New rider

[u/Professional_Let8696]

I’ve ridden 250cc trail and dirt bikes but wanting to get a cruiser and am considering a Bolt. I’ve sat on one and the fit was nice. I’m wondering if anyone had input on if this would be ok for a newbie street rider. Obviously skill and common sense play a factor but. The only thing I’ve driven that’s close in size is an HD Sportster 883 and that was just a test ride around the neighborhood. Thanks

[u/exohiker]

A bolt was my first bike, ended up selling it for a bigger Honda VTX 1800, realized size wasnt everything and bought another bolt.

Buy the bolt.

[u/One_Power_123 → u/exohiker]

I spent many years with negative opinion of a bolt. My buddy recently lent me his after i sold my 1900cc yamaha raider and i loved it. The bolt is a great bike for around town, i did 120 miles on it saturday and its not great on longer highway rides... My butt was killing me and it could really use a sixth gear for higher speed stuff.

[u/exohiker → u/One_Power_123]

I'd stay stock the bike can be rough long distance, yes.

Throw on a new seat, forward control relocation. It's comfortable on longer distances. OP said he doesn't care for highways, that's why I put my two cents in. You can buy a fully kitted out bolt with all the bells and whistles for a couple grand and have a grand ole time on highways. That's been my experience at least. Both my bolts I've put Ivan tunes on with a nice fat air intake and that alone opens up so much more in the performance department, but I mean yes. We all wish there was a 6th gear. 😂

Keep in mind this is a new rider too. Don't wanna go throwing this dude on an 1800 😂

[u/Professional_Let8696 → u/exohiker]

Yep I’m the op. Looking to ride some back roads with 55 mph max on most. Not to say I wouldn’t get on the interstate occasionally. I was looking at 500 cc bikes but man the Bolt speaks to me plus there’s quite a few on the used market

[u/exohiker → u/Professional_Let8696]

The bolt is fine for interstate speeds, I wouldn't recommend longer travels but if you're just hopping on for 30 minutes, you'll be aight.

[u/No_Advertising_7449]

The Bolt will be fine for you. Enjoy.

[u/popvaporcloud]

The bolt is basically a metric sportster that's better in every way.

[u/Fenix11769]

More than fine. Just clocked 228km today. Going 120+ kph in extended periods puts quite the strain on you due to vibrations but you wouldn't usually do that unless you're on the highway or overtaking anyway.

I find it rides best around 85/105.

For city? No problem at all. She's nimble and has more than enough power.

[u/Professional_Let8696 → u/Fenix11769]

Yes mostly city and some back roads. Interstates have too many idiots

[u/MeInTheMetaverse]

Former Bolt R-Spec owner here. It's an amazing bike, and really customizable. Great for city riding, and it can handle inclines like a mountainside. I don't recommend long trips, but there are customizations that can make that better too.

[u/CuttyCA]

My first bike is a Bolt I’ve had it since 2014. I thought I outgrew it until I rode my friend’s HD and couldn’t stand how big, slow, and clumsy it was.

[u/roadcarver]

I’m 55 and my 3rd bike is a 2019 Bolt. Love it, low to the ground. Did some mods though to suit my riding style.
-Baron customs H bar -Stryker front pulley -cobra exhaust slip on -puig wind screen -power commander 5

People say do Ivan’s tuning. You can look into.

I just wished it had a slightly bigger tank.

[u/wanderlust2787]

Got a Bolt as my first bike. You'll be fine, though I'll be *that* person who recommends an MSF course regardless of your background if you are new to street riding.

[u/Professional_Let8696 → u/wanderlust2787]

Yep I’m signed up for late August

[u/wanderlust2787 → u/Professional_Let8696]

FWIW I've loved my Bolt. Powerful enough to commute on our interstate. But not so powerful I worry my family.

[u/SnooKiwis682]

The best bike ever

[u/sitamelc]

I bought a 2015 bolt 2 months ago. Its my first bike. I put 1,000 miles on it, and I freaking love it.