The 2014 Yamaha XV950 and XV950R are the two new retro-styled performance bobbers unveiled by Yamaha this year for the European market. Essentially, the XV950s are the rebadged versions of the 2014 Bolt which unveiled by Yamaha’s sister brand, Star Motorcycles, in the U.S.
Inspired by Yamaha custom bikes of the 1970s and 1980s yet built for the future, both two bobbers were introduced as the new era of Sport Heritage of Yamaha motorcycles.
The 2014 Yamaha XV950 and XV950R are powered by a 942cc, four valves, fuel-injection, air-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine with a SOHC design and ceramic composite-plated cylinders, producing 80 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a five-speed transmission and a belt drive system with a width of 21mm .
Compact and stylish, the new Yamaha XV950 and XV950R feature a new double-cradle steel frame a short wheelbase of 1,570mm which provides a refined and agile ride, a low seat height of 690 mm, LED rear light, single round headlight, a 12.2- litre teardrop style fuel tank, round LCD speedometer, 3D fuel- injection mapping and a newly designed exhaust system with 2-into-1 exhaust pipe layout. Both Yamaha’s custom bobbers also come equipped with a redesigned intake system and a compact air cleaning which has a 15% smaller 2.3 litre capacity compared to the XVS950S’s.
Yamaha claims its “unique flat line style and use of exposed metal components accentuates the bike’s pure simplicity while the V-twin motor provides both spirited performance and unquestioned reliability”
Both 2014 Yamaha XV950 and XV950R sit on the newly designed 12-spoke cast wheels (100/90-19 front and 150/80-16 rear) equipped with 298mm diameter discs. The ABS is available as an optional feature on the XV950 version, and standard on the XV950R version.
A full range of accessories also available including an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust, stiletto seat, a mini-fairing, stainless steel brake lines and a performance air cleaner cover, spoke wheels, springer seat and fork cover.
The 2014 Yamaha XV950 is available in two color options: Midnight Black and Competition White, while the the 2014 Yamaha XV950R is offered in Camo Green or Matt Grey. The Yamaha XV950R version also features a buckskin-look saddle cover, a fuel tank stripe and a sportier ‘piggy back’ style rear dampers.
Available in the UK in September, the 2014 Yamaha XV950 and XV950R will be priced at £7,199 and £7,499, respectively.