Special Harley-Davidson Nightster
Harley’s svelte Nightster weighs in at a relatively slim (for a Harley) 219 kg, down almost 10 kg on the Sportster S. The Nightster also comes in more sporty rubber sizes than the Sportster S, 100/90-19 on the front and 150 / 80-16 on the back of the Nightster.
The 975 cc version of the new Revolution Max engine spins the rear tires via a belt drive and produces 90 hp at 7500 rpm and 95 Nm of peak torque at 5000 rpm. That’s 31 hp compared to the 121 hp pumped out by the 1252 cc version of the Revolution Max powering the Sportster S.
Like the Sportster S, the Nightster uses the engine as a bearing component in the chassis.
It also uses twin shock absorbers at the rear instead of a single Sportster S shock absorber, although in this iteration the suspension is linkless. Another thing missing from the rear of the Nightster 2022 is passenger space, but for 2023, Harley is introducing a Nightster Special that features a passenger seat and footrest for two-person passengers.
The lift bar on the Nightster Special that positions your hand two inches up and one inch back from the regular Nightster, has now been removed from the range.
The new 4-inch diameter circular digital TFT display with Bluetooth now sits much lower than the previous one.
A new set of spokes complete the look with tire pressure monitoring.
The Nightster Special now features five ride modes, two more than before, and includes a USB charging port.
Nightster Special will retail in Australia from $25,995, more than double that of The Nightster model it replacesbut more affordable $28,495 Sports WILL.
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special Specifications
- Engine – Revolution Max 975T, 975 cc, V-Twin,
- Valves – Chain drive, DOHC, hydraulically self-adjusting lifter, intake VVT; four valves per cylinder
- Diameter x Travel – 97 x 66 mm (3.82″ x 2.6″)
- Compression Ratio – 12:1
- Power – 90 hp (67 kW) at 7500 rpm
- Torque – 95 Nm (70 ft-lb) at 5000 rpm
- Induction – Electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI)
- Inlet – Downflow inlet, adjustable velocity stack, washable filter media
- Discharge – 2 in 1; catalyst in the title
- Lubrication – Semi-dry sump, oil capacity 4.5 liters
- Main drive – Gear, ratio 49/89
- Final drive – Belt, ratio 34/80
- Gearbox – Six-speed
- Clutch – Mechanical, 8 wet discs, power & slip, 1090N
- Front suspension – Showa Dual Bending Valve normal fork 41 mm
- Rear Suspension – Dual outboard direct-acting (non-bonded) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and threaded washers for preload adjustment.
- Tilt Angle – 32 degrees
- Front Brakes – Axial-mounted four-piston fixed front brake calipers, 320 mm rotor, ABS
- Rear brake – single-piston floating caliper, 260 mm, ABS
- Length x Width x Height – 2210 x 853 x 1155 mm
- Saddle height – 705 mm
- Rake – 30 degrees
- Fork angle – 28 degrees
- Trail – 137 mm
- Wheelbase – 1556 mm
- Tires – 100/90-19 (F), 150/80-16 (R)
- Frame – High strength, low-alloy steel trellis frame; joints are stamped, cast and forged; MIG welding; forged aluminum middle structure
- Handwheel – Mild steel, rectangular tube cross section, xmember stamping; MIG welding
- Fuel capacity – 11.7 liters
- Weight – 219 kg wet
- Total weight rating – 418 kg
- Warranty – 24 months
- Retail Price – $25,995
