Harley-Davidson Wipe off the Nightster nametag for a new one motorcycle placed at the end of its Sport range. Marketing as a more accessible alternative to Sportster WILLNightster 2022 receives a new version of the Revolution Max water-cooled V-twin engine.
Called the 975T, the Nightster’s 60-degree V-twin is a 975cc engine that makes 90 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 70 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. It was the central structural component of the chassis, a solution that allowed Harley-Davidson to reduce weight to 481 pounds. For context, the 502-pound Sportster S uses a 1,247cc two-cylinder engine tuned to make 121 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque.
Sportster-inspired styling cues and low-profile design are hallmarks of the Nightster. Its fenders are chopped and only black, the shock absorbers are bare and the cranks are kept to a minimum. One of the interesting things about motorcycle design is that the powertrain often acts as a style cue, and it’s clearly visible in the Nightster. The cylinders and full exhaust system are among the exposed parts.
Harley made Nightster accessible in many ways. It’s cheaper and lighter than the Sportster, but it’s also easy to drive. The saddle is 27.8 inches high and the bike is reasonably narrow so most riders can put their feet flat at the stop, according to the company.
Despite being positioned near the bottom of the Harley lineup, the Nightster has a surprisingly long list of tech. It features ABS brake, traction control system and Torque Sliding Control System (DSCS) are designed to reduce rear wheel slip after deceleration. And, like many modern cars, the Nightster offers several driving modes: Road, Sport and Rain. The latter is notable for tweaking throttle response and engine power, limiting engine braking and dialing to the highest levels of ABS intervention and traction control.
The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster will arrive in showrooms this month. Prices start at $13,499 for the Vivid Black model, compared to $15,499 for the Sportster S. Gunship Gray and Adrenaline are also available, but choose either. color increase the price up to $13,899.
