In today's motorcycle landscape, Harley-Davidson's iconic Sportster faces formidable competition, and at the forefront of this challenge is the Yamaha Bolt. This lightweight contender boasts superior handling and enhanced ergonomics, featuring dirt track-style handlebars and mid-mounted footpegs.

The stock Yamaha Bolt impresses with its minimalist design, offering subtle hints of bobber aesthetics and a refreshing absence of excess ornamentation. However, Yamaha USA has taken things a step further by collaborating with some of the nation's top custom shops to explore new possibilities for the Bolt. Roland Sands, a renowned custom builder, has risen to the occasion with a remarkable transformation.

Sands states, "The Bolt boasts a simple and practical layout that closely resembles a Sportster in all the right ways, with a strong emphasis on customization possibilities. Its lighter weight, increased speed, and improved handling capabilities are impossible to overlook."

Sands has long aspired to create a street-legal tracker, and he has successfully realized this vision with the Bolt. He remarks, "It's astonishing how seamlessly the Bolt adapted to this concept."

Despite the radical makeover, the modifications are achieved without any cutting. The tank's ridges underwent minor refinements before being painted, and the new seat unit was meticulously crafted from fiberglass and then outfitted with race foam and a covering. Aluminum side covers were meticulously fabricated to match the design.

Engine covers have been powder-coated in gloss black, while the intake has been replaced with an RSD Carbon Fiber Slant component. A custom stainless steel exhaust system with a carbon tip adds to the aesthetics. The swingarm has been reinforced and powder-coated in black to harmonize with the engine.

The rear wheel has increased from 16 inches to 19 inches, resulting in a classic tracker-style stance, with Sun Gold anodized rims prepared by Buchanan's. Dunlop flat track rubber graces the tires.

A touch of elegance is added with Spiegler brake lines featuring a black and gold combination, and Barnett's Stealth series control cables. RSD Step Moto bars are securely clamped onto RSD Nostalgia risers with a discreet Black Ops finish. The headlight, positioned on the left side of the engine, is a miniature PIAA unit.

This transformation is a testament to the artistry of combining select components to achieve a radically different look. Yamaha deserves praise for providing custom builders with the freedom to explore new horizons with their latest creation.

Photo: BikeExif
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