ON Motorcycle

The reality TV stars have faded into obscurity. Blinged-out chopper sightings are fewer and farther between. The want ads are chock full of $50K customs at market-price markdowns.

As our man Tom Roderick pointed out in his preview, the Bolt has a nearly 59cc displacement advantage over the Iron, and is 33 pounds lighter than the Harley. The $7990 price tag is curious on a couple of levels; as appealing as that price point appears at first glance, it’s just nine dollars less than the Iron 883. Not that that’s not inexpensive, mind you. For that kind of coin, a brand-new, liter-size non-standard bike should be considered a bargain by any new-bike-shopper’s standards.

Thanks to its lively motor and responsive handling, the Bolt will make a great commuter for anyone with a desire to look cool while gettin’ there. That responsiveness comes from a short, 61.8-inch wheelbase and steering geometry (29-degree rake and 130mm trail) that’s sporty for a cruiser.

Despite its studly deportment, the Bolt is light and nimble on the road, and particularly compliant at slow-speed maneuvers. The 27.2-inch seat height and narrow saddle mean the 540-pound (wet) machine is an easy bike to walk into tight spaces when needed.  But the bike’s lightness and maneuverability become even more manifest when it’s being hustled around town by 58 cubic inches of engine torque.

“Street smart” can be defined as exuding style without calling too much attention to oneself. To that end, the Bolt is attractive through its confidence, not its fashion. Raw metal, modest styling and restrained cosmetics put forth an air of poise and self-assuredness – there’s nothing here to suggest arrogance or conceit, no accent chrome to be found except on the headlight ring and mirrors (the gas cap doesn’t count).

The Star Custom Accessories division pitches in with a bullet-nose fairing, high z-type handlebar, fork gaiters, two-up seat, sissy bar with passenger backrest, small but stylish brown leather saddlebags, brass-finished accents, and more.

Whether or not the Star Bolt matches up with Harley’s Iron 883 is an evaluation best left for our upcoming shootout. But does the bike merit a price tag that’s in the same ballpark as the American icon’s? The answer is an unequivocal “Hell yeah.” I expected to like the Bolt, but I did not expect to enjoy riding it as much as I did. Ample power, responsive handling, great looking – it’s everything you could want in a city cruiser. Right off the showroom floor, it would make a cool ride for an experienced urban commuter and would also serve as a decent beginner bike – perhaps not for a completely inexperienced rider, but the young newbie who wants a bike he can be proud to ride for years to come could certainly do worse.If you’re shopping for a two-wheeled urban assault vehicle such as a Sportster 883 or even a Triumph Bonneville, Star just made your decision a whole lot harder.

Be sure to check out our gallery of images from the launch of the 2014 Star Bolt