It's the bias

erik eibi - Awesome Erik! I don't think I've heard a single complaint from anyone who's purchased a Bolt from us, and we sell a ton of them... Glad you're loving it, they're an awesome bike! Thanks for watching and commenting Erik!

Shawn Smoak air filter in your knee stops the use of rear brake ....key can not be inserted unless off the bike , gauge washes out in the sun , or pay extra for a sun visor to see it ...what ?? pay extra to see the gauge ... oh hell no

Yep, the Bolt is closer to the 1200 in performance than it is the 883

Seen a couple rolling races between a bolt and a iron and the bolt always pulled on the iron like it was nothing. So from what this dude was saying. Better pull. Better suspension. Better brakes. But it has nothing on the iron 😂 hes a chopped up old dude set in his ways lol

It’s that Harley blindfold man that brand has been going down the shithole for years these Japanese clone bikes far superior in reliability and maintenance alone

The Bolt is basically an Upgraded 883

Eight months down the road, and still working for Yamaha, my opinion is still exactly the same... It has nothing to do with specs, even if it did, the actual differences are marginal at best. It's all personal feelings towards the bike. It's not like I was going road racing and the specs were very important. Who would ever race an Iron or a Bolt? It would be pointless as they're both pretty much gutless... Thanks for watching and commenting maximus10463!

Shawn Smoak you just made the most valid point between these two bikes. Who cares, they're both gutless so the spec sheet doesn't matter. I ride a Raider 1900 but I would buy a 48, but not a bolt.

Shawn Smoak When it comes to bikes, it's all about how you feel about the bike when you first sit on it. Example: People say VWs are garbage, but I love them because that's the first car I drove, and even with a Honda...I traded it in and got a new VW. First bike I bought was a Yamaha Stryker...it feels great for me and it was cheaper than a HD...sounds great and it fits me. Nothing against a HD, not at all, but personal preference.

Almir Osmanović Perfect Almir! Very well said, and I agree 110% Thanks for watching and the awesome comment!

RagingTiger brainwashed mentality. That's why.

Thanks Khairul Azmi! Thanks for watching and commenting!

Thank you, it’s much appreciated..! Thanks!! 👊

Thank you for watching and commenting ih8momjokes1!

You are very welcome thedakon! And thank you for watching!

Thanks for watching Tangaroa MC !

Thanks Ryan! I know that people are overboring the Bolts, but Yamaha is not offering a Star accessory kit to do so as of yet. I haven't done any research to see if any reputable companies are offering big bore kits for the Bolt, but I'm sure they're out there! And just so you know, you couldn't possibly go wrong with the Bolt or the Iron! It's all a personal thing from here as to which one you want. I'm sure glad I knew what I wanted to start with, because this would be a daunting decision trying to pick between the two!

I really enjoy riding Sportsters also... Thanks for watching and commenting!

My Sportster's speedo needle is perfect! I can tell my speed at a glance. This stupid dark digital non-display - even if I could see it - would be hard to read because it is square numbers. NOT good.

They are really, really close... Yamaha was after the Iron and did a good job of making feel like one, right down to the footpeg placement. If you could close you eyes, only the engine sound and brakes would give them away, though the Iron got greatly upgraded brakes for 2014. I haven't compared fiscal specs, one could be bigger that the other... Thanks for watching and commenting!

To be honest, either one would meet your needs perfectly! Go test ride them both and see which one speaks to you heart... Thanks for watching and commenting!

Hi Michael, this is a pretty easy to do setup. It's a GoPro Hero 3+ mounted on the side of my helmet (though I've since switched to the chin of the helmet) and a lapel mic stuffed into the cheek padding of the inner liner. The best mic I've found is the external mic from the Drift HD Ghost camera... Thanks for watching and commenting!

Man I feel for you! If I wasn't so prefocused on the Iron long before the Bolt was announced, I would have had a tough time deciding too... Thanks for watching and commenting!

Adam Wallace - It was for early VIN range models were the brake light switch wire from the pedal could come in contact with the rear head pipe. Very easy bulletin to perform, only had about two or three of our units need it performed... Thanks for watching and commenting Adam!

Thanks valveman12! Thanks for watching and commenting!

The mic was a Neewer Mini Laptop mic. Got it through Amazon... Thanks for watching and commenting!

Shawn Smoak I was gonna ask the same thing. Will keep that in mind when buying a mic, thanks!

I would say it's more of a around town and back roads kind of bike, bit I've no issues going on 200~300 mile rides in a day. Plenty of people travel on them, and the bike is way more than capable. But it's physically not a large and roomy bike, so you might feel a bit cramped with it loaded down for the long haul... On longer rides, I average as high as 57 mpg. My overall average is around 52 mpg. Thanks for watching and commenting Ariel !

Shawn Smoak Thanks for your response! I´m used to ride a not so roomy bike. I own a "Virago-Like" 250cc and I'm looking for a change to a bigger v-twin to ride on my country's roads. A year ago, I went into a 2400Km (1490 miles) round trip to one of the most beautiful cities here, with my bike, and it was an experience I will never forget. One of the flaws of my bike was the poor response on takeovers, due to lack of horsepower on the engine. Thanks again, Shawn. And as we say here, "Buenas rutas!" (could be translated as "Good trips!")

The R-Spec Bolt rocks, for sure! Have you done any mods to yours yet? Thanks for watching and commenting!

No, it's my first bike, and I really don't know what I want to add or remove. The wife wants a back seat and pegs! The only complaint I have is the pegs are low and I can't turn as sharp as I want. But I'm still pretty new to bikes and don't even really know if they can be moved forward or not.

Jake Taylor There are so many possibilities for mods. Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Getting used to the bike and finding the different things to do in the future... Though you might want to make the wife happy first! LOL Ride safe out there.

Right on, thanks for the videos and enjoy your bikes.

Well, generally sportbikes have a lot of horsepower and low torque, unless it's a Ducati, KTM, etc. twin... There will be a horsepower and torque loss for you depending on what you've been riding. The average 600cc sportbike would literally eat an Iron 883 alive! But you have to understand that a bike like the Iron has nothing to do with specs, power or speed. If any of that is important to you, the Iron will be a disappointment. It's all about the experience of the ride, the solid build of a Harley, along with it's rough and raw feel... It's a real biker's bike, so to speak! Not that it's a complete dog that you can't have a tremendous amount of fun on, or that is so raw that you have to get off and rest every hour. It's just never going to keep up in a canyon race with a pack of sportbikes or make a good touring bike... It's a bike that puts a smile on you face at the very thought of wanting to go for a ride! Harley shops allow the best test rides ever, swing by a shop and take one out, you'll either GET the idea of a Harley, or hate it. There seems to be no middle ground, you just need to experience it to find out... Thanks for watching and commenting Ernest!

Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about changing to a cruise but deep inside I'm still a sportbike kind of person. But I'm thinking I could sacrifice the speed for the enjoyment of a good ride.

I believe deep down I think of myself as being a sportbike guy, as I grew up on them. But now that I don't even own one anymore, I don't really miss them. Like you say, I just enjoy the ride... I think I'll live longer this way too! Lol

Thanks for watching and commenting mike63ful!

The VN900's are awesome bikes that are stone reliable! Nothing wrong with them at all. For me personally, they just aren't my style and build quality. Not that there is anything wrong with them, they just seem 'stamped out', if you know what I mean... The radiators are very well disguise and most people don't realize they are liquid cooled. Thanks for watching and commenting +brotherted !

I'm starting to think that the Vulcan 900s aren't often in the Star Bolt vs. Harley 883 comparisons because those last two are "bobbers" without a second seat. And so maybe it's the back seat that makes the Vulcan 900's natural competitors more the Honda Shadow Aero & Suzuki C50t?

You may have a very good point brotherted !

I just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom a few weeks ago, so far I love this bike - previously owned a vstar 650, and Honda Sabre 1100. And it has all the things I loved about both of those bikes. Power similar to the 1100, feels more flickable like the vstar. For me the water cooling is a plus - I don't mind the looks of it and living in Texas it's really nice to get that heat off the engine. But I agree, it's not the same style as the bolt or iron - more traditional cruiser than bobber.

That would be impossible for me to give you an unbiased opinion between these two bikes... One, is that I fell for the Iron when it was first introduced in 2009. I loved the barebones, no flash, bobber/cafe vibe that it gives off. And secondly, no matter what your thoughts are about Harleys, there is no mistaking the mustique of them... People just love the look and sound of a Harleys! Their fit & finish and the solid well built feel to them when you ride them is unsurpassed. But that's just my thoughts... Sorry Ryan, I warned you that I couldn't give an unbiased opinion!

***** - Look a little closer... The Iron 883 (XL883N) was introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009 after the success of the 1200 Nightster (XL1200N). It was an addition to their Dark Custom family of models. Thanks for watching and commenting!

I'm a huge and loyal Honda fan, but in this case, I would go for the Bolt between those two. Not that there's anything wrong with the Honda by any means, I just think the Bolt is a way bigger bang for the buck. Plus, (and please don't flame me!) it looks and feels a lot like the Harley Iron... As far as maintenance, the Honda has a long history of being stone reliable and easy to maintain. Going by the XVS950 V-Star, which the Bolt is pretty much based on, they should do equally as well. In this category of bike, you simply could not go wrong with the Harley, Honda or Yamaha! Just sit back and see which one pulls you in. Which one do you see yourself riding down the road with a huge smile on your face...? Thanks for watching and commenting!

This guys quick review is spot on. The Bolt suspension, seat, and digital read out leaves something to be desired. On the upside makes nice smooth power, shifts good, feel to the frame so-on. The 883 feels a little heavier to me, slightly less peppy, decent suspension, endless aftermarket set ups. The Suzuki S80 or older vs800 is a nice bike in this category too. Sporting good suspension, shaft drive, smooth and strong engine, make this bike a good contender in this category. The VS800/S50 is nice too, but has pretty small ergonomics. Both the Suzukis, like Honda, have that metric cruiser exhaust note that I'd rather not hear, unlike the the Yamaha, though not exactly Harley, has a very nice tone.

Very nice mrpotatoheadracing! Well said...

I just got my 2014 regular version a few weeks ago. I love it! Now to start saving some money for the mods. Shame that the new exhaust law in California prevents some manufacturers from shipping here (90dB max, or something like that). Traded a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard to the Bolt and as a 5'5" rider, I must say it feels good to flat foot again.

I rode one. Imo a better bike than the iron and the bolt. Good ground clearance, goodlooking, great power and handling and looks awesome. It does cost 3 to 4k more than a standard bolt. With some luck, you'll find a HD Dyna for that price.

Congratulations on your new R-Spec Bolt! Those are awesome bikes... Thanks for watching and commenting!

mo mueed The Iron would be great as a starter bike. It's friendly and forgiving enough that anyone could ride one... The very same could be said about the Yamaha Bolt... Thanks for watching and commenting!

LOL No, I'm just strange... Thanks for watching and commenting!

5'2" beginner?Honda Rebel 500 or 1100

Buy a used bike! I cannot emphasize this enough. But a used bike! You will drop your bike in the first year. If you're lucky, you won't wreck it. But a used bike!

Hikaru Katayamma i know, i know...My friend's dad said he'd keep his S40 long enough for me to get it out of college and I can buy it from him. There's a 99% chance that his bike will be my first one. The only issue i have with buying used (via craigslist or things like that) is knowing how well it was maintained. He does his own basic maintenance on it, and he's the only person who's ridden it though, so i know it's been well cared for. It's just that when i go buy the dealership and sit on bikes to "get my fix" as the employees describe it, i sit on multiple different bikes so it makes me consider the possibilities hahaha.

If you're looking at a used bike, ask them if you can take it to a dealership to have it checked out. The dealership will charge you a fee to look at it and make sure it's good, but it would cost you a TON less than a new bike. Plan on owning a bike a year. If you spend $1000-1500 on a decent bike and don't destroy it, you can turn around and re-sell it for a similar price. If you DO destroy it, at least it wasn't a $6-10K bike!

Honda Shadow 750.

85 xv1000

john hardin Probably not a 1/4 mile. The bolt has a 0-60 in 4.8sec. Something like that. And the the xv1000 does that in 5.1sec. But the 1000 would catch it after about 60-70mph.

Thanks +unholy7 ! Yeah, that's a tough decision between these two bikes! You'll be very happy, regardless of which one you choose. This was the standard Bolt, the R-Spec has much nicer rear shocks and seems to be toned for slight better performance...

Shawn Smoak i've decided to go with the r-spec as a starter bike. cheaper on the wallet and i've seen some really epic bobber builds from the bolt. thanks again!

I'm on the fence as well. This would be a 2nd Bike for me, I have an 2012 S1000RR, but a nice cruiser would be nice. The Bolt has a simpler Oil change ritual...Way simpler !! Sportsters have that Stupid Fucking Tube Drain underneath, then there's the Primary oil, and the oil filter just Gets oil all over the front of the bike. Sure the Sport has more goodies to put onto the bike, but that just puts a hole in your wallet too....Sure your Soul says Harley, but the Brain says Bolt ??,,,Who knows ?? And, plus a Harley built on a Friday is going to have problems, just with any American Made products, cause we all Know American Workers on a Friday Don't Give a Shit

BeaglePower G exactly! I'm going to get a bolt once I settle in. I just moved out to Oklahoma.

BeaglePower G but a bike that was made on Friday will not have as many problems as one of the bikes made on Saturday when employees have to work overtime to fill a quota lol

They changed the display the next year so you could read the digital readout in the sun..! Pretty tough to see, right? Thanks for watching!

No, no fuel gauge of any kind. Old school way of keeping track of the mileage using one of the trip meters... Thanks for watching and commenting Bob!

+Shawn Smoak They do have a low fuel light, but it comes on WAY too early, in my opinion. I still have almost a gallon of gas when the light comes on.

collin johnson Please keep me updated, Collin! I am thinking of starting to ride this year, and am on the research phase of motorcycles.

gm16v149 Sounds like you've made an awesome bike out of your 1200. 20 years, that's a good long time to keep a bike. You should post a video on it sometime... I'd love to see it! Thanks for watching and posting an awesome comment!

Shawn Smoak Yeah well I'm just about to go for a ride because it's a nice day (90 deg) and I've just bought a GoPro so I'll get around to it sooner or later. Btw I'll bet the weather atm isn't like in your video lol. Probably silly question but what state are you from?

Wow, 90 degrees! It'll be a while before we see anything like that... That would be cool if you get around to GoPro'n a ride! I live in Washington state...

Cool motorcycle for sure! I haven't had any issues with the brakes on my sportsters, but they were vastly improved for 2014... I should have waited a few months for the 2014's to come out! I'm going to pick up a 2014 Sportster Forty-Eight in the next month or so. So I'll get the new brakes, but I just wish they were on my Iron. Get yourself a Bolt, you love it! I'm really starting to have a fancy for the green R-Spec's we just got it...! Thanks for watching and commenting!

It's been a little while since I test drove the Iron, so maybe your 2013 has a different setup still than what I rode. The main thing I have against HD is the culture and the mark up on used bikes. Riders are split, so many people own them it doesn't matter. However, sales reps/associates and parts managers are so irritating! And non riders get real annoying over a love of a product they'll never own. Every time I walk in to a Harley dealer, I get aggravated and it turns me off. People like you though are changing my mind. You reply to so many comments in an honest way, and your videos are on point. Then again, I think you're a tech and techs are always cool! If I could just talk to the mechanics directly at *any* dealership, I'd be happier.

I know what you mean about the HD culture! But those guys all shun Sportsters. Maybe that's what attracts me to them, the anti-culture... Lol Sorry to hear that you've had bad experiences at dealers. The four dealers in my area that I go to have been nothing but top notch! Half the guys working there don't even ride Harleys, and they're cool with that. I even showed up to the closest one north of me on a Can-Am Spyder and they didn't chase me off. They just asked about a million questions about it... All their parts and service prices are legal theft! I literally have ordered parts from their very own online store and selected in store pickup and saved almost 50%... Crazy markup! Some of the dealers around here have huge windows that you can watch the techs, but it's like trying to walk into Fort Knox try to speak with one... We are very open with that at our stores. Sadly, we don't sell Harley's though... We work on so many, you would think we did! When I decided to get an Iron, they were selling for more used than new! What is that? But anyway, culture or not, I love these little suckers for their stone reliability, build quality and fairly cheap parts when ordered online or aftermarket. They are crazy easy to perform maintenance on. Plus, just like the Bolt, they are just fun as hell to ride!