Eight months after the launch of the new Sportster S, Harley-Davidson has added a new chapter to the Sportster story with the Nightster. The New Nightster is powered by the smaller version of the Revolution Max 1200, the Revolution Max 975T.
“A leap forward in performance and design, while remaining an accessible entry-level model for new Harley riders”Harley-Davidson describes the new Nightster, the successor to the Sportster 883 that was discontinued last year and the smaller brother of the Sportster S launched last year. According to Harley, the 2022 Nightster redefines the Sportster experience for a new generation of motorcyclists.
“The Nightster is a tool of expression and exploration, underpinned by performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “Building on the 65-year Sportster legacy, the Nightster provides a canvas for creativity and personalization, providing the ultimate platform for customization and expression for new and existing riders.”
The beating heart of the Nightster is the new Revolution Max 975T 60° V-twin, which takes its displacement from a bore x stroke of 97 x 66 mm and is specified for a top power of 90 hp at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 95 Nm at 5,000 rpm. According to Harley, the block, which would initially make its debut in the canceled Streetfighter, is mainly tuned to a strong midrange.
As far as the bicycle part is concerned, Harley has taken the chassis of the Sportster S as a starting point and adapted it to the technical specifications of the Nightster. The frame appears to be identical and, as with the Sportster S, the block is incorporated into the construction as a load-bearing part.
The differences seem to be mainly in the suspension and brakes. Where the Sportster S has a fat fully adjustable upside down and ditto monoshock from the Showa house, Brembo monobloc brakes and Bosch cornering ABS, the Nightster is equipped with a simpler Showa Dual Bending Valve telescopic front fork, double rear shocks and a regular axial 4 -piston caliper front.
The electronics are also less extensive, although they are still quite extensive in themselves. As for riding modes, you can choose from Road, Sport and Rain, each with a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings. With the MODE button on the right controller, the active driving mode can be changed, both while driving and when stationary. A unique icon for each mode appears on the instrument display when that mode is selected.
For those who want it: the traction control can also be switched off completely, but this can only be done when stationary. By the way, when the engine is turned off, it doesn’t remember that choice (as is the case with any engine), so you’ll have to turn it off yourself next time (if you want to).
In addition to traction control, the Revolution 975T also features Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS), which adjusts engine torque and reduces excessive rear wheel slip during drivetrain-induced deceleration, such as when you downshift abruptly or quickly release the throttle on wet or slippery surfaces.
The lightweight plastic 11.7 liter gas tank is located under the seat. What appears to be the traditional fuel tank in front of the seat is a steel cover for the airbox. The fuel cap is located under the hinged seat.
Placing the fuel tank under the seat optimizes the intake path capacity and puts the weight of the fuel lower in the chassis compared to a traditional fuel tank. This results in a lower center of gravity for better handling and makes tipping from the sidestand easier.
The Nightster features a round analog 4-inch speedometer and a built-in multi-function LCD display on the riser handlebar. The LED lighting delivers style and excellent performance while also making the bike stand out from other riders.
The Nightster will be available worldwide from authorized Harley-Davidson dealers from May 2022. The suggested retail price is €18.495 (BE: €15.495) for Vivid Black and €18.825 (BE: €15.795) for the other color options.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.