 Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
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Posts: 688 |
And the newest Japanese Harley Sportster rip-off is the Star Bolt. LINK
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,307 Likes: 3
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,307 Likes: 3 |
I saw the title and got a good chuckle. When I was a Yute, I used to date a girl named Star Bolt, seriously. Her folks were old smelly hippies that didn't shower very often. I think they were French too. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
i know the feelin dinkums
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Where have I seen this before....  ? Great looking bike! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
I missed the earlier thread on the Bolt.
I wish the Japanese would start building a bunch of copies of BMW boxers or something and leave Harley alone.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Its a funny old world, BMW are now making excellent copies of the Japanese bikes.
But back to the Star Bolt, Looks Ok, but I would buy an 883 Iron. Had a test ride on one the other day, quite like it.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
At Lowe's we have a new line of wrenches that will undo a star bolt.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Ho Hum. Another Hardley clone. Pretty boring. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I could not find a stated horsepower/torque rating, well in a comparo vs. video, the blonde biker/hippie dude, says great power, just not how much. Is it my bad eyes or does the website tell us? They may not be exactly proud of the numbers, ergo, the deliberate omission.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
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The 950 v star is the same I think. It performs good but most testers complained that it was to low. Its not going to be a rocket shipped a 950 V twin is not that big its the same as buying a 883 sporster ya its fun but at the end of the day you will want something bigger.
Life need a little Triumph!
2008 Triumph Speedmaster, Single baffle drag pipes, lots of black powder coatin,K&N pods, AI removed, TBS needles and a procom cdi.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
I think it would make a pretty nice lookin' Street Tracker.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
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Good looking bike, with the usual outstanding Yamaha quality.
A V twin is hardly a unique concept for a motorcycle, and doesnt make any/all that use it a clone to HD.
Its kind of funny to see the cry of wanting HD "left alone", as that head in the sand thought process has allowed HD to live in its old ways. The best thing for HD is competition, to make the best product that they can. They have a great sense of personality/identity in their bikes, great finishes, and a wealth accessories to add to them, even quite versatile and inventive in what they come up with. Yet there are many out there who desire superior performance, be it handling and power, or a different look. The Bolt just adds to the mix of choices out there, and with the reserve shocks, nice brakes, and the brass accents available, they add some nice touches.
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Not bad for what it is. That cyclops tail light must go, though. And the pegs need to be moved forward.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Not a bad looking bike, although they claim it as a modern Bobber...I am glad that is nothing of the sort. As for the Iron 883...I think when it comes to reliability I would go with the Asian bike (yeah, I know that HD is more reliable than years back). I can't believe that The Springer Bobber Solo Seat is $459.00!!! I guess a Springer front end would run you an extra 2k or so, lol. To each his own, I love my little 865 and will go head to head any day of the week with the Bolt.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
As for the Iron 883...I think when it comes to reliability I would go with the Asian bike (yeah, I know that HD is more reliable than years back).
Well if that's how you feel why aren't you riding a "reliable" Japanese rip-off of a classic British bike? I hated the Kawasaki W650 for the same reason.
edit: I don't dislike the w650 or the Bolt because they are Japanese. I don't like them because they are obviously trying to capitalize on other manufacturer's image / heritage. Only the Japanese can get away with this crap if Harley, Ducati, BMW or any other manufacturer built a bike like the W650 the motorcycle community would freak out...but it's like we almost expect this crap from the Japanese.
But I very much like the Honda CB1100...a classic UJM. Now if only Honda dealers would get some to demo ride...
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
A V twin is hardly a unique concept for a motorcycle, and doesnt make any/all that use it a clone to HD.
It's not just the engine the entire bike is a Sportster rip-off, and face it that is exactly what Yamaha/Star intended.
Star. Interesting, even the name was changed for the American market to sound less foreign.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I like it. I think it looks great,especially the tail light.
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Quote:
Quote:
As for the Iron 883...I think when it comes to reliability I would go with the Asian bike (yeah, I know that HD is more reliable than years back).
Well if that's how you feel why aren't you riding a "reliable" Japanese rip-off of a classic British bike? I hated the Kawasaki W650 for the same reason.
edit: I don't dislike the w650 or the Bolt because they are Japanese. I don't like them because they are obviously trying to capitalize on other manufacturer's image / heritage. Only the Japanese can get away with this crap if Harley, Ducati, BMW or any other manufacturer built a bike like the W650 the motorcycle community would freak out...but it's like we almost expect this crap from the Japanese.
But I very much like the Honda CB1100...a classic UJM. Now if only Honda dealers would get some to demo ride...
Because it's a Triumph, not an HD or Yami, Suzuki, Honda...do I have to remind you that our Triumphs are unique and what clone of a good Brit bike is out there?
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
Because it's a Triumph...
Mine is a Thaiumph 
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Because it's a Triumph, not an HD or Yami, Suzuki, Honda...do I have to remind you that our Triumphs are unique and what clone of a good Brit bike is out there?
"What clone of a Brit bike is out there?" That Kawasaki W650 in the picture is certainly impersonating a Triumph Bonneville.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
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Are you sure its not really closer to a BSA?
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Quote:
Quote:
A V twin is hardly a unique concept for a motorcycle, and doesnt make any/all that use it a clone to HD.
It's not just the engine the entire bike is a Sportster rip-off, and face it that is exactly what Yamaha/Star intended.
Star. Interesting, even the name was changed for the American market to sound less foreign.
Pretty uptight about this bike, arent you? Its hardly a copy as it has its own design cues that arent HD related, and really, many bikes derive styling and tech from others. For example, HD copied Curtiss on the VTwin, they also made the Sportster with design elements to copy the dominating British bikes of the time. So what?
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Quote:
Quote:
Because it's a Triumph, not an HD or Yami, Suzuki, Honda...do I have to remind you that our Triumphs are unique and what clone of a good Brit bike is out there?
"What clone of a Brit bike is out there?" That Kawasaki W650 in the picture is certainly impersonating a Triumph Bonneville.
Does not say much for the imitator:
"In the United States and Canada the W650 was imported from 1999 until 2000. With weak US and Canadian sales and the introduction of the competing "retro" Bonneville by Triumph, Kawasaki concentrated sales in Europe and Japan".
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Because it's a Triumph, not an HD or Yami, Suzuki, Honda...do I have to remind you that our Triumphs are unique and what clone of a good Brit bike is out there?
"What clone of a Brit bike is out there?" That Kawasaki W650 in the picture is certainly impersonating a Triumph Bonneville.
OB, considering as it appears you have a strong opinion about, let us say, "nationality-based design elements of motorcycles", then I have to wonder if maybe you might also feel the same way about Triumph's Speed Triple, as that machine's design elements were and are based upon modern-day Japanese Sportbikes "post-crashed"/"Hooligan" motorcycles as you probably know(i.e. fairing-less early GSXRs and others), and with really the only difference being an inline-3 cylinder instead of a inline-4 cylinder engine.
And, while I tend to agree with you about Japan Incorporated's tendency to make "copies" of other styles, the reason I bring this up is because I felt you might be overlooking the thought that in today's market there are a few other examples of motorcycle companies located other than in Japan who have "borrowed" styles from other sources.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
and with really the only difference being an inline-3 cylinder instead of a inline-4 cylinder engine.
Exactly why Triumph dropped all their 4-cyl bikes...product identity. Classic Triumphs were known for their twins and triples but when they returned to the market with modern sport bikes they built 4-cylinder engines then decided to return to triples only.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
 When you see a boxer twin like this classic what comes to mind first? BMW of course. But this bike is a Harley-Davidson built during WW2 at the request of the U.S. Army when they saw the shaft drive German BMWs performance in harsh desert enviroment. After the war Harley could have continued to build and improve in the boxer twin design but I suppose they decided that wasn't their style.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
Are you sure its as simple a reason as that?
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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 Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Yes. 
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep Todd, OB's explanation for the short-lived Harley Boxer-engine motorcycle is correct as far as I know, also. Another interesting short-lived variation on this military story is this shaft-drive Indian 841 longitudinal V-Twin(similar to the later to come Moto Guzzi V-Twins) which was Indian's alternative design sold to the U.S.Army during WWII. 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432 |
I think that the Kawasaki W650 is a better looking clone of the older Triumphs. They did a better job of cloning the Bonneville than Triumph did.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Just read in a Mag 46 HP and 55 Ft Lbs Torque for the mighty bolt!
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Just read in a Mag 46 HP and 55 Ft Lbs Torque for the mighty bolt!
That's ALMOST as bad as ours! 
...
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And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466 Likes: 4
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
Quote:
Just read in a Mag 46 HP and 55 Ft Lbs Torque for the mighty bolt!
That's ALMOST as bad as ours! ...
The Bolt is 942cc tho...
'04' Black America
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
Just read in a Mag 46 HP and 55 Ft Lbs Torque for the mighty bolt!
Measured to what correction and at the crank or wheel?
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
They did not elaborate, just had time to read those numbers stated (I know, vague). I found the review it in some Cruiser Mag. and then they called my name, so I couldn't read the whole article. If those are true values at any RPM, that's on the weak side for the stated displacement. IMHO
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
They did not elaborate, just had time to read those numbers stated (I know, vague). I found the review it in some Cruiser Mag. and then they called my name, so I couldn't read the whole article. If those are true values at any RPM, that's on the weak side for the stated displacement. IMHO
I appreciate you posting what you saw, however we both know without knowing what device was used to measure & to what standard & correction, the numbers can't be meaningfully compared.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 16 |
I would be very surprised if the Bolt outperforms the America. I've ridden quite a few Sportsters over the years and have always felt that the America seems to run somewhere in between the 883 and the 1200. I also think for the price I was right to go with the America vs. waiting on some thing like the bolt.
A Harley Heritage, a Triumph America, a good Irish Whiskey and cigar. As close to Heaven on earth as I can get.
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1 |
My local Yamaha dealer had Demo rides on the Bolt on Saturday (& free BBQ too). I opened their email on Sunday. 
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Re: Star Bolt
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
And comes with a 1 year limited factory warranty.
Is that how long they think it will last?.
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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