2014-2016 Yamaha Bolt Gains Power & Acceleration with K&N RK Series Air Cleaner Upgrade
- 4 Jun 2015
In 2014 the Star Motorcycle division of Yamaha Motor U.S.A threw a wrench in the works of their competitors. There has been a shift in the motorcycle cruiser market over the last few years. Motorcycle manufacturers, like the Yamaha Star Motorcycles division, have taken notice of the growing number of younger motorcyclists seeking stylish, fun-to-ride, middle weight cruiser motorcycles. Yamaha has penetrated this market segment with the 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles. The 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles are powered by a 58-cubic-inch (942cc) air-cooled 4-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 4-valve, fuel injected engine which provides sufficient power considering the mid-size cruiser’s 540 lb wet weight. However, that’s not to say that the 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt or XVS950R Bolt R-Spec couldn’t benefit from the addition of a few extra ponies and lb-ft of torque. A boost in power could come in handy when riding two up, or even if deciding to add saddlebags or a sissy bar bag and do some touring on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Yamaha Bolt. In addition to the K&N stock replacement air filter, number YA-9514, K&N offers a high-performance custom open element air cleaner assembly for the 2014-2016 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec, part number RK-3940.
K&N started by creating a custom black powder coated aluminum backing plate, with integrated velocity stacks, to provide a solid mounting surface for a world-famous K&N high-flow air filter. Included with the K&N 2014, 2015 and 2016 Yamaha Bolt aftermarket air cleaner is a custom K&N air filter E-3982 specifically designed to fit the Bolt intake and provide superior airflow as well as superior performance. Finishing off the 2014-2016 Yamaha Bolt performance air cleaner from K&N is a billet aluminum top plate, powder coated black, and sent back to the CNC machine for contrast cut reliefs and a K&N logo to let everyone know you’re running the World’s best air filter. In addition to providing an aesthetic improvement for the 2014-2016 Yamaha Bolt and Bolt R-Spec, K&N air cleaner RK-3940 is dyno proven to increase horsepower and torque on an otherwise stock 2014, 2015 and 2016 Yamaha Bolt XVS950. K&N established baseline horsepower and torque numbers for the 2014-2016 Yamaha Bolt before upgrading the original air cleaner assembly to a K&N high-performance unit. On the dyno a 2014 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt produced an estimated additional 7.14 horsepower at 5,313 RPM and an equally beneficial 4.81 lb-ft of torque at 4,581 RPM. Like any good V-Twin cruiser engine, the 2014 Yamaha bolt produces more torque than horsepower, however with the installation of K&N performance air cleaner RK-3940 that gap becomes narrower.
Owners of 2014, 2015 and 2016 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles need not worry that the installation of a K&N performance air cleaner assembly will put their Japanese cruiser at risk. Significant testing was performed to ensure proper fit, function, and filtration on 2014-2016 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles. K&N backs the 2014-2016 Yamaha Bolt air cleaner RK-3940 with a 10-year/million mile limited warranty to give consumers confidence when buying K&N products. This Yamaha Bolt performance upgrade comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware and step by step installation instructions. Installation can be performed in almost no time flat and with commonly available hand tools. No additional modifications are needed to 2014, 2015 and 2016 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles to experience the enhanced performance of a K&N RK series air cleaner assembly. K&N high-performance air cleaner RK-3940 is designed to add a boost in power and acceleration to the following Yamaha Bolt models:
2016 Yamaha XVS950 BOLT R-SPEC 942 Use the search by vehicle tool to find additional Yamaha XVS950 Bolt upgrades, such as a premium wrench-off oil filter, or performance parts for other vehicles. Use the K&N dealer search to find an authorized K&N dealer in almost any part of the world. |
