2019 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt R-Spec

One Owner | 6,418 Miles | Fresh Florida Import | £5,995

Here we have an outstanding example of Yamaha’s distinctive and highly regarded XVS950 Bolt R-Spec, finished in factory Matte Silver with its contrasting red R-Spec graphics.

This particular motorcycle is a one-owner 2019 model, freshly imported by us directly from Florida, and has covered just 6,418 miles from new. As the photographs and accompanying video demonstrate, it has been exceptionally well cared for and remains in superb condition throughout.

The paintwork, blacked-out engine, frame, wheels, suspension, exhaust system and cycle parts all present beautifully. We have checked the motorcycle over, inspected all fluids and confirmed that everything is exactly where it should be. The bike is now ready to be enjoyed.

The history of the Yamaha Bolt

Yamaha introduced the Bolt in 2013 as a new interpretation of the traditional American bobber. Its design brief was centred around what Yamaha called the “Ultimate Purely Bobber” concept: a compact motorcycle with minimal bodywork, a low stance, exposed mechanical components and plenty of scope for individual customisation.

Rather than trying to imitate a large touring cruiser, Yamaha created something lighter, narrower and more responsive. The result combined the visual character of an old-school V-twin with the dependable engineering, fuel injection and everyday usability for which Yamaha is renowned.

The motorcycle was marketed as the Bolt in America and as the XV950 and XV950R in the United Kingdom and Europe. Its 942cc air-cooled V-twin was derived from the proven XVS950 platform but installed in a more compact double-cradle chassis, producing a motorcycle that felt considerably more agile and involving than many traditional heavyweight cruisers.

The Bolt also became an important part of Yamaha’s custom culture. Numerous professional builders used it as the basis for Yamaha’s Yard Built projects, demonstrating how easily the stripped-back platform could be transformed into a bobber, tracker, café racer or completely individual custom motorcycle.

The XV950 and XV950R remained available in the UK through the 2020 model year, before disappearing from Yamaha’s European range as the Euro 5 emissions regulations arrived in 2021. This means that British riders have been unable to purchase a new UK-market example for several years, while Yamaha continued offering the Bolt in markets such as the United States.

The R-Spec model

The R-Spec was the premium, sportier version of the standard Bolt.

Its most noticeable upgrade is the pair of piggyback-reservoir rear shock absorbers, complete with distinctive gold reservoirs. These give the motorcycle a more purposeful appearance while offering more sophisticated damping than the standard Bolt suspension.

The R-Spec also received a model-specific suede or buckskin-effect seat, special paintwork and individual graphics. Yamaha’s 2019 R-Spec colour scheme used a Matte Silver finish with a bold red stripe, exactly as seen on this motorcycle.

On this example, the R-Spec detailing includes:

• Factory Matte Silver bodywork with red tank graphics
• Gold piggyback-reservoir rear shock absorbers
• Black suede-effect rider seat with contrasting red stitching
• Matching removable passenger pad
• Passenger footrests
• Black 12-spoke cast wheels
• Red wheel-rim detailing
• Wave-pattern front and rear brake discs
• Blacked-out engine, chassis and exhaust finish

The combination of silver, red and black works exceptionally well, giving the motorcycle a much more distinctive appearance than the conventional all-black cruiser.

942cc air-cooled V-twin engine

At the heart of the Bolt is Yamaha’s 942cc, air-cooled, 60-degree V-twin engine.

It is a traditional long-stroke cruiser motor, designed to produce its strongest performance in the low and middle of the rev range rather than needing to be revved hard. Yamaha quoted approximately 80Nm of torque at just 3,000rpm, giving the Bolt strong, immediate acceleration and an enjoyable V-twin pulse.

Fuel injection provides easy starting, smooth throttle response and more consistent running than a carburetted cruiser. Power is delivered through a five-speed gearbox and a clean, low-maintenance belt final drive.

The compact intake arrangement, sculpted cylinder heads and polished edges of the cooling fins make the engine a major part of the motorcycle’s styling. Yamaha deliberately left the mechanical components exposed rather than hiding them beneath covers or extensive bodywork.

This motorcycle has also been fitted with an aftermarket Cobra open-element air intake. The intake complements the Bolt’s stripped-back appearance perfectly and gives a much clearer view of the V-twin engine.

Importantly, the motorcycle retains its original-style black two-into-one exhaust system, complete with contrasting silver heat shields. This maintains the neat factory profile and keeps the bike suitable for regular road use.

Low, manageable and enjoyable to ride

One of the Bolt’s greatest strengths is how approachable it feels.

The low seat, narrow centre section and upright riding position make it far less intimidating than many larger cruisers. Yamaha designed the double-cradle frame with a relatively short wheelbase to provide easy low-speed manoeuvrability while retaining reassuring stability on faster roads.

Its low seat height allows most riders to place their feet securely on the ground, while the conventional handlebars and mid-positioned foot controls provide a more natural and controlled riding position than the extreme forward controls found on some cruisers.

The front end uses conventional telescopic forks, a 19-inch cast front wheel and a wave-pattern disc brake. At the rear is a substantial 16-inch wheel, belt drive and matching wave-pattern disc.

Matching Bridgestone Exedra tyres are fitted and present very well. The black wheels remain exceptionally clean, with the red rim detailing tying in beautifully with the graphics and seat stitching.

Condition

This is an unusually clean, low-mileage example.

The Matte Silver paintwork retains an excellent, even finish and the factory red graphics remain bright and sharply defined. Both steel mudguards are remarkably clean, while the black frame, swingarm, wheels and engine casings remain in excellent condition.

The cylinder fins, engine covers, exhaust shields, fork legs, wheel rims, brake discs and suspension components all present extremely well. The gold R-Spec shock reservoirs remain bright and provide a striking contrast against the predominantly black rear of the motorcycle.

The seat material is also in excellent condition, including the red stitching and matching passenger pad.

The round digital instrument display is clear and easy to read, and confirms the exceptionally low mileage of just 6,418 miles.

Considering that this motorcycle is now several years old, its overall condition is a genuine credit to its sole previous owner.

Individual motorcycle details

Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: XVS950 Bolt R-Spec
Year: 2019
Engine: 942cc air-cooled 60-degree V-twin
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Final drive: Belt
Mileage: 6,418 miles
Previous owners: One
Origin: Fresh Florida import
Colour: Matte Silver with red R-Spec graphics
Seating: Rider seat with matching passenger pad
Accessory: Cobra aftermarket air intake
Condition: Immaculate throughout
Price: £5,995

Our verdict

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec offers something slightly different from the conventional cruiser.

It has the visual character and low-down torque expected from an air-cooled V-twin, but combines this with Yamaha build quality, fuel injection, belt drive and a compact chassis that is genuinely enjoyable to ride.

The R-Spec upgrades, factory Matte Silver and red colour scheme, gold reservoir shocks, low mileage and exceptional overall condition make this particular example especially desirable.

With UK sales having ended after the 2020 model year, clean examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find—particularly later one-owner motorcycles with mileage as low as this.

At £5,995, this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented, lightly used and highly individual Yamaha V-twin that is ready to ride and enjoy.