Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Built:2023-2420232024

That's how it drives

The sound of the Nightster Special is not bad. However, our bike also had the not quite cheap exhaust system from Jekill and Hyde installed. The V2 rumbles along like a sewing machine and can also be really bassy thanks to the controllable exhaust flap. When closed, it is rather quiet, a very good compromise. With the standard silencer, the stationary noise is only 90 dbA and it doesn't sound that much worse (see or listen here).

 

In contrast to the Sportster S, the Revolution Max 975T has been capped at 975 cc and produces 90 hp at 7,500 rpm and 95 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm on the Nightster Special. This is not stunning by Harley standards, but since the Special weighs only 225 kg with a full tank, this provides a lot of propulsion. In addition, the new engine is capable of revving well beyond 5,000 rpm. The stroke is rather short and so the Nightster almost becomes a small barrel organ. It not only accelerates well, but can also convince in the pull-through test. It's really fun!

Certainly, Harley disciples of older vintages will turn up their noses and deny the Nightster Special the usual V2 folklore - but the new Nightster Special 2023 does not want to appeal to this target group at all. It's far too sporty for that. It goes briskly around the curves and is surprisingly handy. Although the chassis is rather simple, it works perfectly. The conventional 41 telescopic fork comes from Showa and is not adjustable. The stereo struts are at least adjustable in the spring base, but it lacks a hydraulic dial. All of this signals: Don't worry about the chassis, just drive, it's already working.

We can report the same about the brake. Although only a single disc is used at the front, the Nightster Special still brakes well and predictably. The levers are adjustable and the manual force required to operate the clutch is pleasingly low. The Nightster's tank solution is also interesting: the plastic tank is installed under the seat and has a capacity of 11.7 liters. The range of the bike is therefore mathematically rather modest at 213 km. And while we're on the subject of criticism: The workmanship of the Nightster Special is mediocre at times, e.g. when laying the cables in the left fan/motor area.

 

 

Despite the low suspension travel - especially at the rear - the Special does not drive uncomfortably. Sure, the chassis acknowledges potholes with a salute to the intervertebral discs, but otherwise we have no reason for criticism. The situation is different when it comes to service intervals: Every 8,000 km (or once a year), the Nightster has to go to the dealership. Other bikes are allowed to scrub twice as many kilometers until the service is due.

 

The Harley Davidson Nightster Special is a lot of fun! Especially on country roads, it turns out to be a surprisingly agile bike. The engine has a lot of power and feels just as surprisingly comfortable in higher revs. The Special may look like a typical Harley, but it is different in many ways. Better or worse? Matter of opinion! It won't convince real V2 steam hammer fans, if only because of the restrained sound. But there will be other people who are now looking at Harley precisely because of the two new Nightster models. And this is also fully justified.