Yamaha Bolt Death Wobble, will it kill you? | Answering questions about my Bolt 950cc
Рет қаралды 35,322
Күн бұрын#DeathWobble #YamahaBolt
I recently did a performance review of the Yamaha Bolt after a pretty extensive 10k mile test run. If you haven't seen that video, go check it out:
• YAMAHA BOLT REVIEW | H...
A lot of you guys asked some great questions on that video, so I wanted to make this one to answer some of those. In this video I cover the Death Wobble, Engine Heat, Engine Vibrations, some riding comfort questions, and how I have my bike set up.
As always if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. Thanks for watching and God bless!
@DH-pt2fs 2 жыл бұрын
Your Bolt videos are some of the best I've seen. I just got myself a 2017 Bolt and I love it. Thank you!!
@gorbie87 3 жыл бұрын
I have put about 4000 miles on my Bolt, and I never experienced the death wobble. I also never ride with no hands. Just this past weekend I was riding hard with just one hand, but always keep a firm grip on the bike to maintain control and stability. I love my Bolt and I hope I never experience that!
@BEEBEE159 3 жыл бұрын
I think the cylinders are staggered to increase cooling for the rear cylinder.
@Hadi_Habib 3 жыл бұрын
Great video. I've had my Bolt (R-Spec) for about 4 years now, & done many insane road trips across provinces in my country (Pakistan). Noticed the "death wobble" as soon as I bought it, but it never bothered me. I think of it as a safety measure, always keeping at least one hand in control, especially with unpredictable road conditions here (to put it mildly, haha).
@puiazaidarhzauva9928 3 жыл бұрын
super informative! im really thinking about buying a Bolt now! thanks !
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Hope it helped! I love mine
@paulgriffiths2095 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the information on the wobble.
@austindenson978 3 жыл бұрын
Dude you’re doing exactly what I want to do with this bike. Was nervous if it would last riding over Mt Hood to Bend Oregon. You sold me on it.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks man! I have a lot of confidence in this bike. When it heats up a bit I'm wanting to head back out on another big trip
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
I don't doubt your bolt will crush your trip with no problem
@austindenson978 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 right on man! Excited to see your trips.
@TheShortcop 2 жыл бұрын
Coming to this video a few years later, but I appreciate the info! I'm a new Bolt rider, myself. I was riding a Vulcan S 650, and was perfectly happy with it. But saw a 2020 Bolt R-Spec with 85 miles on it for $6000. Dude just wanted to pay off his bike and move on. So here I am with my, like, 6th motorcycle in two years. Hopefully this one will be a keeper lol
@MOTOJendays Жыл бұрын
Is it a keeper for you?
@wanderer166 3 жыл бұрын
Every time I've had a slow (under 50mph) wobble, it's been resolved by swapping the front tire with a new one. If you buy bikes (which I do) that have been sitting for a while, cheaply, this is very common
@user-sw2lv3zp6o 3 жыл бұрын
I had a wobble on a KTM950 Adventure but only when I had my panniers and top case on and all fully loaded. That may have been your problem.
@bareknucklesmick9761 2 жыл бұрын
Good info thank you,
@gumerdominguez4091 3 жыл бұрын
I like the saddle bags 👍
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@tomjiunta1580 3 жыл бұрын
I had small problem with my triumph speed twin, riding cross country with a death wobble, but I concluded, it was only when I had the bike over loaded on the back with gear, where there was less weight on the front wheel. Once I rebalanced the weight it went away. Seeing the way you loaded your bike, I would bet the tires and the lack of weight over the front wheels,may have been a big factor. Leaning forward with your weight over the tank when that happens usually helps.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Mine ended up being a balancing issue, because when I got new tires they balanced it, and it went away.
@hydrohedinvictus8697 3 жыл бұрын
the words "i can make it happen" just killed me
@BikesBeardsAndBrews 3 жыл бұрын
Death Wobbles just makes it more metal!
@780joey Ай бұрын
i've seen some vids of guys just getting some more high quality steering head bearings and it supposedly really helps with the wobble
@daynmitchell7543 3 жыл бұрын
That’s a air box not a carb. The bolt has EFI. And my bolt’s wobble is actually way worse. But I heard new bearings in the front wheel helps.
@Thechist781 9 ай бұрын
I was wondering besides this scenery if you encounter uneven surface roads is this likely to happen ?
@LiamMcGuinnessVitalVentures 3 жыл бұрын
Good video man. I hear even changing the tires can help the wobble without doing the steering bearings
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
I'm due for some new tires
@John_Stur 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I heard that too, but why not change the bearings and get over that problem for good?
@LiamMcGuinnessVitalVentures 3 жыл бұрын
Sethuna that is true haha
@luthersymons 3 жыл бұрын
I got rid of the Bridgestone and put on a set of Michelin Commanders and it resolved the problem instantly.
@LiamMcGuinnessVitalVentures 3 жыл бұрын
@@luthersymons I may be doing that! thanks for the reply
@34leo35 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this! Your videos are about the best about the Yamaha Bolt motorcycles. I like how it looks but I don’t know if it is small for me. I’m 6’2” and 280lbs. What do you think? I also want to travel on it.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm 6'1" and its about perfect size for me personally. If it were a bit too small for you, you could always throw some forward controls on it and make it fit you better.
@34leo35 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 Great. Thanks!
@HooDRidEWhiteY 3 жыл бұрын
I'm 280 and my wife is a thicky too, we tour 2 up on the Bolt with no issues.
@davejohnson2051 3 жыл бұрын
Im 6'2 and 300 lb no problem on size its a comfortable riding position, i upgraded the seat to a mustang and upgrading rear shocks to 13 inch from standard 11 inchas hitting pot holes on the standard shocks is like riding a hard tail, apart from that great bike
@Hilbertyu 3 жыл бұрын
Ever since i got rabbit earth the death wobble comes on at certain speeds even with one hand still on the bars. But anything above 60 it rides perfect and i can go no hangs aslong as i use a throttle lock. Just cant coast or engine break with no hands
@pauljohnson4948 7 ай бұрын
Could it be the handlebar mounted screen causing this.?
@mushroomcloud1 3 жыл бұрын
Did you do manual recommended maintenance...Valve adjustment, injection sync...etc. ?
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Really the only thing I've done is oil changes.
@jameshenderson9830 3 жыл бұрын
Had mine for years and never felt anything close to a death wobble. I did make sure I put some decent tires on it as soon as I purchased it.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
That might be it because since I put new tires on it, it hasn't come close to a wobble
@keithshelton8393 3 жыл бұрын
Bham native Bolter here. I’ve done a ton of upgrades to my Bolt and have yet to fix the wobble. Only happens at 40-60 mph and if riding with no hands. Since we get no cruise control, not really an issue for me. I changed the riser bushings and it fixed the handlebar flex but has more vibration in the mirrors. Eventually I plan on doing the neck bearings, fork gaiters, and new tires(probably at the same time). Overall I love the bike and I can’t see myself ever getting rid of it but for me I had to do a plethora of changes to suit my needs.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Got new tires today and the wobble stopped
@cemerinc5625 Жыл бұрын
Hi Keith did you solve the vibration problem in the mirrors and handlebars?
@keithshelton8393 Жыл бұрын
@@cemerinc5625 yes. I had my local shop install new steering bearings from S&S custom (All Balls) and hard mount riser bushings.
@cemerinc5625 Жыл бұрын
@@keithshelton8393 Thanks for the information
@cemerinc5625 Жыл бұрын
@@keithshelton8393 Hi Keith can you share me the links? I'm having a hard time finding parts because I live in Turkey.
@kristermartinez4989 3 жыл бұрын
What did you do for your exhaust? Looks nice I hear people cut their stock and weld on this shorty one, is that what you did as well?
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
This was how it was when I bought it. I know its not stock, but i couldn't tell u what brand it is unfortunately
@gorillamad7544 3 жыл бұрын
You can put a slip on Vance and Hince competition exhaust. It sounds amazing. I installed one my self in my 18 bolt. Won’t regret it
@rayman8991 3 жыл бұрын
Replace the O.E.M. taper bearings with “All Balls Motorcycle Steering Stem Bearing Kits.” Should help with the death wobble. I also heard and been told to not get the Bridgestone tires that come with the bolt, when bought new. That the tire patterns on them play a role in the death wobble too. My wife use to complain too about the passenger seat. I Got the same passenger kit you have on my bolt. Get the “Airhawk Cruiser Pillion Cushion,” for $80 on amazon. It made a big difference and she has no problems anymore.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Haha i don't blame her man! It's honestly gotten better now, but its still a cheap seat. The first time somebody sat on it it felt like a block of wood. Ill be getting new tires soon too
@MsSweethome2 3 жыл бұрын
Global Vagrant Avon Cobra Chrome😉
@totalphixion1801 7 ай бұрын
After a set of new tyres it was a lot less, and i am thinking to lower my front ride height for about 10mm.
@Yamahog 3 жыл бұрын
Just a quick reply about the Death wobble..... Check the "white Dot" on the front tire.... It should still be over top of the valve stem of the tire.... If it isn't, and is say 6 inches or so away from that point, the front wheel needs rebalancing. There isn't really anything else on the front end of the bike that can affect the critical-speed of the wheel, other than weird tire wear. Stay Safe.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Thats great to know thanks for dropping the comment! I got new tires not too long after this. The guy balanced the tires and the wobble went away
@Yamahog 3 жыл бұрын
I guess I should have added the "why of it all" . Low tire pressure and a lot of hard front brake. the Tire will want to "walk backward" on the Rim, Hence the gradual migration of the rubber moving away from the balance point. So check This First.... Before you invest in new Head - Bearings , etc.. Ciao. {Edit: I said "forward" originally.... The Rubber will actually appear to move backwards on the rim.}
@Yamahog 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392Amen Bro, Glad I could help. with the issue.
@earthbros6508 2 жыл бұрын
I had a 2019 yamama R bolt that lunched me off the seat because of the death wobbles entering the highway picking up speed and when I reached 60mph I lost it. I personally had bad experience especially when your back folds like a lawn chair. IF YOU ARE TALL it’s not for you. My knees nearly touch my elbows with stock applications I’m 6feet tall and the bike sits low leaning is very limited . Stock out the dealer those were issues I had. Probably some mods could have fixed it but I trashed the bike the second week before I could get to modifications
@rbon2wheels Жыл бұрын
Mine happen at the same speed with o e hand off the hand bar
@nichodis 2 жыл бұрын
The long trip make your hand feel like it has a stinger or sleep.
@leonardozeni181 3 жыл бұрын
O cilindro traseiro aquece o saco como as HD?
@jinooppv 3 жыл бұрын
Have you ever had any issues with breaking . I am thinking of buying a Bolt R spec. Need your advice please.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
I actually haven't had any issues with the brakes. Good luck in the bike hunt!
@ihateemael 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 "brakes"
@loyaltoday1911 2 жыл бұрын
I have a 2018 and doesn't do that, when I do that obviously no to fast but more when I going slow enough for lift the face shield and get some breeze,
@jlrutube1312 Жыл бұрын
I have a Honda VTX 1300 and most of those bikes all had the exact same wobble. It's because the neck bearings look like bicycle neck bearings they are so small and cheap. New good bearings from a company called All Balls only cost about 40 dollars and it will cost you about 75 or maybe 100 dollars to get them installed. My bike has been perfect ever since. So it's an easy fix.
@jameshines6474 2 жыл бұрын
Hmm? Wobble? Looking at these scoots, I would want a larger tire on the front. Can it be changed to 120 from the 100 to cope with the horrible roads I find in most metro areas today? My V-Max had120 as did the Warrior. No trouble with either of those bikes. but they were top-of-the-line Yamahas. My KZ's were the same- rock solid.
@globalvagrant1392 2 жыл бұрын
Dang man not sure about if it could go with larger tires. Sorry... maybe a little but i wouldnt think much. Oh and wobble was a balancing issue for me with the tires. Went away when I got them replaced.
@NutNRun_ 2 жыл бұрын
Dude is riding in a button up, sandals and shorts 😳
@cemerinc5625 Жыл бұрын
There is vibration on the handlebars after 50 km/h and of course death wobble. I've met people who couldn't find their solution.
@daethule 3 жыл бұрын
I saw one review that said it sits too low so he would scrape the bottom just coming into his driveway, and scraped the pegs every time he went out. For me, the best part of riding is tight turns and leaning far. Can you do that with this bike?
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Ehh it's not so terrible that it is scraping all the time, but on tight turns the pegs will hit. It keeps u from really leaning into a turn, which I find annoying.
@daethule 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 That's disappointing. Thanks for the great info.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
No problem, good luck on the bike hunt!
@damienpalianta6325 3 жыл бұрын
It tends to happen very randomly on my bolt, I tend to just cruise hands free for miles and im fine most of the time, but then some times i can not get it to not try and wobble out. Most of the time adjusting body position helps and stops it but there are times where im just trying to lean back and crack my knuckles and it just wont stay still
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Mine went away completely after changing the tires. I think it was a balancing thing.
@damienpalianta6325 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 from what I've read the stock tires tread pattern doesn't help either
@zanpjer8274 3 жыл бұрын
whats that lil slip-on u got there, ive been having some issues with my cobra slip because of the vibrations and it starter cracking by the bolt
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Eh it was on there when I bought the bike and I didn't see a brand on it. It's held up nicely though whatever it is
@zanpjer8274 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 i found out, but thanks. its called "shorty" btw :)
@alexwhite5724 Жыл бұрын
It happens when the back tire is worn off and un even due to street slope
@LeeKirkman88 3 жыл бұрын
Wow that's bad! my xv750 trike does'nt have that kinda wobble and trikes are known for it at low speed. I liked the look of it but now after seeing that i've scrapped the idea. Does the later models do it?
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, but it ended up being a balancing issue. Apparently a lot of bolts have it for some reason, but when I got new tires and the guy balanced them, it went away. Drives smooth now
@LeeKirkman88 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 Thats good to know, ride safe.
@c_w2266 2 жыл бұрын
With this issue present, would you recommend this as a first bike for someone?
@globalvagrant1392 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, because once I got the new tires the issue went away. It's a great bike!
@c_w2266 2 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 awesome, thank you!
@kianskate3952 3 жыл бұрын
🤙🏼
@wrzl1675 3 жыл бұрын
Owned one for years and fixed it two days after it started ( and yes, it’s between 40-45-ish) it’s that pos front tire and thousands of us know this is a fact. It doesn’t happen at first but after you put enough miles on it that wobbley center groove in that front tire turns into that crazy wobble. I replaced the tires with a set of Michelin’s and put 28k miles on it and never had another wobble issues. It’s extremely well known that the front tire is all that it’s wrong. Don’t be a fool and start throwing thousands at front suspension etc etc.
@caylinsloan9595 3 жыл бұрын
How did the bike hold up with 28k miles? Any problems?
@griseldagsfx6888 5 ай бұрын
Paid a mechanic 2000$ cuz he said it all had to be replaced. Even after the replacement it had the same issue and I honestly wanted to throw the bike away. Lost all my love for the bolt
@rbon2wheels 3 жыл бұрын
Same here. It is a problem with bolt.
@vinnyhendrix1683 2 жыл бұрын
That’s not normal. It might be all the attachments you have. I have a 14 bolt with 700 miles and I never have the problems you outlined.
@MrDickhead47 3 жыл бұрын
I was wondering if you could put a v star gas tank on it. I bought a bolt on impulse and don’t like it. I’ve put so much money into it to make it what I want. But the gas tank and ground clearance is unbearable. I’m scraping or having to pull over for cars in the canyon. I can’t wait until it’s sold
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Dang man sorry to hear that. The ground clearance is something I wish i had of mentioned in the video because I find myself scraping as well and it sucks. I do love the bike though most of my driving isn't on curvy roads. Not sure about the tank unfortunately
@MrDickhead47 3 жыл бұрын
I mean I do love the bike but I live in the mountains and didn’t even think about scraping when I bought it. You should never have to pull off for a car on a motorcycle. But I think it’s a cool bike, and if someone made a bigger gas tank I think it would look more like a dyna and be a better touring bike.
@ihateemael 3 жыл бұрын
1 inch longer shocks will give you a half decent ride(more travel) and more ground clearance
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
I need it and honestly the shocks could be better anyways
@krishnasai959 2 жыл бұрын
does wobble happens even without wind shield
@globalvagrant1392 2 жыл бұрын
Wobble went away after changing the tires. Mine was related to the tires and balance
@unisexbathroom66 2 жыл бұрын
what lil backrest and rack combo do you have there?
@globalvagrant1392 2 жыл бұрын
It's some bull crap I got off Amazon. I'm not real happy with it because the pegs didn't fit right and it's rusted in parts. But, it's better than not having one.
@unisexbathroom66 2 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 noted. ive been trying to find a bar that is tall enough to tie my bag to without being like 4 feet in the air. urs is close :) thanks for reviewing the bolt so much, it helped me immensely with my purchase
@globalvagrant1392 2 жыл бұрын
@@unisexbathroom66 thanks! Yeah it's great for strapping a bag too.
@tedcity5861 3 жыл бұрын
i'm an old guy, so i just have to say, I disapprove of your riding attire sir ! Good video tho, nice dog and nice property.
@YoungMantv 3 жыл бұрын
you can buy a bearing for 30 bucks that fixes this
@MG041987 5 ай бұрын
hello. I am here because I think my Bolt have this problem but motorcycle have only 2400km... :/
@californiapoontappa 3 жыл бұрын
Lower front tire pressure and wobble stops
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Got new tires today and it stopped. Think it might have been a balancing issue
@ihateemael 3 жыл бұрын
@@globalvagrant1392 and uneven wear
@minchiominchioli5409 2 ай бұрын
It’s the front tyre. Just change it
@jamesgeorge609 3 жыл бұрын
My question is,,,,did you find out what the wobble is,,,,,seems something that needs attention to....has this always do this.
@John_Stur 3 жыл бұрын
Unless Yamaha uses different bearings on different Bolts in the worldwide market then every Bolt has the death wobble. It's just that on some Bolts it appears sooner than others. The culprits are the steering bearings and the stock tyres. Changing to a more premium tapered bearings setup is highly advised. About the tyres, it's the grooves on the front tyre that amplify an already existing death wobble produced by the bearings. From what I read online it gets worse after 10.000km on the stock tyres. Petty problems plaguing an awesome motorcycle tbh.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Hey I got new tires today and the wobble stopped. Maybe it was a balance issue
@whitelightning3330 3 жыл бұрын
If your tires are cheap or some shitty tire in general then i could see it having a death wobble but I've never heard of it on the bolt so im gonna go ahead and say its your tires or your bearings.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
People have been saying on here that the stock tires contribute to it. Im due for some new tires too so ill be able to see if that changes anything.
@californiapoontappa 3 жыл бұрын
Yo white raise tire pressure and you'll get it I bet your air is low
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Hey, I put new tires on today and the wobble has stopped. Maybe it was a balance issue?
@nitrorc4life1 3 жыл бұрын
Front wobble.....will not be buying this one. Thanks for video. Have had plenty of bikes in eighties range that had it, always hated that as fo me it is poor engineering imo. Worse bike that had that was an old Yamaha xs 400 I had un high school.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
This is weird but someone told me it was a fix for the wobble. I put new tires on today and the wobble is gone. Pretty wild and I dont know why, except maybe if it was a balancing issue
@rubensoto-2749 7 ай бұрын
Get a new front tire and new bar ends.
@kezug 3 жыл бұрын
I like this video, but I HAVE to recommend you take it down because the video says one thing (death wobble at 45 mph) but you later found that new tires and balanced tires, fixed your wobble (via the comments)...However, going on the video alone will make people think (I almost did) ALL BOLTS have the death wobble and that's not true. For that, I think you should take this video down. In fact, you should put up a new video explaining how new tires and balanced tires will fix "wobble" situations.
@williamrae9954 2 жыл бұрын
Watch FortNine video on Harleys(gyroscopics explained)...oddly Yamaha copied a H/D flaw! Decent shocks is the cure.
@GhostRider351 3 жыл бұрын
the shake is unacceptable for a new bike. id buy one it not for that
@raybrookevisnorris346 3 жыл бұрын
Brigestone Tyers will fix it.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Yup new tires / balancing fixed mine
@funkthat 3 жыл бұрын
Wow I wish Rabid Hedgehog knew about this death wobble so he can add it into his review/rant, dude this bike suckkkksss should not have this many issues for any amount of money wow
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
I dont know if you saw, but the death wobble is gone on my bike. It was a balancing issue on the tires. As soon as I got new tires it went away. I havent had any issues with it whatsoever besides that. The only complaint I've got is that it rides too close to the ground, so u can't hug turns as tight as I'd like.
@christianronnebeck5738 5 ай бұрын
Mam... see... with one hand... Mam... see... with no hands... Mam... see... with no teeth...
@tr8925 3 жыл бұрын
Riding in flip flops
@ardalla535 3 жыл бұрын
Why would you buy a bike with a death wobble. Why would you want that on your mind while you're riding? It's not like this is the only motorcycle available.
@globalvagrant1392 3 жыл бұрын
Haha! I didn't notice the wobble on my test drive and it was such a good buy on the bike I probably wouldn't have cared. Changed the tires and the wobble is gone now. I think it was just a balancing issue