Harley-Davidson Nightster Overview

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Overview by Wayne Vickers

So Harley have reintroduced the Nightster. These with restricted historic information of the Milwaukee line-up received’t know that the Nightster was as soon as a factor. Then for a time it wasn’t. Now it’s once more. Different issues occurred there too however you’re just about formally caught up.

Harley's reintroduced Nightster — Harley’s reintroduced Nightster

It’s form of a giant deal for Harley in that it represents one other of the ‘new’ Harleys within the line-up as they proceed of their quest to draw new (and youthful) prospects to the model. In essence it’s the newest chapter of the Sportster household – a line that stretches again some 65 years. It represents the entry mannequin to the vary.

Consider it because the little brother to the Sportster S if you’ll. We examined that a number of months again and whereas I fairly appreciated some components of the Sportster S, it wasn’t with out some shortcomings. Suspension and brakes wanted some work, however there was sufficient to love when you’d spent a while on it. Quick ahead to now and I’ve had an opportunity to try to learn the way the Nightster stacks up.

The Nighster joins the Sportster S as Harley's new generation sport-cruisers — The Nighster joins the Sportster S as Harley’s new technology sport-cruisers

Let’s first broaden on what I imply once I say little brother to the Sportster S. Its smaller, lighter, extra agile and has higher dealing with than large bro and as such among the extra apparent variations are value calling out:

It ideas the scales at a comparatively svelte (for a Harley) 220 kg which is down practically 10 kg on the Sportster S.
It runs notably narrower and extra smart tyres for higher change of route and cornering. 100/90 on the entrance and 150/80 on the rear.
It makes use of a 975 cc model of the brand new Revolution Max engine, punting out 67 kW (just below 90 hp), peak torque arriving past 7,000 rpm. So its a revver. Just like the Sportster S, the Nightster makes use of the engine as a harassed member within the chassis.
It additionally employs twin shocks on the rear as a substitute of the Sportster S monoshock, although on this iteration that suspension has no linkage.
Different highlights embrace a petroleum tank that’s really underneath the seat for mass centralisation – what appears like a standard tank is basically an air field cowl.

The 975 Revolution Max powerplant is smaller than the model within the Sportster S and Pan America

So does the Nightster ship? Effectively sure. Aaannd No. Confused? Me too at first. As a result of whereas it ticks a lot of the packing containers on the transient, I’m nonetheless not completely satisfied that it’s going to draw a variety of new blood to the model. Sure it’s lighter and it undoubtedly steers higher. As a motorbike it’s okay, and I believe will attraction to a variety of patrons already ‘on board’ and liking the model, however just like the Sportster S it has some shortcomings.

Now this incarnation of the engine is sort of a pleasant factor. As is the larger 1250 within the Sportster S tune which places out an additional 30 hp and the total fruit 150 hp model of that 1250 within the Pan Am for that matter. The 975’s character as I discussed earlier is that it actually does prefer to rev. Backside finish is ok, however actually when you get to round three, three and a half thousand rpm the bike is effectively into its consolation zone.

There's a decent reach to those bars — There’s a good attain to these bars

The thought of throwing what’s a comparatively excessive revving engine right into a cruiser takes some wrapping your head round. Is that what people will need? Harley clearly appear to suppose so and after spending some saddle time on it, the Nightster actually began rising on me.

The throttle is tremendous tender and lengthy throw so useless straightforward to regulate. The highway map is spectacularly mild, the sports activities map steps it up being extra responsive – although at instances, Sport was slightly too abrupt and at odds with the remainder of the bike. It was okay out on the open highway however slightly too snatchy for my liking at low speeds round city, I admit that I’m fairly choosy about fuelling although.

There's only a single-disc brake on the front, if running a Brembo caliper — There’s solely a single-disc brake on the entrance, if working a Brembo caliper

The primary disappointment with the brand new vary of engines is the pedestrian exhaust observe. It’s very un-Harley. That will be the firing order altering from the outdated potato-potato observe to a typical V-Twin observe. In manufacturing facility state with that vast range pipe black muffler isn’t precisely probably the most inspiring observe. I’ve most likely had farts that had extra authority if I’m trustworthy. It actually doesn’t assist give the bike a variety of character, or a premium really feel.

That signature sound is a giant a part of the attraction of American iron within the first place. Sound as a complete is a giant a part of the entire expertise for lots of riders – which can also be the explanation I battle to be enthusiastic about fashionable F1. However that’s a complete ‘nother can of worms to unpack. Greatest to not go there or I would find yourself outdoors shouting at clouds. I believe Harley are assuming, and even encouraging most riders to promptly throw that muffler within the bin and put one thing extra liberating on…

The exhaust note is very restricted, and not the traditional Harley tone many will be used to — The exhaust observe could be very restricted, and never the standard Harley tone many shall be used to

There’s no denying that it’s a lot, a lot simpler to journey than the Sportster S. The foot peg place is way extra conventional, and steering enter is noticeably diminished. So for many who need one thing slightly extra nimble, with first rate manners and cornering capacity it might be simply the ticket.

The Nightster undoubtedly does really feel higher on nook entry and has extra cornering floor clearance. Harley seek advice from it as extra Sporty, however let’s be clear that that’s compared to cruisers generally. Not sportsbikes as such… You’re not going to be dragging the elbow across the outdoors of an R1 any time quickly. Until that’s carefully adopted by a journey in an ambo.

Cornering clearance does seem a step up from the Sportster S — Cornering clearance does appear a step up from the Sportster S

The gearbox is okay. I had a number of missed shifts, nevertheless it’s principally fairly good. Easy motion and a pleasant really feel generally. I ended up utilizing the clutch a variety of the time however that was no challenge because the clutch motion is sweet and light-weight.

Past that, the factor I struggled with initially was the ergos. Extra particularly the seat form and relationship with the bars. Now I’m not precisely a brief stack. I frustratingly by no means fairly made 6 foot however I’m solely a bee’s dick quick. And but, on the Nightster, I felt just like the attain to the bars was too large and too far for me to be fully comfy.

The seat height is a very low 705 mm on the Nightster — The seat top is a really low 705 mm on the Nightster

Seems the difficulty was me. Particularly I used to be anticipating to have the ability to journey it with a comparatively upright place. Sitting upright had me hanging ‘on’ with my palms as a substitute of steering and controlling the bike which I didn’t like in any respect. The seat form solely served to slip my butt again additional and exacerbated the issue.

As soon as I acquired my head round the truth that you actually do must lean forwards and into the bars greater than you would possibly suppose, it turned a a lot better factor. And it might be that I’m only a gradual learner (probably…) however once more… it may not be the best first impression for take a look at rides. Oh, these large bars with mirrors on the top? Good luck lane filtering with these puppies. #texaslonghorns

The wide 'bars and mirrors will also make filtering difficult — The large ‘bars and mirrors may also make filtering troublesome

The suspension and dealing with although is a particular step up from the Sportster, notably the rear twin shock step. Whereas nonetheless not into the ‘glorious’ class by any means, it’s higher than okay. That entrance is fairly first rate and was effectively setup for my weight too (at 85 kegs plus gear) which is fortunate because it’s not adjustable. Total the journey and dynamics themselves are fairly first rate, little question the low, central gasoline tank location helps there too.

However keep in mind that restricted journey bikes can’t hope to deal with large bumps and potholes of our sub optimum roads. There’s a consolation value to pay for the scootchy low journey place. Once more, for these unaware, this stuff simply don’t like severe bumps or potholes.

Dual shocks replace the monoshock seen on the Sportster S, but travel is still limited — Twin shocks change the monoshock seen on the Sportster S, however journey remains to be restricted

You possibly can’t make a brilliant easy journey with such quick journey. Physics doesn’t bend to aesthetics. So our strange highway surfaces are usually transferred via a good bit moderately than absorbed. There may be solely a lot you are able to do with restricted journey.

The brakes are additionally solely a slight enchancment on the Sportster which I had actual considerations over by way of outright stopping energy. Whereas these are barely higher, I preserve that having solely a single disc on a motorbike carrying 220 kilos is a bit bonkers. I’d a lot moderately have higher brakes than a fairly wheel from one facet… Nonetheless a fail there I’m afraid.

The left hand side of the bike is very busy compared to the right — The left hand facet of the bike could be very busy in comparison with the precise

Different ideas? Effectively the gasoline tank holds 11 and a bit litres. Permitting a few litres for reserve that’s going to present you round 9 litres of usable gasoline. That’s not going to get you close to 200 kms from a tank. Which isn’t precisely quite a bit. The truth is that’s not even a full day’s commute for me.

Now a few of that will sound overly destructive. It most likely is. However we’re speaking a couple of Harley Davidson right here. Not a brand new, rising participant discovering their toes. Fact be instructed I most likely have greater expectations. And at 24 grand I believe it’s truthful to imagine that potential punters most likely may have as effectively… They may take a look at that pretty rudimentary field sq. part swingarm as an example and surprise if that’s what they anticipated 24 large ones to get them. I do know it caught my eye.

The fuel tank is also just for looks, with fuel under the seat — The gasoline tank can also be only for appears, with gasoline underneath the seat

Aesthetically it’s a bit hit or miss for me. Some good components after which some that appear like afterthoughts or compromises. That swingarm, the entire radiator setup, having the ability to see exploded wires underneath the pretend tank, plenty of components on the left hand facet of the engine. It’s undoubtedly made to be checked out and photographed from the precise hand facet…

Closing phrase. It’s one other attention-grabbing choice within the Harley lineup. It’s not good however will promote. The Nightster will discover some followers. Time will inform if it strikes a chord with new prospects to the model or people that have been already just about determined of their model selection.

Try the Harley-Davidson Australia web site (hyperlink) for more information.

An analogue/digital dash is also fitted on the Nightster — An analogue/digital sprint can also be fitted on the Nightster

I just like the Harley Nightster as a result of

The engine supply is genuinely easy and revs out properly
Dealing with and journey are a noticeable step up from the Sportster S
Simpler to journey total too

I’d just like the Harley Nightster extra if:

Can we get a second disc on the entrance please
Sports activities mode fuelling is slightly toey for my liking, moreso at low speeds
That exhaust observe isn’t probably the most inspiring

Harley-Davidson Nightster Specs

Engine – Revolution Max 975T, 975 cc, V-Twin,
Valves – Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, consumption VVT; 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke – 97 x 66 mm (3.82″ x 2.6″)
Compression Ratio – 12:1
Energy – 90 hp (67 kW) at 7500 rpm
Torque – 95 Nm (70 ft-lb) at 5000 rpm
Induction – Digital Sequential Port Gasoline Injection (ESPFI)
Consumption – Downdraft consumption, tuned velocity stacks, washable filter media
Exhaust – 2-into-1; catalyst in header
Lubrication – Semi-Dry Sump, 4.5 litre oil capability
Main Drive – Gear, 49/89 ratio
Closing Drive – Belt, 80/34 ratio
Transmission – Six-speed
Clutch – Mechanical, 8 plate moist, help & slip, 1090N
Entrance Suspension – 41mm Showa Twin Bending Valve standard forks
Rear Suspension – Twin outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion expertise shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment.
Lean angle – 32 levels
Entrance Brake – Axially mounted four-piston fastened entrance caliper, 320 mm rotor, ABS
Rear Brake – single piston floating caliper, 260 mm, ABS
L x W x H – 2206 x 836 x 1108 mm
Seat Top – 705 mm
Rake – 30 levels
Fork angle – 28 diploma
Path – 137 mm
Wheelbase – 1556 mm
Tyres – 100/90-19 (F), 150/80-16 (R)
Body – Burdened-member, excessive energy low alloy metal trellis body; stamped, solid, and cast junctions; MIG welded; aluminum cast midstructure
Swingarm – Gentle metal, rectangular tube part, stamped xmember; MIG welded
Gasoline Capability – 11.7 litres
Weight – 218 kg moist
Gross weight ranking – 418 kg
Guarantee – 24 months
RRP – From $23,995

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