In what's become an annual rite of autumn, the big motorcycle
companies collectively spew their latest model-year info into our
in-boxes, with Yamaha
being the latest manufacturer to dish its lineup for the US market.
This year's 2020 release includes the VMAX, the Bolt bobbers, and the V
Star 250.
At this point every season, the relentless crush of model releases come fast and furious, with the Big Four unfurling their planned models for the new year. Yamaha’s latest slew of returning models in the company’s Sport Heritage category so far are the musclebound VMAX, the Bolt, and Bolt R-Spec “urban” cruisers, with the entry-level V Star 250 bringing up the rear. It’s pretty much just bold new colors for this latest group, but let’s take a closer look anyway.
At this point every season, the relentless crush of model releases come fast and furious, with the Big Four unfurling their planned models for the new year. Yamaha’s latest slew of returning models in the company’s Sport Heritage category so far are the musclebound VMAX, the Bolt, and Bolt R-Spec “urban” cruisers, with the entry-level V Star 250 bringing up the rear. It’s pretty much just bold new colors for this latest group, but let’s take a closer look anyway.
2020 VMAX
 |
| © Yamaha Motor Sports The 2020 VMAX ($17,999). |
Iconic, legendary, unique—the superlatives have piled up for Mr. Max
over its long, storied career. A “power cruiser” (we’re not even sure
it’s a cruiser) before there even was such a term, the tire-shredding
machine was always defined by its V-4 engine, the latest incarnation
being a 65-degree, 1,679cc arrangement with, yes, 170 hp. Which is what
you’ll see for 2020, along with wicked acceleration, fly-by-wire
technology, and that distinctive 4-into-1-into-2-into-4 exhaust system.
The 2020 VMAX will hit showroom floors in October, but only in Matte
Raven Black, for an MSRP of $17,999, which is unchanged from last year.
2020 Bolt
 |
| © Yamaha Motor Sports Yamaha’s 2020 Bolt ($7,999). |
Yamaha’s popular Bolt pops back into the fray for 2020 to represent
what Yamaha calls the “urban performance” segment, which sort of feels
like the same spot in the market Harley’s Sportster occupies. What we
know for sure is that the Bolt still features a 942cc, air-cooled,
60-degree V-twin engine that pumps out solid power and great chunks of
low-end torque. The spare, stripped-down look is a winner, with an
emphatic nod to bobber styling, while a low seat height and an upright
riding position let you take advantage of the compact chassis’s
maneuverability. You’ll only be able to get the 2020 Bolt in Raven, and
it’ll retail for a suggested $7,999.
2020 Bolt R-Spec
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| © Yamaha Motor Sports The 2020 Bolt R-Spec ($8,399). |
Yup, this is pretty much the same bike as the Bolt, but with upgraded
suspension and wheels. On the R-Spec, the only differences come in the
form of twin piggyback rear shocks tuned for a more composed ride, and
12-spoke cast alloy wheels which give the R-Spec a slightly more badass
look along with added strength. Another difference is the color; the
2020 R-Spec will be available only in Matte Silver. It’ll be in dealers
by the end of September, with the MSRP stated as $8,399.
2020 V Star 250
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| © Yamaha Motor Sports Is this the last remaining 250cc cruiser? It’s definitely the only V Star left. |
The last remaining 250cc classic cruiser?! In a field once packed
with classically styled bikes, the 2020 V Star 250 is now the master of
its own very shrunken domain and the only remaining V-twin in the class.
Not much else has changed for 2020—you still get an air-cooled 249cc
V-twin, a five-speed transmission, and chain drive, but what power there
is gets delivered in a smooth predictable way—just what you want in an
entry-level package. The low 27-inch seat height and the bike’s light
weight makes it easy for first-timers to access, and the estimated 78
mpg certainly won’t hurt the pocketbook. The 2020 V Star 250 can be had
in Metallic Silver and comes mid-September for an MSRP of $4,349.
 |
| © Yamaha Motor Sports Yamaha’s already said the luxury touring Venture model would be back for 2020, but no word yet on the XSRs yet. |
Several months ago, Yamaha also mentioned it was bringing back the
Star Venture touring model for 2020, with no changes, just a new color
option—but no Eluder. And there’s also been no mention of the XSRs—the
XSR900 and its XSR700 relative—returning for 2020 just yet. Stay tuned.
