For RM52,500, you can have one!

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has launched the Yamaha XV950R Bolt, a 4-stroke engine with 942 cc air-cooled, V-twin with fuel injection.

The Bolt has a more aggressive styling compared with the old Virago which was popular here. More importantly, the Bolt is targeted at the American cruiser market and reports from the US states that even the accessories made for the American brand fits onto the Bolt. Perhaps that is why they named it Bolt, as in the parts will bolt on to this bike.

Bolt is the fourth big bike from Yamaha after the XJ6, MT07 and the MT09.

The Bolt is imported directly from Japan but we believe it will soon be assembled in Hong Leong's assembly plant in Sungai Buloh. No words on export yet but Malaysia is the only country in Asean to assemble big bikes for Yamaha (above 500 cc).

Although the market for big bike has dipped a bit, HLYM believes the Bolt is a good investment as it is expecting the market to rebound again very soon.

“For the first 6 months of 2015, the sale of big bike TIV (cc >250 cc) declined slightly by 3.5% to 6,953 units as compared to the same period last year at 7,205 units. This decline in big bike TIV in our view is likely to persist over the next 6 to 12 months," said Dato’ Jim Khor, Managing Director of Hong Leong Yamaha Motor.

The new Yamaha XV950R Bolt CBU is priced at RM 52,500 (inclusive of 6% GST but excluding road tax, insurance and number plate) and comes with ABS / Matt Grey color. It is available at selected authorised Yamaha dealerships beginning next week.