2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster (RH975) │First Ride & Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- The face of the legendary Sportster family is changing within the Harley-Davidson lineup. H-D is once again putting the "Sport" back into the Sportsters. The newest member of the new generation of Sportsters in the Nightster and "Instrument of Expression." The name can be traced back to the 2007 air-cooled, Evo Sportster that started the dark custom movement that set a new styling path for H-D. The 2022 Nightster is launched with the Revolution Max 975T engine and weighs in at a low 481 pounds. Matt Laidlaw takes the bike out and goes over all the details and gives us his take.
Like my Videos? Buy a bike at Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson.
Never Any Added Dealer Mark-Up! No Dealer Fees!
www.laidlawshar...
Support my Channel and get your aftermarket parts from my Online Shop!
www.matt-laidla...
Follow and Message me on Instagram @matt_laidlaw
/ matt_laidlaw
#Nightster #HarleyDavidson #RevolutionMax975T
Dude I love the history lessons before every bike you talk about.
Thank you! It takes a lot of time to put those together, I'm glad they're appreciated
See I’m not about the history I’m looking for the review of what was in the title of the video and nothing else.
Dj P - YEAH, it's about 50% imagination, so don't go gettin' all fuzzy about it. If ya want to know what it was really like, just ask a 'grey beard', who's still ridin' the old school stuff. Instead of some guy tryin' to romance you into buyin' some pile of gizzmo's and gadgets, that cost you a fortune. And further, that cost you even a bigger fortune, to maintain and keep runnin' ! While telling you tales of smoky romantic sounding BS whereby you're doin what all the Harley riders of days gone by did... you're not ! It isn't like they're telling ya... never was.
It was more like this... On my way home after work. 40 mile ride each way, traffic's heavy. Bike suddenly dies on freeway, and I coast to a stop on the shoulder. Check for gas... Open cap, and yup, got gas. I can fuckin' see it with my eyes, imagine that ! Got a 2" long screwdriver in pocket of my leather... Open up point cover and find points have come apart. Hmm, never saw that before. Just then a faded red and white Electra Glide with beat up old white bags pulls up. Guy asks if I need help and I ask if he's got a set of points in those beautiful old white bags. Just a minute he says and returns with a new set in his hand. 90 seconds later, I poke the kicker, and she thunders to life, and settles into the beautiful 'gallup', that only a well tuned Sportster can at idle. (I lie, even the 'big twins' do that when tuned properly)
He's already faded into traffic, and doesn't wait for a thanks. He knows, and so do I.
2 miles later, off Interstate, I walk into the local auto parts house and ask for 'old Chevy points for a straight six cylinder'. Cost is $2.95. Put in my inside pocket of my leather, thinkin' of him. Maybe someday I'll see him again and can return them... probably not. But maybe someone else... who knows?! Scooter is 21 years old, and still sings the song that only a Harley can sing. Lights up my life every time I kick it to life. One to three kicks, and my 'universe gets instantly healed' . Yeah... that makes it all worth it !
2:00 am, I'm on my way home from friends house. We rebuilt his carburetor tonight. Couple beers, good rock n roll, and a few lies later, he's ready for work tomorrow. Shovel heads... always worth the trouble !
Couple miles from home, a long chopper in ditch, I stop. Bearded dude says he's out of gas. I say shit why didn't you look, and he says, "I forgot, too many beers !" Bitch pack him to my place and grab gas can, hit station down street, back to his bike. As I pull away, I hear him 'heal his universe' . All is well in America tonight. I lay down and fade.......
You? You're still awake. You're wondering how the hell you're going to pay the $1875.00 bill to the HD house to get your bike back ! They had to replace a shit load of burnt gidgets n gadgets on that 'pile' you bought thinkin... Hell, who knows what you thought ?! But one thing is sure.. 'your universe' is Not feeling well, and you're sick to your stomach over it. The guy on the video never said it would be like this. Yeah, what's new ?
A bike for the younger crowd perhaps. For me, give me a 48 or an Iron any day. Great review as always Matt. Thanks
48 will be missed. I still need to grab one at some point
You are STILL the best Harley reviewer on UA-cam. Thank you for this.
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.
This video is done so well! I feel like i'm watching a full blown documentary on Harley Davidson. For someone who's a beginner and doesn't know much about Harley, this was very informative. I love the direction Harley has taken with the loss of all the chrome, big fenders, etc. Thankyou!
Great hangin, ridin' and chillin' with you in Santa Barbara, Matt. Hope to ride again soon with you. Great vid!
Thanks Ryan. It was good to finally meet you and go for a ride 🤘🏼 Hopefully our paths cross again soon.
@@MattLaidlaw 👍 👍 👍
This would be great second bike to add to my road glide special . Especially in hot Vegas summers just riding around town… I test rode the sportster S while back and kinda loved it lol. This thing needs freedom performance combat exhaust and done🤷♂️
I watch so many of these. Law Abiding Biker being one of the other channels, among many. Each has their strengths and I enjoy them all or I wouldn’t watch them. Even so, I always feel your vids are so thorough yet simple enough for anybody to understand. Always enjoy your vids, man. I’m excited for this new Nightster’s potential and what it offers to draw new people to Harley.
I'm glad HD is making some different models especially for budget and new riders. I think HD lost a lot of the market when they quit making dirtbikes and stuff for young people, I'm pulling for Harley Davidson though and I hope this Revmax engine will help get more people riding.
I really wish this bike could have the 1250 as an option. Love the look. I would really like to test ride one. I really like the hydraulic valves as it can save many dollars over time.
If it does well they will probably offer the 1250 in it soon! Looks like an amazing bike!
Great review, lots of useful information as usual. Love the history lesson at the start to establish the narrative of the review.
The photography is next tier which is what I’ve come to expect from this channel.
Thank you!
Matt is right. Spec wise, the new nighster stared blows with Indian and Triumph. Only issue is that the Triumph Bobber is way sexier
Yeah...I started late. Got a 2017 883 2 year's ago and learned on it, but after just 4 months I traded it in for a 2016 Dyna Lowrider S, which I am still riding now. Didn't enjoy the iron 883 for long lol
Matt my wife says I have “A.D.D.” LOL! but your videos keep my attention beginning to the end. You lost your calling you should of been a Professor teaching history at a trade school. As usual great video and great detail
Thank you! I can’t be a teacher. The only think I know a lot about is Harley’s! Haha.
Always a fan of your reviews.
Thank you!
I just bought one today. A blast to ride!
Awesome video as always Matt, your production value is on another level!! Man I test drove the Revolution engine in the Sportster S and the power is insane and ALWAYS there. If they ever make a bike that looks like the Street Bob but has the Revolution engine I will definitely buy one! They just need to make it a more traditional looking engine.
@OfficialMattLaidlaw SCAM…..
HD built a Honda.
Man.. I do hope these revolution bikes do well though so the MoCo can keep making the stuff the old guard loves and will never give up.
The liquid cool bikes are better in every measurable way. But there is NOTHING like riding a big ass air cooled American 🇺🇸 motorcycle. I absolutely ADORE my FLHR. And loved my Fatboy. In the future I’d love to do a softail Cholo build for light cruising duty and to have something that’s got some more gangster attitude. I love that style.. but don’t want to go too far into that on the road king bc that bike gets a ton of use and my back is messed up (funny thing is that it’s prob the only place I can sit for an extended period of time and not have my lower back act up. Currently OEM seat and bars. Wanna do some 14s tho .. they’re keep the good posture and won’t kill the ergonomics.. will prob make the ergonomics better even)
I’ve not ridden one of these rev max bikes yet .. I doubt they give that feeling of riding an “old”
Push rod HD.. it’s not just the feeling of riding a bike .. it goes beyond that. They make u feel like you’re living a dream.. how many ppl here dreamed of owning and riding a big ass HAWG (GOBBLESS).. makes u feel like the baddest mofo on the planet. And feel like connected to a piece of history. For me.. motorcycle IS Harley Davidson. Others are just bikes
Test rode the S last year in Sturgis, holy crap that thing is scary fast.
They needed to come out with this line and it seems like HD has done a good job. Hope to test ride one day soon. My friend has an original 2009 Nightster that he tinkered with and is a blast to ride. It is just a clean looking bike too. I do miss my Sportster as well. Just felt like you were riding a motorcycle. Hope to get a 48 one day as a project bike and customize. One mention for HD Corp. Avoid putting too much plastic on the bikes. It looks cheap and awful especially when it ages.
Totally agree on the plastic covers. I don't understand why they cover up the engine like that. Fugly. Indian makes liquid cooled engines/bikes that look amazing all around. Victory, same thing. WTF HD?
I have a piece of harley history you have totally over looked that is living proof you have never seen one that contradicts all you just claimed about harleys covered in plastic looking nasty with age is bull shit...my harley is now 13 years old covered in ABS plastic with its original mirage orange pearl paint that still sparkles in sunlight laughing at you .of a 2009 XR1200 the engine is all bone stock original with now 25k miles that spent its first 15k on several sets of track slicks front and back as it was when i road her home from williams Port Honda , of Pennsylvania to terre haute 50 west of indy on a fresh set of 500 buck track slicks that were flat spoted centers down to the one ply kevlar cord when i got home of a 700 mile interstate test ride as it was my first time ever riding on or even seeing an XR1200 Sportster besides videos of the seven years of the vance & Hines AMA XR1200 series sport bike racing that apparently you are not a motorcycle performance enthusiast of at all..it was harley who invent the sport of motorcycle racing over 100 years ago as the very first international motorcycle road race was held just north of my home town in northern marion indiana ..first price was a live feeder pig ..as the winner was a harley racing team member who done his victory lap on the winning harley with the champs arm around his prise pig ....and one of 15,000 spectators yelled out " who's that riding the hog " and the name has stuck ever since to this day ...and for over a 100 years harley has won more championships in all major motorcycle racing than any other brand that is why we can wear the #1 patch on our cuts in honor of many young men who lost their life battling to hold on to first place championship year after year like the 50 years of racing harley sportsters on mile dirt tracks across america that your bikes represent as a retro of the first sportsters that were built in 1970 of the XR750 that still win today against all other new bikes that later the XR750 became the platform of my XR1200 that the engine is totally different on the inside of any iron head to the EVO you have .internally the pistons are cooled with oil jets that spray cooled oil from its liquid cooling system that also cools the cylinder heads through cooling passage ways drill ports separate of the valve train lubrication system from its dry sump .. that lubs the engine also feeds the cooling system from a oil temperature thermostat in the bottom of the XR1200 engine cases that draws cooled oil from a huge radiator style oil cooler on the left side frame mounted with a case mounted spin on oil gilter with hot oil from the heads drain back to the oil tank in separate lines from each head ..as a result the engine never exceeds 200*F in the worse conditions of stalled in traffic on a 90*F day to 125 mph top end playing with 600cc sport bikes , or straighting out the twists in the Hoosier national forest of 100s of miles of two lane black top of southern indiana flood control lakes and reservoirs similar to the dragons tail only 100s of miles more but only 100 mile at a time burst cause its still a sporty that sucks gas like a hog .but on coldest days i can stand to ride her that stops for me at 40*F ...the engine oil will still he at 200*F...claimed 91 hp at the crank ..shorty after i got home cannonball harley installed 4 new fueling hydraulic lifters and their dyno jet she made 82 rwhp thats stock book spec..with 79 ft lbs torque at the rear tire thats a little hotter maybe from the fueling brand lifters ..the original lifters were way noisy thats from too many lap days at red line down shifts ..as thing was used for a practice bike in the XR1200 series that lasted from 2009 - 2015 ...the first XR1200 was 2008 that all were exported to europe, japan and south american ...harley stopped all sales in america in 2012 but continued production exporting them to europe , japan and south america till 2015 then pulled the plug as harley has always done since the first harley sport bike 1971 FX Night Train that every night the three of us after work battling the first XL1000 iron head i was chasing on my new parallel twin that ate four banger CB750 hondas for lunch on my XS750 yamadog street tracker but at night it was XL1000 iron head land for a minute and ooops whats that thunder and time to move over as it would be the Night Train running on schedule ...in 1977 we had the aermacchi two stroke MX250 harley fastest best handling 250 that did not eat pistons and the CR1000 cafe racer that passed CB750F super sport hondas from the honda shop were i was employed and owned and raced a CR250R Elsinore pretty fast but no match for little italian harley buss bomb
.them harley pulled the plug on both of them. In 1983 came a street tracker that was brutal a copy of Lucifers Hammer champion of daytona battle of the twins all aluminum top to bottom with two carburetors , one on each cylinder head ..one time at the Indy mile i spotted one setting in parking lot that looked bone stock until i read the factory painted on lettering on the gas tank that said XR2000 that was the handy work of Sputhe Engineering ...price for a 95hp stock XR1000 two red and black sporty was $7500 that with what it came standard about 20 more ponies and 200 lbs less than a big twin i had no problem but same price as an FX. Big twin and the XR1000 collected dust in showroom and then harley pulled the plug again ...ceo from harley said one day "do we really need Eric Buel and his racing hobby as the Buel was tied in all specs including price with the Ducati Panigale V Twin Superbike that made 160 hp and top out 175 trading paint with the Buel ..this harley had a fire sale and fired eric and sold his bikes cause no one would pay $15k for a piglet but will pay $15k - $18k for a duck that oinks ..but today the 2009 ,XR1200 is the most popular motorcycle of all ridden in japan ..they have a custom shop called TRIJYA taking the XR1200 to the next level and selling them back to us ...and this year cycle world says the XR1200 is the very best engine harley as ever made for reliability and performance in its class....i cant go to a gas station to fill up without getting mobbed of people who dont even ride bikes asking if my XR1200 is the new sportster ...and at our local water hole call the cabin a local MC patch holder is explaining to the prospects all about the new Revo sporties and why they are so fast as i had cleaned allhere clocks a few nights before ...so i couldnt resist and step out to light up and prospects all waiting to ask me all about this hot hog as think its a 1250 sportster S ..thats when i get to stomp their bubble ..with are you kidding this old sled is 13 years old when harley haters said yeah when pigs fly ...harley said NOW THEY DO
Alright laundry list
Mamma needs a seat
Exhaust gotta go
Pull back risers or different bars
Spoked wheels with black hubs and rims and I’m sure the aftermarket will provide many many options for the upper tank panel and a bit of goods for the left side mess
Yea it’s always nice having more power and better handling, time will tell if it sells to hd riders. Like my old 03 sportster though.
What i dont like is you need to remove the seats on gas station. I like sitting the bike in balance so you can get the most out of the tank.
wonder what the longevity of this engine will be if you’re constantly running it at high rpm all the time?
Because of the water cooling it has tighter tolerances and doesn’t have to operate in such a wide range of temperatures like the M8. If it doesn’t have good longevity it won’t be because it’s higher revving
Great bike for a different rider than me , the S model would be my choice
Matt id buy a Road King from ya but THIS and the Sporster S are jokes.
What an asinine comment. They most certainly are not a joke.
@@toecutter786 His opinion. Your opinion. I've got my opinion too.
@@ZildjianMan30 Yeah? And?
@@ZildjianMan30 Exactly. People can like what they like. This is my opinion. I think liquid cooled and fast is great but it sounds like a lawnmower and looks like a cheaper version of a Honda Rebel. 👎🏻
Matt I am getting up there in age and my only concern about trading in my 2017 Roadster is I love how stable the freeway speed is on my Roadster. I did upgrade the rear shocks to a 13 inch Fox and love the ride over my 883 Iron. How does the Nightster compare with the Roadster?
Is there coming an adventure Bike with the 975ccm which is lighter and lower than the Pan America?
BOBHEAD IN THE VAN
I love this Nightster it reminds me of Fonzy from Happy Days, this is a great looking bike that could also perform ! Well done Harley this is a great bike.
Plate mounts gotta go to, Frisco style
Is there a big price difference between colors?
If this bike is a success and it gets newer riders into Harley what bike do they go to after this one I mean there's really no rev Max cruiser. You kinda have to go to the Pan-American or the sports. It seems there's a rev Max cruiser in Harleys future. If the nightster is successful.
Great insights Matt. I'd say this is the perfect bike for a woman, beginner or experienced. 90 HP is a nice number and the modes are a big advantage over the old Sporty.
There is no 'Pride of Ownership' with this bike. And it doesn't sound like a Harley either. All you need with an air-cooled bike is synthetic motor oil. I think Harley has created this new water-cooled bike because of the newer European Rules and the EPA. I do like the style and I do believe it will out-sell the Indian Scout but that's about it. This makes a great addition just as long as Harley doesn't ditch the Evo Sportster. If Harley could make say, the 'Electra Guide' electric and still look as cool as it does now, they would really have something!
They need to create a new Evo Sporster that still sounds like a Harley. This thing is pure silly to me.
Who would buy an electric touring bike? You’d be stopping every couple hundred miles to charge. Doesn’t sound fun to me.
THIS will outsell the Indian Scout? Lol okay! The Scout line-up that's been selling like hotcakes for 8 years, versus this Nightster that is a devisive bike? Not a chance.
Great video. Regards from Brazil.
Curious to know your height and inseam to gauge how you fit on this. I’m 5’9” with a 29” inseam but a lower back that doesn’t like forward controls or being scrunched up. How neutral is this riding position I’m not concerned about freeway riding that’s off the table for me these days
You should fit good. I’m 6’6’’ with about a 35 inch inseam.
As a GenXer my take on the bike is it looks like they are trying to out Jap the Japanese. Yes, the old EVO engines are dated, but it is the ONLY commercial air cooled pushrod bike I'm aware of. That makes it very unique and special. This looks like a clone of the Yamaha Bolt or Indian Scout if not for the fuel tank relocation. That said, I'm all for options as long as they do not plan to eliminate the EVO or air cooled line of bikes.
🌜🌎🕊Good Evening.
Rarely in my life. I watched a so Descripitive, and so Informative video. 👍🏆🌎🏍 🎥 🥇Thank you very Much.
Work needs to be done on the left side of the bike. And Harley still needs an "entry level" 883 priced bike.
Not what I was looking for in an entry level Harley. It looks like a great bike but it sounds a bit like a Japanese sport bike. I think I'll just jump to the Lowrider St cuz I plan on riding longer distances. Plus it sounds like a Harley 😂
I want one
I want the nightster with the 1250 rev max. I don't like the look of the sportster s.
All great things about this bike. But a downgrade in fit and finish and exhaust sound make it a miss for me.
The tech of this bike and the indicator is so not there for the price
It's a nice looking bike but if they think i'm going to pay €17,500 for one they're crazy. I can buy a GSX-S1000 for €13,000
I hope they sell a million of them, only to help Harley stay in business. Old schoolers like me won't buy a water cooled Harley Davidson,,no way. Hope they leave the Road King alone!!!!! Best motorcycle on the planet. That "thing" looks like the typical Japanese bike, can't believe it's a Harley.
Ocala Fl.
Agree. They made a Honda, but it costs more than a Honda. It’ll be interesting to see who actually wants this.
Great bike but not competitive at that price. It either needs 10-15 more or come in at 11k
Just my two cents
What bikes are most competitive? Just curious
@@MattLaidlaw I'd buy a scout before i bought one of these. more power. more torque. slightly heavier. cheaper price tag. plus imo looks way better.
@@turaly0n The scout has the ugliest frame/sidecover combo in motorcycling history. It's like one group designed the front half, and another the back half. Would rather take the bus.
Scouts sound masculine and look more masculine. This bike shoukd be $9k. Sporster S is just a joke
@@jayteesgear Scout is ugly. I see nothing masculine in a pretender beta bike. Can't look away from that horrible frame/sidecover area, just hideous. Polaris will drop the Indian like they did Victory when the sales figures don't work for them. Polaris is a leisure products manufacturer not a motorcycle company. Polaris is the brown leather jacket of motorcycling.
Great review but don't know what to think... is this a good move or a bad one? Is HD going to move everything to rev max? It seems like a fun bike but its not what i think of when i think harley.
It will be interesting. I like the Rev Max along side a traditional Harley motor like the M8. As long as the core bikes are built on something like the M8 we are good. The rev MAx is a beast for some of the other genres of motorcycle
Well they did just announce the cancellation of the 48, so slowly they are changing the sportys over I think. I’m really hoping the 883 doesn’t go too. If they both go but they bring back the 72 with the evo I’ll be ok lol
I love sportsters.. but these just look so cheaply made and jumbled together compared to the previous generation. Kinda how the Harley street 500 and 750 models looked. Just very unimpressive visually.
I agree. This bike won’t be around long. It will go the way of the Streets.
The radiator is a monstrosity, and all the wires hanging around look really poor. Hopefully they can clean things up quite a bit for future model years.
These new ones are hideous
Still wish Harley had upgraded the air cooled push rod Evolution engine. Made it a 6 speed with more power to handle the taller gearing and improved the frame with a longer wheel base and lighter weight and better center of gravity. Kept the overall styling and sound of the classic Sportster. I guess I'm different than most riders because the high revving and high HP and torque doesn't appeal to me at all.
great review , still not sure i could get beyond the radiator and the ugly exhaust . doesn't sound like a Harley either . but i'm clearly not the target market and wouldn't even be looking at the Nightster as a purchase except as a second fun bike . seems like it really pushes all the buttons it was meant to so for the right person it's a winner .
Thanks for the honest opinion.
I've had my nightster for a little over a month now, and as someone coming from riding crotch rockets only, I can wholeheartedly say this bike did not miss its mark. Matt, love the video explaining the history and extensive details. Truly let's me appreciate my bike that much more.
brom same here. I've only ridden sportsbikes but looking for a second bike for long rides. would you recommend this one?
Would you characterize this as a cruiser, or a sport-oriented upright naked.
The old air cooled Sportster has been around since 1957, it was time to update or die. I think Harley Davidson did an amazing job with the new 975 Nighster. I am OLD (70) and have to ride a Tri-Glide due to my wife's many health issues (she's battled cancer eight times and walks with a walker).But if I could I believe I would really enjoy the new 975 NIghtster. I would add the "Long Haul" package along with a luggage rack and round leather top bag for the rack and passenger floor boards for my wife. The floor boards make it easier for her to climb on the passenger seat, I still have to help her, but the floorboards help.
There are a few things about the Nightster that seem strange to me. Number one the starter button. I've been thumbing a starter button since the 60's and I think the starter button should be on the lower part of the four way flasher button. Number two, the way the seat rises to fill the fuel tank. Most riders mount and dismount on the left side of a motorcycle. It seems to me if the seat was hindged on the right side of the motorcycle instead of the left side the seat would flip up out of the way when refueling. The way it is now the seat is in the way and you have to drag the fuel hose over the seat then down to the filler cap. I just think it would be easier and simplier to hindge the seat on the right side. Number three, the bar end mirriors. I've been riding since the 60's and I know how to adjust mirrors to get a good view of whats behind me. I've worked hard all my life, changing semi tires, farm tractor tires, picking up railroad track for a living, so I have fairly broad shoulders and could always adjust mirrors for a good view of whats behind me. Number four, the muffler. I know they kept the muffler high on the bike for ground clearence but if it were just an inch and half lower it would provide a lot better position for the passenger foot pegs and make it much more comfortable.
All this being said, I still love the new 975 NIghtster. I've had a couple Heritages and really like them, but they are slow. I think the 975 Nightster would be a hoot on the backroads. I never needed ride modes either. If I want to rip around I just gear down. If it is raining I've got enough common sense NOT to rip around. Like I said before, I've been riding for a long time. My wife and I have traveld almost 400,000 miles since the ealry 90's. One more thing, I've had more fun on a smaller bike than I ever had on a large one. Love to have a new Nightser 975. Thanks for the video.
This makes me love my sportster evo even more.
i think they messed up with the looks of this bike. It looks cheap and not like a harley. The exposed frame is gross, looks more like a metric bike. The iron 1200 was an amazing sporty to look at, they should have kept that retro feel to it, thats what harley riders want arghhhhhh
Just realized the new fuel tank dangles back there like a bull's nutsack lol
I'd LOVE to ride one through the Tail of the Dragon! I like the look of the new Sportster Nightster but I still Love the old Sportster! Great video Matt
That would carve up the Dragon for sure! I took my Fat Boy through there and for sure clunky but still fun!
I just saw an ad for the Nightster in Canada and they were asking $18.8k for it. (Canadian money of course). We all know that out-the-door price will be much higher. My first comparison was the Suzuki GSXS 1000 for $13k. I'd probably go that direction. It's much faster, better looking and almost certainly better engineered. But wait, the GSXS 1000 makes about 150 hp and that's nuts. I don't need that. So I could go for the GSXS 750 which would still be plenty fast enough for me, and is just around $11k. But wait - The GSXS 750 is still more than I need or want, and Suzuki has just announced their new GSXS 8, which is a twin cylinder bike at just over 750 cc. It will be lighter, cheaper, and torquier, which should give it better real world power, at least in the urban environment. Now the GSXS 8 is a direct competitor for the upcoming Honda Hornet which is also a 750cc twin. I think the Hornet might be the perfect bike for me. Pricing in Canada has yet to be announced but the word is that Honda intends to price it very aggressively. I'm guessing that means it will be priced similar to Yamaha's MT-07 which is about $9k in Canada.
One might argue that a Honda Hornet is not a fair comparison to a Nightster, (at twice the price I don't think so either.) To try to find something more comparable to the Nightster I expanded my search a bit. I see the Nightster as a sporty upright naked, so I looked at what might be considered premium upright naked bikes in a similar performance category. Triumph Bonnevilles top out at under $16k. Similar bikes from BMW are less expensive. In fact, list on a BMW F900R in Canada is $10.5k, which actually might compete well with the Honda Hornet. The most expensive Ducati Monster, the SP is similar to the Nightster at $18.3k, but the bare bones Monster is only $14.3k. The closest comparable Moto Guzzi is the V85TT, a bargain at just $14k.
Based on this the Nightster isn't going to be on my personal short list for the next time I go motorcycle shopping.
(Keep in mind that these are all Canadian prices and based on the exchange rate and other realities of the Canadian market, they should be 30% to 40% higher than American prices for the same model.).
At least this bike has better rear suspension travel than the sportster s that is let down with only 37mm of travel . I hope they put the 1250 engine in this chassis even though as it is the power to weight ratio is higher on this bike than the softail range I also hope they bring out the bronx. I was going to buy the sportster s but because of the suspension I'm going for this instead.
Enjoy your channel. I have owned many different bikes, including H&D. Unfortunately, Harley is nothing more than a t-shirt company that sells very expensive "Grandpa Bikes" today. They lost the performance race way back in the 1960's to the Brits and then the Japanese crushed them by 1970. Unfortunately, with the current risk averse generation, all bike companies have a dark future, but Harley will be the first to disappear. With an average Harley buyer being well over 55, we are just dying out. These new bikes will not cause younger riders to abandon their much better performing sport bikes. Plus Harley's are considered just so uncool by anyone under 50. Hopefully, they will be able to survive, but it's very doubtful.
48X with the 1250T and the sat nav etc please
you meet the nicest people on a harley :D
Haha
Matt Laidlaw, if you were to buy this bike, you would look like a circusgorilla on a minibike. I am 6'7 tall and it felt wrong sitting on this bike, same with the new Sportster S and my friends told me it also looked unfitting. A good size Harley I tried was the Fat bob 114, I sure hope they make more bikes like that one but with faster +120hp hp engines. I am tired of all these tiny bikes that are made for short people.
Yes! I finally found a tall rider to review this bike and others. Y'all don't know the pain of being a giant.
Looked at this last Saturday…wow it really is a good looking bike , yes agree with you Matt left hand side is not the best side with the wiring loom and pipes all over the place but the overall look when your right up close is very good..I think this could be a winner for my wife who struggled with her 48 but did not like the height and cc of the 750 street,the 3 ride modes keeping this simple is a good move in my opinion..less is more..lookin forward to test riding this bike..
Right on man. Thanks for the comment. I think it could be a winner for your wife. Good luck with everything
Had the test ride Saturday and was very impressed with this 975..light , nimble, easy to throw about and very light
Rain mode..ideal for my wife who is still a little nervous after not really getting on with the 48 sporty she had,this is very mild but still has enough grunt to get you up to speed but in a mild way
Road mode.. get it up in the revs and man this shifts ,easy on the throttle at low revs and quite mild ..but crack it open and your gone for a course
Sport mode..it’s a little thug….boy did I have fun on this..
Overall cracking bike with good handling,good stopping power and with three modes you sorta have three bikes..only things that didn’t do it for me are the mirrors hanging off the end of the bars just not my thing…go ride one
Well she purchased one Saturday…hopefully we will pick it up this weekend..
Top review of the new Nightster. The only video I've seen which references the old Nightster and recognises what an important bike that was and then successfully flags up the new and sets that into perspective. Well done.
Thank you!
Nice bike, but kinda on the high side $ for a beginner bike (IMO), Iron883 $ is more respectable 🤷🏾♂️
I don’t feel it’s overpriced Harley has built something to bring me back into the showroom and make a decision
MSRP + freight/prep + tax + title = heart attack. A lot of good things about this bike. Then the monetary cost versus total package hits ya. A lot of positive reviews out there. But, like every other positive motorcycle reviewer out there, no one ever considers their own financial future in their review.
Agree. The out the door price is absolutely ridiculous, especially considering this is a 900cc liquid cooled bike. Not so sure there will be a ton of takers for this bike considering the overall value proposition.
Great video overview of the newest Harley entry. Not my cup of tea as a 6’-2” rider, but might be fun as an around-towner. Not a fan of the high revving motor as it now sounds like every other metric twin on the market. Only time will tell if it’s got Harley “soul”.
True. We will see
The bikes with Harley soul are not going anywhere. These are not for us but for the younger performance oriented cruiser drivers. To be able to compete with the likes of Indian Scout and Honda Rebel 1100 the liquid cooled Nightster and Sportster (and overall lighter bikes) are a necessity. An air cooled torque heavy long stroke engines, as cool as they sound and feel, simply cannot compete with high revving short stroke engines. Thats just physics.
Very true. The 45 degree push rod v-twins aren’t going away soon as some of the fear mongerers think! HD will keep losing share to Indian and others if they don’t catch up on some things. I can see HD putting a larger version of the RevMax in a few Softail and touring models but don’t worry, the clunky torquey 45 degree v-twin isn’t going away soon! It will be there for those who want it!
Awesome vid Matt, as usual. I can't wait to see one of these in person. I saw my first Sportster S on the road here in the Boston area and I turned all the way around in my seat. Those things are great in person! Keep up the good work brother
Thank you sir. Yea, the Sportster S is pretty radical looking.
I don’t typically find myself bothered by stock exhausts but that one is terrible.
One of the most "Soulless" Bikes I ever seen, The SportsterS is close behind.
FIRST
This is great. I’m happy to see HD make this bike, but I still want the Bronx. I’m somewhat surprised that they didn’t try to hide the radiator in the way Triumph did on the Bonneville by making it vertical. Maybe it wouldn’t work with the lack of frame rails.
I always like the, "How Harley got to where they are," intros in your videos. The story behind "something" always makes "the something" more appreciable. The same can be said about Harley. I'm still waiting for a Bronx like bike from Harley. Thus far, I think the Pan America is the only bike Harley makes with a true standard riding position (upright back, with feet under hips in a seated postion). I also hope the M8 sticks around for as long as possible. It's my only experience with Harley but it's a good engine for sure.
Thank you. Glad to hear people are enjoying the intros. 👍🏼 I’m sure HD will be using the rev max to build some more cool stuff in the future.
Thank you Matt!!! Love the Nightster 975!!! Cool bike !! Can not wait for the future of the revolutionary max!
That opening was incredible!
You really are an amazing storyteller/ historian/ videographer.
Great video! I test rode the Nightster and feel the same way as you. The power to weight ratio evens out the playing field with the Scout as far as performance goes, and the Nightster can handle the twisties better than the Scout. I still have a soft spot for my Stage IV Iron for the raw feel it gives me, but the Nightster is great bike.
Looks like a copy of the Rogue
Another fantastic video and review. Really appreciate your insight as you know these bikes extremely well and always give great info and an honest opinion. Thanks Matt!
Thank you! Thanks for watching. It’s always good to hear people get good “take away” info from them.
The biggest thing for me is the technology that’s involved in the revolution platform which leads to a major question which is: How big and powerful does a motorcycle engine need to be for power and enjoyment?
The new nighster has 90hp, the Sportster S has 121hp, and the Pan America has 150hp with a slim look, three hole oil fill and drain, ride modes, OHV, no pushrods and most all all liquid cooling. HD can’t continue making air cooled bikes with their labor intensive nature. I am excited to see what the touring model Revolution Max stats will be. I think the touring model Revolution Max will be 175hp with 130 pounds of torque minimum.
It probably won’t be long before we are seeing technology like this in at least some Softail and touring models. They will probably keep the old pushrod 45 degree VTwins forever for those who are stuck in the past. So they won’t go all in on liquid cooled on everything for the foreseeable future but I can see at least a few Softail/Touring models having a version of this engine in the next 5 years.
I'm a long time HD owner, first bike was a 74 Sportster then a Shovel now have a 95 inch hot rod 03 Dyna. I went to Maui HD and test rode a Nightster out of curiosity. Huge difference in the torque right off of idol but get it spinning and it really takes off and the sitting position is almost the same as my mid control Dyna. I liked it. Not going to trade my Dyna but I did like it
I love mine but it’s had a lot of problems since I got it. Like it won’t start and the dealer can’t say why. I gotta say they don’t seem very sympathetic to my problem. The warranty is almost up and needless to say I’m very disappointed.
Outstanding video Matt!!!! So much quality information, we appreciate.the hard work, time and effort you put into these videos from your friends "310 Racing Crew"
Thank you! I appreciate the comment and support. Thanks Kevin!
I like 48 looks for me allweys awesome 👌
Looks (and probably handles) much better than the horrible new sportster but... you have a mass of more than 250kg in motion, with a hundred horsepower at hand,and still that puny single front disc brake, it's a suicide 🤣🤣
I remember testing a sporster 48 1200cc while my night rod special was being worked on and it was very underwhelming. Twist the throttle and it just shook more than it went almost to the point of it being dangerous on the freeway. I couldn't give them that thing back fast enough. This new lineup seems fun and has respectable power.
Well, to be fair, you're talking about a bike with literally half the horsepower (and way less rear tire/stability) than your NRS so yeah I can understand why you'd hate it on the freeway. Not exactly the 48's strength.
Still though yeah, the Nightster is much more highway friendly with the RevMax's powerband and the 6th gear, but it's still not the sweet spot for it. That bike gives up ballpark 180-200lbs and a big difference in tire contact to your NRS so it's not gonna handle those high winds as well.
Matt great video as per usual. I just absolutely love how you salute Harley's past and then how you trace Harley's lineage forward to the present day, Nightster bike. I'm glad to see Harley advancing with the times. The Nightster is a needed addition. Let's face it the Evo is just dated. That said - I have a 2017 XL1200CX Roadster with a Stage IV Kit and Bassani Road Rage 2 to 1 exhaust. That thing just rips and it works just fine on the interstate. The gearing appears to be wider than the traditional Sportsters, as you pointed out in your review of that bike. So I'll keep my 2017 Stage IV Roadster with upgraded shocks, and I think it's better than the new Nightster especially in the looks department. Keep up all the great reviews and I'm still looking forward to the new Bronx.
@@OfficialMattLaidlaw Like I believe that - Laidlaw's isnt running any contests. 🤣🤣🤣
I don't mind the fuel tank being under the seat, sorta like a gold wing but I don't like that the filler cap is under the seat. I don't want to get off my bike and open the seat to put fuel in it....
I guess i would rather have a P51 then an
F16 jet!
I bet It'd be easier to work on the P51
Time will tell how the depreciation is on this bike. Like you said, many people bought the 883 only to return it 6 months later and trade it for a soft tail or bigger. IMO the 883 was a little more reasonably priced because, like you said, it is time tested, high numbers produced and ease of customization. Now you have newer technology and R&D money to recover, plus, say what you want, when the motor is part of the frame you are limited on traditional customization options and if people find out this bike is also a little less bike than they wanted, it may not be as easy to trade back in and still retain as much % of original value in 6 months. I think it will be a good choice for someone new to motorcycles and Harley-Davidson, however I doubt the long term Harley Fans and owners will take to this design. I personally am a big Harley Fan and own a couple, one being a 1993 883, which I love the sound of. Personally, I can’t stand the sound of the Rev Max engine. It’s sounds like a Honda twin star with loose valve train. I’ve rode the Pan America and Sportster S and yes they have a ton of power but I am more about the sound. That much power will only get me in trouble with the law. Been there done that. Great Video as always Matt!!
Thanks for the comment. Well, hopefully you will still be able to get that Harley appeal from a Milwaukee 8 engine in the future.
I miss riding man nothing like a good rumble with just you and the road. Beautiful bike Matt
Yes sir. 👍🏼 thanks for checking it out.
A good honest review, but I still consider the 975 overpriced.
Big time
What price do you think it should be?
@@MattLaidlaw it’s competing with the Rebel. Probably should be similar in price since Harley removed everything that makes a Harley a Harley with this bike. Without legacy they can’t sell bikes at a premium.
@@MattLaidlaw I agree with JA. They shouldn't have priced this downgraded Sportster S with more plastic bits and less features in comparison with their HD stable. They should've priced the Nightster against its competitors. Then add a touch more to the price tag just to have the HD badge. I really think this current price tag will turn away a lot of potential buyers. Just the consistent word on the street being gossipped about. Start at $10,500 or $11,000. Go up to $12,000 or $12,500 depending on paint and options. More people would be willing to buy because psychologically a lot of people can talk themselves into spending something that's "almost $10k...close enough." As dumb as it sounds, there's a reason why price tags get labeled as $9.95 or $9.99 instead of $10.00. It's psychological. It doesn't work on everyone, but it does affect enough people.
@@MattLaidlaw I'm with JA on this one. This is a bike that competes directly with the Honda Rebel 1100, so it should be priced accordingly. That being said, I realize that the HD nameplate carries some weight.
Good bike for new riders though
I currently own a 2020 XL1200CX Roadster. I would like the new Nightster, but it has 2 styling cues I don't like. My biggest peeve I can't stand is that soli seat look, second is that slammed down low rear tire. Every time I visit my dealership in Alabama they ask if I'm ready for a big twin. I reply the Roadster like the I'll fated Cafe Racer if the 70s is the only bike that draws me to the showroom. I'm 66 years old and have been riding since the 70s. This is my 3rd Harley..Did own a Superglide back in 04, I prefer the Sportster.
They should've come up with a smaller M8 for the sportster. Like a 90 CI and make it more chopper-esc. A slimmer bike, with a bigger engine, a softail chassis for the looks. Not to many people ride stock sporties anyways....I know they can still do it, but...
People buy Harleys because of the rumbling of their engines. These RevMax engines sound like a faulty vacuum cleaner...
The PanAm is ok, because it's in another class, but the sportsters are...
yeah, the lefthand side of the bike needs some redesign. this has early adopter fee written all over it.
OMG! The knuckles, panheads, shovels, and evos. I just watched a video and the guy said the heads on these new revolution motors look like "PARKING METERS." Holy smokes, I think the Rev is a Parking Meter for life!
I want to crome Avery part I can
And then some forget the 883
I seen one roll off a truck ramp
And the frame broke that holds
The engine and trans. The 1200
S is what I have 1999 and it's
Still going strong with 150,000
Mi . And I only change the oil
And tires, bat.and plugs once
In awale 😀⚡
Matt, I am hoping that you as a dealership may have have an answer to a problem to my Nightster that Harley Davidson will not give me a complete answer to my problem. Many times when you went to start the bike nothing happened. The problem is in the connection of the left or right handlebar modules under each side of the air box. If either module was unplugged and then plugged back in the bike would start. Obviously this is not a permanent solution as the problem would happen again as with my bike. Harley Davidson said that they had problems with these modules and are having the mechanic replace them. My questions for you are 1. How does plugging and then back in correct the problem? 2. Is it a problem with the modules or the connection of said modules. 3. How can I be sure if the replacement of these modules will fix the problem since Harley Davidson was hesitant to admit of the problem. 4. Has your dealership had any such problems with the 2022 Nightster and has the problem been resolved?
When I googled 2022 Nightster problems I was directed to a Harley Davidson forum where other owners have the same problem.