2015 Star Motorcycles Bolt C-Spec | FIRST RIDE

Star Motorcycles' well-received Bolt burst onto the scene in 2013 (see First Look) at the intersection of traditional cruiser and modern badass. With its clever combination of current and classic styling, easy rideability, and moderate price, the Bolt (and upgraded Bolt R-spec) covered the bases for many on-trend young riders. But Star's "urban performance bobber" missed out on a segment that's still going strong among retro enthusiasts of all ages: the café racer. So, with a few smart tweaks to the basic Bolt platform, the C-Spec was born.

While it shares the motor and many components with the other two models, the C-Spec is distinguished by a sportier riding position and café-styled running gear. Having ridden both the R- and C-Spec versions, I've found myself channeling either Sons of Anarchy or Café Racer TV. The R is more urban outlaw, a raw, minimalist machine; the C is up for anything that involves open-face helmets and craft beer.

As promised, the C-Spec takes its styling cues from classic café bikes with clip-on bars, a single round instrument panel, retro-style fork gaiters, and a longer seat with a removable passenger seat cowl. Low bars and closer foot pegs (5.9 inches back and 1.25 inches. higher than other Bolt models) make a sporty riding position, letting you tuck in for that ton-up sprint. Higher pegs also contribute to improved ground clearance; in addition, slightly longer suspension components (9mm longer forks and 6mm longer shocks) increase the overall ride height and give the C-Spec a greater bank angle (37 degrees, versus 33 for the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec). Overall suspension travel is the same.

The C-Spec’s seat height is nearly 3 inches higher than the other two models, at 30.1 inches off the deck. It’s higher than most cruisers, in fact, but still more than 2 inches lower than the similarly styled Triumph Thruxton. Combined with the Bolt’s compact chassis, the relatively low height and narrow seat should help shorter riders reach the ground comfortably—except for one thing. The foot pegs are .5 inches wider than the pegs on the other two Bolt models and, sitting just below the seat, they’re placed right about where you want to put your legs. I had some trouble getting my feet comfortably on the ground and poked myself in the calf a few times.

Aside from that, I liked the seating position and found that it was a good match with the bike’s geometry. Like the other Bolt models, the C-Spec has a low center of gravity and is easy to manage even in slow-speed maneuvers. Light steering and neutral handling make the bike fun on backroads and nimble in city traffic, letting you squirt between vehicles with ease. The 61.8-inch wheelbase, shorter than many other cruisers, also contributes to its agility. Notably, the C-Spec gets different tires—Michelin Commander II tires replace the Bridgestone buns on the other Bolts—to give it slightly sportier handling.

The fuel-injected, 942cc V-twin offers strong low- and midrange power along with smooth acceleration. The engine is absolutely friendly for newer riders yet still satisfying for experienced ones, especially with its distinct low-rpm pulse and big-twin character. It even vibrates a little like a Sportster, but not nearly as much. That rumbling feel and throaty exhaust remind you that, despite the bike’s sportier elements, you are riding a V-twin-powered cruiser.

Stopping power is solid, though the rear is easy to lock up under moderately hard braking. The suspension provides a good combination of light turn-in and mid-corner stability. While rear suspension travel is modest at just 2.8 inches, it was surprisingly compliant on uneven pavement, at least for my smallish frame. There’s also the option of upgrading to a higher-performance rear shock set with 20 percent more travel and adjustable preload and rebound damping.

In keeping with the Star spirit of supporting customization, there are 17 new accessories available for the C-Spec alone. These include a micro cowl, brushed-aluminum side covers, color-matched lower chin fairing, a see-through drive pulley cover, billet fork braces with a black anodized finish, a black muffler end cap, braided stainless steel cables, and a suite of black-powder-coated covers and caps. But these are just a start – details like the steel fenders and belt drive are designed to entice fabricators to get creative. After all, like craft beer, the modern café scene thrives on individuality and imagination…as long as it’s on a budget. Starting at $8,690, the Bolt C-Spec puts such creative coolness well within reach.