Alright so yesterday I got this itch to really understand the Yamaha Star Bolt inside and out. Had some ideas about maybe getting one used, but before that, needed the real scoop, not just fancy brochure talk. Kept seeing questions online like “What’s the seat height?” or “How heavy is this thing?” and honestly, the answers were all over the place. Figured the best way was to go straight to the source and actually check one out myself, write it all down the old-fashioned way.
The Quest Begins at the Dealer
I called up my buddy Joe who works service at the local Yamaha shop. Told him, “Look man, need to see a Star Bolt, measure some stuff, poke around.” He chuckled but said yeah, they had a used 2014 model out back. Grabbed my tape measure, notebook, and a pen – felt like a mechanic on a mission. Headed down there feeling determined.
First thing I did when I saw it? Walked right up and just stood next to it. Wanted to get a feel for its size compared to me. I’m about 5’10” with average legs. Then I swung my leg over – yeah, boots on, needed that real feel. Planted my feet flat on the garage floor.
The Seat Height Thing
This was KEY for me. I see numbers tossed around online: 27 inches! 27.2! 27.8! Which one is it? I pulled out my trusty tape measure. Measured from the floor straight up to the very top of the saddle, right where your butt would naturally settle. Held the tape straight, double-checked. Bang on 27.2 inches. Solid. Comfortable. Not tippy-toes, not super low like a cruiser sometimes feels. Just felt… right planted there.
Getting a Grip on the Weight
Okay, next up: weight. You know how they throw out numbers like “wet weight” and “curb weight”? Honestly gets confusing. I knew I couldn’t lift it, obviously! But man, just looking at it, pushing it around a little off the kickstand… it has presence. It felt solid, planted. That V-twin sitting low definitely keeps the center of gravity down.
Joe saw me straining a bit pushing it back straight and laughed. “Feel that heft? That’s 542 pounds buddy. With all the fluids ready to ride. Full tank of gas and everything.” He confirmed it from their paperwork on that specific bike. 542 lbs wet. Significant, but carries it well. You feel it when maneuvering slowly, but once rolling? Should feel stable.
Fueling Up & Figuring Range
Now, the gas tank. Wanted actual capacity, not guessing games. Popped the fuel cap open. Looked inside – no funky shapes blocking the view right down. Easy to see the bottom. My tape measure went across the widest part inside – seemed pretty straight. Measured the length front to back, depth… did some rough math (length x width x height divided by 231 to get US gallons, yeah I looked that conversion up beforehand!).
Just shy of 3.2 gallons usable capacity. Joe confirmed it: “Yep, about 3.2 gallons for the fuel.” Important number!
So, thinking practically: Average rider getting maybe… 45-50 miles per gallon? Heard folks report anywhere from 40s to low 50s depending on how they ride. Let’s say 47 MPG to be safe-ish. That math? 3.2 gallons x 47 MPG = roughly 150 miles before you seriously gotta look for a gas station. Useful to know!
More Than Just Numbers – The Feel
Wrote all those specs down meticulously. But the best part was just sitting on that Bolt for a good ten minutes, hands on the grips. Engine off, just imagining the ride. That low seat lets you really plant your feet. The weight feels manageable but lets you know it’s a proper motorcycle, not a toy. Knowing the fuel range gave me a picture: decent little runs around town, maybe a short highway blast, but planning fuel stops is smart.
Finished up my notes, gave Joe a fist bump. Heading out, I glanced back at the Star Bolt. Sometimes specs are just numbers on a screen. But seeing it, touching it, measuring it yourself? That’s when you really understand what those numbers mean for actually throwing a leg over and riding.
