Harley-Davidson Nightster

Harley Davidson has always been known for not compromising its traditional design virtues of making old-school cruisers. However, with the new-generation Sport range of cruisers, it is trying to make a mark with the younger generation buyers by introducing modern-day features and design highlights. The Harley Davidson Nightster is one such motorcycle, which is compact and modern by Harley Davidson standards.

The Harley Davidson Nightster comes with a rounded all-LED headlamp with daytime running LEDs, which is surrounded by a curvaceous cowl and is flanked by tiny and rounded LED turn indicators. Apart from this round-themed front fascia, the Harley Davidson Nightster has a minimalist design at the front, with the front tyre having a chopped-theme fender above it.

While the Harley Davidson Nightster looks quite simple when viewed head-on, the real substance of the motorcycle is apparent when it is viewed from the side. Here, the motorcycle shows off all of its muscle, with the sleek and slanted peanut-styled fuel tank and the massive V-twin engine in a dual-tone theme of silver and black placed below it, while covering most of the visual mass of the motorcycle. The Harley Davidson Nightster comes with black-coloured alloy wheels, an engine guard, and a 2-into-1 exhaust pipe.

Apart from the chunk of the visual mass of the Harley Davidson Nightster concentrated below the fuel tank, the motorcycle also comes with a compact-looking side body cowl below the single seat the motorcycle comes with. Towards the rear, the Nightster comes with a rounded fender above the rear wheel, which has rectangular bars placed on its sides serving as the mounts for dual-functioning rounded LED tail lamps.

Behind the flat, dragster-like handlebar of the Harley Davidson Nightster, there is a rounded part-digital instrument console of the motorcycle. Apart from the analogue tachometer, the unit also features digital readouts for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and trip meters. While this console is decently informative, it is nowhere close to the funkiness of the instrument console of the other motorcycle from the Sport range, the Sportster S. With premium switchgear and high levels of build quality, the Harley Davidson Nightster impresses as a premium and well-built motorcycle.

The Nighster is a bit compact by Harley Davidson Nightster standards, which is why it is comparatively easier than others when it comes to handling it in an urban environment full of traffic chaos. The drag-style handlebar also gives it an extra sense of confidence when it comes to touring at higher speeds. The Harley Davidson Nightster comes equipped with 41mm conventional telescopic forks from Showa at the front and direct-acting dual-sided coil springs with preload adjustment at the rear. Riding on 100/90-19 front and 150/80-16 rear tyres, the Harley Davidson Nightster comes equipped with a single disc brake setup at both front and rear.

The Harley Davidson Nightster is powered by a new-generation four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 975cc V-twin engine, which has been named as Revolution Max 975T. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, this potent engine develops a maximum power output of 90 PS, while a peak torque output of 95 Nm. Like other Harley Davidson engines, this engine also has a punchy midrange which makes highway riders effortless. Even the 6-speed gearbox is slick to use.

The Harley Davidson Nightster comes decently equipped with standard safety features like dual-channel ABS, traction control, riding modes, and a drag-torque slip control system.

The Nightster is an honest attempt by Harley Davidson in making a new-generation cruiser with modern-day features without compromising on the traditional virtues of offering a torquey engine and good long-distance cruising abilities Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for.