Sportster Nightster 2022 | A Harley-Davidson to unite yesterday and tomorrow

(Santa Barbara, California) A well-known and classic line combined with modern mechanics and chassis. At Harley-Davidson, such a proposition falls into the realm of the risque, but it is one that defines the new Sportster Nightster.

Up-to-date mechanics in a classic silhouette

Under its costume inspired by the old but charming Sportster 883/1200 of old generation, the all-new Sportster Nightster offers nothing but modernity. From the compact and powerful 975cc liquid-cooled V-Twin to the innovative “frameless” chassis and riding modes, one of which cuts about 30% of the 90 horsepower to better accommodate novices, the latest model of the Milwaukee brand has everything to satisfy the enthusiast of customs modern. On the other hand, the ergonomics modeled on that of the older 883 Iron and the short-travel rear suspension maintain a link – sometimes advantageous and sometimes disadvantageous – with the old air-cooled Sportsters.

A nice mix, if a bit confusing

For motorcyclists accustomed – for better or for worse – to various previous-generation Sportsters, getting behind the controls of the novelty is initially nothing of a shock, since everything is more or less in the same place. However, the astonishing ease with which the Nightster is lifted from its kickstand and the discreet purr of the all-new V-Twin Revolution Max 975T driving it clearly establish that this is a completely redesigned mount. And if any doubt persisted, a twist of the throttle would eliminate it completely, since never before had an air-cooled Sportster offered such a level of performance.

Significantly improved behavior

If the Nightster stands out by combining a classic line with powerful modern mechanics, it also progresses in terms of behavior. The surprising feeling of lightness that it offers is due to a much lighter and pleasantly narrow engine, to the absence of a traditional frame (it is replaced by front and rear structures directly attached to the engine and which serve as anchorage to the suspensions) and the displacement of the petrol tank towards the center of gravity, under the saddle. The result is impressive strength and precision in curves – where you can lean more than before – as well as flawless stability. Braking obviously benefits from the relief and is always up to par.

The arrival of the Revolution Max 975T

Like the Pan Americas and Sportster S introduced last year, the Sportster Nightster sheds a hallowed Harley-Davidson tradition by swapping the air-cooled, low-revving V-Twin Evolution for the liquid-cooled, high-revving next-generation twin-cylinder named Revolution Max. The Nightster, however, stands out for being the first model powered by the small version of this engine. Cubing at 975 cc, it spins easily up to nearly 10,000 rpm, double that of the Evolution. It offers generous torque from the first revs and impressive acceleration for the class to which the model belongs.

The difference

This new mechanism is not only the biggest difference with the old Sportster, but it also represents THE feature that risks tipping the scales one way or the other for buyers. It wouldn’t be surprising to see American brand loyalists shun the new engine because of its smooth, refined character having nothing to do with the heavy jolt of the old V-Twin. Harley-Davidson openly accepts this reality and is betting that the high degree of refinement of the Revolution Max will – finally – seduce a clientele who expressed without mincing their words their lack of interest in traditional Harley engines.

A perfect finish

You don’t notice it at first glance, which is rather attracted by the elegant and classic lines of the Nightster, but on closer inspection, several finishing deficiencies become apparent. For example, all over the place, cables and wires that should be out of sight are hanging awkwardly. We also note a radiator which could be much better hidden, as tradition dictates. custom. Finally, we see a bunch of small plastic covers that look a bit low-end. But despite the Sportster’s entry-level status, it’s still a $16,500 bike.

Conclusion

The Nightster case is complex. On the one hand, in addition to a rear suspension designed for the beautiful Californian roads and not for our asphalt trails, the novelty works remarkably well: soft and flexible engine, solid and precise chassis, impressive handling, great accessibility. But on the other hand, many mourn the death of the heartbeat and sound that made old Sportsters such a visceral experience. This transition to softness and refinement may, according to Harley-Davidson, be necessary to attract new customers, the fact is that it also makes the machine more common. In short, it is beautiful and drives well, but the mechanical “je-ne-sais-quoi” is gone.