprisingly practical. The short wheelbase of 1570 mm makes it nimble in city traffic, while the upright riding position ensures long rides don’t leave you with back pain.

Yes, the 3.4-gallon tank (around 12.8 litres) isn’t huge, so frequent highway touring might require more fuel stops. But for daily rides and weekend highway runs, it’s perfectly fine.

Customization – A Canvas for Riders

One big reason the Bolt R-Spec has gained a cult following abroad is because it’s extremely easy to customize. Yamaha has designed it as a base bike where owners can play around with seats, exhausts, handlebars, paint jobs, and even wheels.

For Indian enthusiasts who like making their bikes stand out, this could be the perfect project motorcycle—whether you want to keep the classic bobber look or turn it into a café racer-inspired build.

Key Highlights:

• Engine: 942cc V-twin, tuned for torque
• Transmission: 5-speed with belt drive
• Seat Height: ~690 mm (easy for shorter riders)
• Weight: 246 kg (wet)
• Fuel Tank: 12.8 litres
• Mileage: 21–22 km/l approx.
• Brakes: Disc brakes with wave rotors front & rear
• Tyres: 19-inch front, 16-inch rear (Bridgestone tubeless)

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Price & Indian Market Possibility

In the U.S., the 2025 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is priced at around $8,999 (roughly ₹7.5 lakh before taxes). If Yamaha decides to bring it to India as a CBU or CKD import, the price could easily touch ₹10–11 lakh on-road.

That would put it against bikes like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, Honda Rebel 500, and Kawasaki Vulcan S. Yamaha already has strong brand trust in India, and a lifestyle-oriented bike like this could attract younger riders looking for something unique.

Final Verdict – Soulful Yet Practical

The 2025 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is not just another cruiser. It has soul, character, and a retro attitude that appeals to riders who want more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It’s comfortable, city-friendly, and comes with Yamaha’s promise of reliability.

For Indian riders dreaming of a bobber-style motorcycle with strong performance and customization potential, this could be one of the most exciting options—if Yamaha chooses to bring it here.

FAQs About the 2025 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec