Greetings from Tennessee!

[tlaughlin89]

Hello,

My name is Thomas. I am a 30 year old cop/ graduate student from Bristol, Tennessee. I have wanted a bike for a while and I ultimately would like to get a Street Glide; however, I did not want to start on something that big. I grew up riding dirtbikes, which helped me in the MSF class I took a few weeks ago. I will finish my masters degree in early October, so I bought myself an early graduation present. On Tuesday, I bought a 2014 Bolt with 5k miles from Honda of Knoxville. On our maiden voyage yesterday, I took the bolt for a 42 mile stroll. The bike is pretty much all stock except for some LEDs.

I'm debating on whether I want to change the exhaust out. I like the loud, deep tone from a V-twin but I don't want to waste my money. At 6'3" I would also like to move the controls forward a bit. I might also do an Ivan's reflash.

V/r,

Thomas

[DrM]

Welcome to the Bolt club. 

[TerminalVelocity]

Hi Thomas. Those mods are probably the first that many of us do. The Ivan's flash resolved the backfires that I heard before and increased power. Pipes should be loud on this bike. Those would be the first things I'd address. If you move the foot controls, go all the way forward. I believe that mine from low & mean gave me 8"

[tlaughlin89]

The low & mean kit is sold out and their website says they are looking for a new manufacturer. I'm tempted to order the 6" kit for SS Custom Cycles.

[DrM]

The low & mean kit is sold out and their website says they are looking for a new manufacturer. I'm tempted to order the 6" kit for SS Custom Cycles.

You're pretty tall, and might like the Low & Mean kit (if they had one), but in my estimate, it sticks out too far in front.  I like the SSCustom Cycle solution, but then I'm only 5'-10" and shrinking by the year.  Of course, you could subsequently modify the SS Custom kit to suit your leg-stretching needs.

[taoster]

As a 6’3 rider myself, I know how uncomfortable you are on the stock bike. Best upgrade to make the bike more comfortable are risers (4.5-8 inches) and get the straightest mid bend handlebar you can find. That makes the world of a difference in comfort.

[tlaughlin89]

What’s the difference in installing larger risers versus taller handlebars? How high can you go without need new cables?

[taoster]

What’s the difference in installing larger risers versus taller handlebars? How high can you go without need new cables?

i guess it's the type of look you want. Some people will put ape hangers instead of taller risers because that's the look they desire. Some people don't like the look of ape hangers so they get taller risers and use the stock or aftermarket handlebar to achieve a more "sporty" look.

[E]

congrats Thomas on your 2014 Yamaha Bolt , nice w Low Miles
my suggested upgrades
KOSO speedometer / tachometer also shows what gear your are in - Ebay New at $285+ from Koso web page at $365
i painted RED my heat shields on exhaust, and 2 removable Covers - or stay with silver stock (mask and paint mirrors gloss black too)

[legion95928]

Welcome , Northernly Neighbor!!

You wont regret the Bolt over an HD unless you just "want an HD"... and you won't have to trailer your Bolt unless you Want to...

Brett