2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster - Sportbike In A Cruiser Chassis?
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster feels like a sportbike in a cruiser chassis, but will the high level of performance be enough to justify the huge shift in Sportster design?
The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster is a balance struck. It’s a machine defined by its backward-looking silhouette, but also a machine developed with strict performance requirements. This bike performs at a level far exceeding any Evo Sportster, but it’s a different motorcycle with a new look, sound, and feel. Willie G. Davidson was fond of saying that form follows function, but both report to emotion. Will 2022 Nightster’s vaguely nostalgic silhouette be enough to satisfy traditionalists? Or is the quality of the ride good enough for the new bike to overcome these changes in form and succeed on its performance merits?
The first time I saw the full production Nightster in the metal was on a foggy morning in Santa Barbara, California. I was obviously not looking at the monoshock chassis of the Sportster S; this looked like something more familiar, at least from across the parking lot. Two shocks mount to a rectangular steel swingarm and struts on the rear fender. There’s a fuel-tank-shaped metal piece in front of the seat reminiscent of the classic Sportster peanut tank. But as I got up close, it was more difficult to see traces of the old Sporty. That “fuel tank” is actually a cover for the airbox, and connectors and wires are visible underneath. Under the seat and extending to below the swingarm is a 3.1-gallon matte black steel gas tank-essentially stuffed into the center of the bike-somehow looking bulbous and out of place. I wondered if such a technical and performance-driven shift in Sportster design would be justified by the bike’s level of performance.
Then I got on the bike and rode out of the parking lot, and visible wiring and gas tank placement didn’t cross my mind until I got off again.
Engine
At the heart of this new Nightster is the Revolution Max 975T engine. The first we heard of a 975 RevMax was in the Bronx streetfighter concept, and this engine’s character is definitely more typical of a sportbike than a cruiser. It revs up quickly and doesn’t hit the limiter until over 9,500 rpm. It delivers a claimed 90 hp and 70 pound-feet of torque, though that torque isn’t delivered in the immediate fashion seen in air-cooled V-twins. Instead, the Revolution Max revs up to deliver close-to-peak torque in the 3,000-6,000 rpm range.
The liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin differs from the 1250T in the Sportster S in several ways. Along with a decrease in displacement, the smaller Revolution Max received new cylinders, pistons, and camshafts. The Nightster’s engine has only one spark plug per cylinder where the Sportster S gets two, and its four-valve heads get variable valve timing on only the intakes. Nightster chief engineer Kyle Wick said these features were left off because from the company’s perspective they did not provide enough value to the customer to justify the costs. The 975T is also balanced differently than the 1250T, with three counterbalancers tuned to deliver a feeling reminiscent of past models, transmitting more engine pulse and vibration to the handlebars, seat, and footpegs.
Ride Modes
It was only a short ride into town, about 10 minutes along the coast road. I put the bike into Rain mode, which reduces power delivery and maximizes traction control. I did not stay in that mode long, but could appreciate it as a nice welcome point for newer riders beyond its obvious use in inclement weather. Sport mode was next, and was the mode that I expected to enjoy the most, but it turned the throttle into more of an on/off switch and required (too) precise control while attempting to avoid a jerky ride. Road mode was where I preferred to spend my time, as it most accurately reflected my right hand’s action on the throttle.
Both Road and Sport modes showed excessive traction control intervention on even mildly aggressive launches, the engine hesitating for a second as the bike slowly moved off the line before jumping forward. I experimented by turning off TC and launching with identical technique, and it didn’t result in detectible wheelspin or any loss of control, so it appears to be conservative tuning on H-D’s part. Traction control is not independently adjustable, but can be easily switched off which, after this test, I did every time I restarted the bike until the end of the day.
Leaving town, I headed up Highway 33 toward Ojai for lunch. In a mere moment, the cliffs and beaches of Santa Barbara were behind me and I was carving the winding blacktop toward Los Padres National Forest.
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I'm not a Harley guy, or a cruiser guy, but that can change. I love that they are actually building NEW bikes. I kinda dig this one.
Same, it has a naked street fighter feel to it.
15k (otd) is the new 10k, but like other things, my paycheck hasn’t increased with the rate of inflation. Glad to see HD is evolving to find new markets though.
The 50 year curse of stagnant wages. Only to see a more catastrophic ratio under Joe Biden.
“Glad to see HD is evolving to find new markets” is one way to put it
It never does. It's done by design to make you poorer and others richer.
Great review, love the belt buckle!
I own this bike and it is fun to ride every time. It did have some issues (no start due to faulty handlebar modules which was eventually corrected). It does get hot on my right thigh when stopped in traffic. Maintenance is easy except for the spark plugs-the cylinder heads have to be removed to gain access to the plugs (a 2.25 hour job and beyond my ability). Hopefully, Harley Davidson will have iridium plugs available soon. It is best in ROAD mode as SPORT mode is very abrupt. A software update would fix this problem.
Glad you enjoyed this new model. Not bad for a first gen model. They will only refine it from here. Like the new engines and chassis the moco is coming out with. Should appeal to a different crowd.
You make a valid point.. cost is comparable to Standard… would love to see a comparison for a new rider between the two… Keep up the reviews!
I like this reviewer guy. Very enthusiastic and well spoken…
This guy? Really? This guy??
Thanks for another informative review video
I really know nothing about Harley and cruiser type bikes, but it's a bike, so I watch. I appreciate that you provide fair criticism. Does a bike really have increased turn angle if the rider's shoes become the 'hero blobs' because the pegs are shorter (these appear to only support half of your shoe - maybe it's not the different from my bike's pegs?)?
HD really needs a giant speaker on this bike that says "potato-potato" at 2000rpms so I can get comfortable with it.
Like your review man, nice job.
People seem to be bitching about it a lot but meh, I like it. If it rides anything like the Scout I'll like it a lot more :D things a blast, it'd be great if this is too
I’d consider it. I’m a boomer so I’d prefer a chrome exhaust and better fit and finish. I prefer to buy American built (York PA) like this one but for $11k the retro Kawasaki Z900RS certainly is a very well executed bike for a boomer. 1973 was a good year ….
I just got one in blue and I love it as a good first bike with the safety features and digital tac. I came from riding quads and dirt bikes and was not comfortable getting a big ass big for the street as I had many crashes on my banshee. 😂
It’s ironic because the most of the people who they are aiming for aren’t gonna justify a bike for 11,12,13k when the Honda rebel 500 & 1100 exists of which the 1100 has an auto DCT option that IS STILL less or at 10k. Hopefully Harley understands they they won’t attract newer younger riders if they have bikes that aren’t around 10k or less…
Yep. No one under 35 is going to pay 18k for this bike out the door. They really need to make a decent entry level bike that doesn't suck for less than 10k. And not something tiny that won't fit a full grown man.
harley has been trying to expand for years.but their die hard old school customers have been keeping harley in the 50s & 60s for decades.the old guys wont buy harleys if their not slow, fat, loud, & dipped in chrome.now that the old schoolers are dying off, harley has a great opportunity to build bikes that are NOT fat, slow & loud & may actually sell.
Many of those old guys started off riding dirt bikes, sport bikes and now own two or more bikes. Know many who have a Harley big ole touring model and an adventure bike of some kind. Different bikes for different types of riding. Nothing compares to riding down the road with that big V-twin. I used to laugh at them too until I rode them.
Now, are the new Sportsters better designed then the older ones. You bet but the one unique quality of the old Sportsters is the mechanical feel you get when riding. The endless amount of customizations you could do to them. A real motorcycle enthusiast would love to have a big garage with multiple bikes. Ride Safe & Ride Often.
I could not agree more. In my garage is a 2014 Dyna Low Rider, 2015 BMW K1300S, 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS, 2018 Aprilia Tuono and a 1983 Honda VFR 750. All are for different rides that I'm in the mood for. I am glad that HD finally saw the writing on the wall and came to their senses. I am exicted to see what is in store for The Motor Company.
I just rode one today as well. to me it was basically a cross between a street rod 750 and a v-rod. but different riding position, similar to a traditional Sportster.
Good comparisons.
Wish they used less plastic and plastic looking pieces. The overall stance of the bike looks great though.
Give them a few years I bet they give you the option to put the 12 engine in it. That! Would be awesome!!!
Why buy an under-powered Nighster, when you can get a CB1000R for about the same price?
I sat on it and already love ❤️ it…. LOVE 💕
Almost bought a Sportster many times, but the weight always scared me off. Surprised you didn't mention this bike is 80 lbs lighter. With the fuel so low cg, I could probably lift this thing if it ever went down. If it sounded like a Harley I'd be interested. They could probably make it sound right at the cost of some power. Should be an option. Like the look and the water cooling.
Even the old Harleys don't sound like a Harley from factory. Sound is something you do yourself later. I've seen people cam the old 750 Revolution and toss an exhaust on it to give it that deep stuttery Harley sound.
I doubt most dealers will sell at MSRP....our dealers where I live ADD thousands.
Looks like a transition product - an engine looking for a chassis (not necessarily a suspension). That motor could be a nice match to a seating position for longer rides...but then it wouldn't be an HD, would it. Not into cruisers, but those who are should have some real fun on this one.
Can we get a dyno test on the nightster !? Nd the Indian Scout bobber
I just got one..its fun to ride it really moves also
Just rode one today, it is wayyy fast. The harley rep was riding a low rider s and i out ran him and was only at 5th gear 120mph. Its a 6th speed. This engine is a sportbike engine. I was shocked.
@Steve Malzone It already is a rocket. My guess is Harley will want you to do a stage 4 kit to make it similar to a 1250
Wait til next year to buy one. I can see hd bumping up one to the 1200.
There are only two things I don’t like about this bike
1. The price
2. It’s not the Bronx
The Bronx will be out soon. Harley just reapplied for a patent on the Bronx name.
If the Bronx comes out...my collection goes up to 18!... oldest is an 81 Sturgis.. newest is The livewire!.... until the Bronx anyway!
Just took my test ride of the new Nightster. I wanted to LOVE this bike and I hated it. The positives: clutch feel was great, seat was comfy, power was generous, bike is VERY nimble and easy to ride, brakes get the job done, ergonomics were a little off for me since I prefer Forward Foot Controls - but that didn't make me hate the bike. The SOUND AND FEEL made me hate this bike. There was no FURY, it felt neutered. The motor sounded like a sewing machine to me, didn't sound like a mean HD bike -- I don't mean LOUD or OBNOXIOUS -- but just the visceral sound of a Harley ain't in this bike. Revving it up was a downer, I ride a Honda 750 and think my Honda sounds more badass - which is NOT what I expected. Expectations get in the way? Hope not. Disappointed.
@HahrtDood I rode the Fat Bob 114 immediately after and THAT was a knockout. Great bike. I do think an aftermarket exhaust will make the Nightster sound a little better...but in the Sportster stable, Nightster definitely feels like their global bike.
@@EJBarrois yea, a liquid cooled DOHC engine will never sound anything like an air cooled, pushrod, 45° V twin. That being said it will run circles around one speedwise, which was their objective with the new SPORTsters. I'm with you that the classic Harley engines will always be tops for me, but I think this is a great addition to the lineup and I'd love to have one as a second bike.
Bought mine new for 17k out the door could’ve got the 2023 msrp is the same but this just looked better to me.
I'd love to see an updated (variable valve timing etc.) 1200 (or more) air-cooled engine in this. In other words, a modernized "real" Sportster. What ever happened with the HD patent application for a variable valve timing air-cooled engine a few years ago?
Pushrods are a problem, too much mass at high revs = sloppy valve timing. Partnering with Koenigsegg would fix that.
And cooling is a problem. I thought oil cooling was the answer but oil's a poor coolant, apparently.
In Harley-Davidson fashion guarantee they'll release one with this more traditional styling with the 1250.
IS it Harley response to Honda Rebel?
Another 350 for a change in the paint sprayer's cup?
Seems like a good bike for what it is but I would have liked to see inverted forks and another disc up front.
Agreed. Unacceptable shortcuts in 2022.
@Steve Malzone it is completely false to say that dual discs don't improve braking power. You don't understand how brakes work. You also don't understand simple physics.
@@TheImtoomuch No, he is correct.
@@Gnerko123 HAHA! Wrong.
@@TheImtoomuch please enlighten us. I think maximum braking power is ultimately limited by tire grip. A single disc is powerful enough to lock up the tire, thus already provides the maximum possible braking power. Dual discs do have benefits, e.g. longer lasting due to wear being distributed over two sets of disc and pads, and being less prone to fading due to better heat dissipation. Dual discs have drawbacks too, however, seeing that unsprung weight and rotational inertia of the front wheel assembly are increased.
Amazing bike
Needs panniers and touring fuel tank.
How about panniers with one side concealing 5 gal auxiliary fuel tank!
Take the stickers of it and take it to a biker bar.
Nobody except guys in matching vests care about biker bars.
Third reviewer so far to say that sport mode is basically unusable. Another said that rain mode was so soft that it served no purpose except for maybe a total beginner. So 3 rider modes and two of them are……lame I guess? What a shame. And a 32 degree lean angle that’s only 32 because they put knobs in place of foot pegs? Sounds really “sporty” especially at that 90hp. Only 30hp less than the sportster S. At least it’s only a $15k bike and not super expensive or anything like that. That could be disappointing.
WOW AWESOME SUPERB TOP ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Come on HD give us the Bronx!
Sorry for quibbling, but $350 for a red tank?!?
You know I will give it to Harley-Davidson that they finally stepped up and put a little performance into some of their bikes but I would still say like you said you have a very limited aftermarket and it's only from Harley-Davidson or maybe what kuryakyn JP cycles broaden your aftermarket parts let a few other companies make parts decent parts though and that bike will definitely sell a lot better one of the downfalls of Harley-Davidson is the HD you want to get anything aftermarket for a Harley-Davidson you better be willing to spend HD hundreds of dollars
Sounds like a pretty good bike, but not for the price. You can buy a Honda Rebel 1100 just under 10K.
Since the tank is under the seat Harley should have went with a 48 peanut style "tank".
That would have probably cut airbox volume and greatly reduced power as a result.
Good review
Not my cup of tea, though
especially fer 13-14 G's
Try 18 out the door....yeah no
Indian scout Rogue has it beat in every category except maybe technology if your into that. What’s up with that jeckel and hide engine? The plasticky throttle side looks nothing like the kickstand side!
Need beefier exhaust note (aftermarket) and 10k and I'm in. 833 will be missed. Old sportster model about to go up in Value.
Unfortunately as good as this departure may be, all Harley has done is raise the value of all Evo powered sportsters.....
Can't wait for the Bronx. This Vietnam Veteran's preference
975cc.
The exhaust looks like an after thought.
No, it looks like they tried to pass the current and insane EPA standards on a small motorcycle.
@@TheImtoomuch I'll agree with you on that one.
Road clearance on turns. I hear the kaw S hits the pegs in turns. But te nightster has less gnd clearance!
Own two Harley’s and I’m a fan of the Pan American and Sportster S. Really don’t like this bike - looks and sounds like a low displacement Honda.
This is everything I want
Harley just doesn't understand that for not much more money you can buy a 200 hp ZH2 Kawasaki. Harley doesn't have a goddamn clue.
You are absolutely right. Every time Harley makes a cool bike that is appealing to the more performance oriented Harley lovers they stop making it after a few years. The XR 1200, and the vrod roadster that had the mid controls, just to name a couple. Truly out of touch SMH.
@@brockparker8756 Harley can kiss my ass. I'll stick with my 2021 Ninja 1000SX thanks.
@@brockparker8756 The VRod was a heavy slow turd. The XR1200 was a Sportster based Buell motor in a Sportster chassis. Harley riders only say they want performance. If they really wanted a performance bike they would buy something from Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha or Honda. People that want a performance bike buy something from somebody else. It's as simple as that.
@@ericalger5003 Buell motors are sportster motors. I agree with you in terms of overall performance, Harley is not where it's at if performance is what you want. But, the XR was pretty much the quickest production Harley ever made. I said quick, not fast. On the vrod roadster, it was over weight,at least it wasn't a raked out forward controlled stupid looking "muscle bike" like the other vrods. By no means can you compare it to a cbr or Gixxer.
You don’t have a goddamn clue if you’re comparing a beginner cruiser to a ZH2.
This bike looks like a baby version of a softail street bob but very light with very small engine with alloy wheels and lots more power but very small
Honestly they should of just left the sporster alone and brought out the bronx. This is stupid too put such a sporty engine on a cruiser.
The Bronx is on the way. This week Harley reapplied for a patent on the Bronxs name.
@@KevinButler816 how much u think they gonna ask?
@@gigi9467 I’m not sure but anywhere between 15 to 17 is my guess. If it’s the 975 version probably less.
@@KevinButler816 ouch. Sportbike pricing.. its gonna be interesting
@@gigi9467 lol it's just a guess lol
Sorry, but the bike is just ugly. The tank doesn’t look like it fits, and the steering head is just unattractive. I don’t know who thought that that exhaust was ok, looks horrible. Both the engine and exhaust look like they are missing detail. Just a few more faux ribs are needed so the both don’t look so bulbous. It’s a shame because Harley has made and has some of the most beautifully designed motorcycles. Seems like they nailed the performance for this model, but you don’t buy a Harley just for performance.
Hmmm looks and sounds like a Honda rebel 1100 copy
Indian and Honda both produce a better, much nicer looking, and more affordable bike in this segment. Harley fell up a flight of stairs again.
Danksauce
Man Harley almost hits it until that fucking price. I could buy an mt07 and fully kit it before hitting the msrp on this. This is and no offense to Harley a 10k bike. This and the sportster s are awesome and this coming from a 765rs rider. But Harley screws themselves with those prices and the weirdos making you feel weird asking about it at dealerships.
If the old harley guys are bitching about it then it's probably a decent bike
Hell NO, Softail Standard ftw. close to the same price and way more bike.
$350 for red painted plastic. Who is HD kidding?
Masih pake fitur rem senin kamis....
Dipencet senin, berhentinya hari kamis....
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
No way someone it's going to buy this over the softail standard... It's way overpriced, imho.
Grow the hair back!
in few words, this new HD is bull shit
No it’s not ...
Honestly thats 1 ugly ass bike, HD trying to look like a Honda/indian scout.
The Indian Scout looks way better. Not even close.
9k... maybe. 13k? Hell naw!!!
$350 up charge for a red plastic fake gas tank. Haaaaaaaa. Only Harley.
I’ve read that it’s a metal tank, Hank.
"high performance" and 90hp don't really go hand in hand buddy hahaha
Fake air filter. LOL
This bike is ugly and overpriced. Hard pass, so many other better looking, better performing bikes for the money. They are 18k out the door which is just stupid for a 900cc liquid cooled cruiser. Can't see them selling many of these.