The Nightster will be the next entry-level Sportster in the Harley-Davidson line-up
With the aim to phase out its air-cooled engines, Harley-Davidson has unveiled the Nightster which is slated to become the brand’s entry-level Sportster replacing the popular Iron 883.
Powered by an all-new 975cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-twin, short-stroke engine with variable valve timing (on 2 intake valves) from Harley-Davidson’s Revolution Max engine family, the Nightster looks classic on the outside.
There’s a world of difference when the specs of the Nightster and the Iron 883 are compared. Power is up by 40 HP, while torque has increased by 27 Nm. But, peak power and torque are achieved a little late in the powerband, thanks to the motor’s nature, as against the Iron 883.
Numbers aside, Harley has worked its part to make sure the Nightster does not deviate from the brand’s simplistic design philosophy. The round air intake cover, chopped fenders, twin rear shocks, and the walnut-shaped fuel tank signify that it is indeed a Harley Sportster.
Harley has loaded the Nightster with a lot of features never heard of in the brand’s entry-level motorcycles. There’s an assist and slip mechanical wet clutch on a 6-speed transmission, 3 ride modes, ABS, full-LED lighting, and traction control to name a few.
Furthermore, people would be pleased to find that the bike comes with a drag-torque slip control system which limits torque delivery to prevent rear wheel slip during fast gear changes.
The motorcycle weighs 218 kg wet (it is lighter than the Iron 883, Sportster S, and Forty-Eight) and it also features a steel alloy trellis frame and an aluminium subframe.
The rear shocks offer preload adjustment and 76.2 mm of travel while the front has 41 mm Showa dual bending valve telescopic fork with 114.3 mm of travel.
The front wheel is a 19 incher sporting a 320 mm disc, while at the rear, there is a 16-inch wheel with a 260 mm disc. The seat height is very accessible at 706 mm.
The Nightster’s price in the USA starts at the Indian equivalent of Rs. 10.28 lakhs ex-showroom. The bike is available in 3 colours – Gunship Grey, Redline Red and Vivid Black.
