Harley-Davison Unleashes All-New 975-cc Nightster

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Harley-Davidson’s all-new Nightster includes a collection of Rider Safety Enhancements that match the bike’s performance to available traction, as well as selectable Road, Sport, and Rain Ride Modes that optimize performance for riding conditions. (Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.)

Harley-Davison this week unveiled its all-new Nightster, an entry-level “lean, low, and powerful” sport motorcycle that is a modern update to the manufacturer’s 65-year Sportster history. The Nightster retains the “classic Sportster silhouette,” but features a new liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin Revolution Max 975T power plant tuned for plenty of torque plus several electronic safety technologies and electronically controlled rider-selectable ride modes. Harley says the bike’s nimble, lightweight chassis and engine create an ideal combination for urban and backroad riding.

The Sportster Influence

Owners have Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, and Redline Red paint options, but Gunship Grey and Redline Red are only applied to the airbox cover. The front and rear fenders and speed screen are always finished in Vivid Black. Harley says the bike’s most obvious nods to classic Sportster styling cues are its exposed rear shock absorbers and its walnut-shaped airbox cover that resembles a traditional fuel tank (more on the actual fuel tank in a moment). Other examples include the Nightster’s solo seat, chopped fenders, and speed screen. It’s also worth noting the cover below the radiator that hides the battery and creates a more subdued radiator appearance. Riders will also appreciate the bike’s all-LED lighting and round, 4-inch analog speedometer with inset multifunction LCD.

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Harley-Davidson says the Nightster’s mid-mounted foot controls and low-rise handlebar create a centered, comfortable riding posture, with an unladen seat height of 27.8 inches seat height and a narrow profile that let most riders remain flat-footed at stops. (Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.)

Heart Of The Nightster

Harley says the Revolution Max 975T provides strong acceleration and beefy power through the mid-range and serves as the chassis’ central, structural component. This arrangement reduces bike weight (481 pounds; 218 kilograms) and creates an especially stiff chassis, Harley says. The electronically fuel-injected 975-cc engine features four valves per cylinder, dual overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing phasing on the intake valves, with profiles designed to match engine performance.

More Than Meets The Eye

As mentioned earlier, what looks like The Nightster’s fuel tank is an airbox cover. The bike’s 3.1-gallon (11.7-liter) fuel cell is instead situated beneath the hinged, locking seat. This approach optimizes engine intake airbox capacity and moves fuel lower in the chassis, creating a lower center of gravity and better handling. Other design features of note include the mid-mounted foot controls, low-rise handlebar, aluminum tail section structure, and the swingarm that’s constructed from welded rectangular steel tubing.

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Harley-Davidson says the Nightster’s 975-cc Revolution Max 975T V-Twin engine serves as the central, structural component of the bike’s chassis, helping reduce its curb weight and contributing to a stiff chassis. (Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson.)

Pick Your Riding Mode

The Nightster’s included antilock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS), and drag-torque slip control system (DSCS) Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to match bike performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking. In addition, riders can select the Road, Sport, and Rain riding modes using the MODE button on the right-hand controller. With some exceptions, riding modes are selectable whether stopped or in motion. Road Mode delivers balanced performance through less-aggressive throttle response and with less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, which provides full power and the quickest throttle response. Rain Mode assists when riding in rain or situations with limited traction.

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Source: Harley-Davidson