Ducati Monster 1200 S versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Ducati Monster 1200 S
Naked
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2014 bis 2020
Built von 2023 bis 2024~
RRP 17.490 €
RRP 15.995 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Power
- precise chassis
- Comfort
- Assistance Systems
- Processing
Pros:
- Engine
- Sound
- surprisingly sporty approach
- great TFT display with map navigation
- Mobile phone connection with easy-to-use app
- excellent Harley entry-level bike
Cons:
- Windbreak
Cons:
- Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
- for this price a bit much plastic
- carelessly laid cables
- slippery seat
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length : 2.156 mm Height : 1.117 mm
Seat : 795 mm until : 820 mm
Weight : 213 kg
Length : 2.156 mm Height : 1.117 mm
Seat : 795 mm until : 820 mm
Weight : 213 kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: V 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.198 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.198 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 255 km/h
Performance: 147 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 124 NM bei 7.750 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 350 km
Performance: 147 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 124 NM bei 7.750 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 350 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 km
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 149 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Lattice tube (steel) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 149 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 330 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 245 mm)
Double disc (∅ 330 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 245 mm)
Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 mm)
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 mm)
Conclusion - forever young
It is, of course, a toy, one for older children who want to (and can) spend at least 17,290 euros on their gift. Hear my words: Every penny of it is well invested!
Before I forget it: I have now studied the data sheet. The Duc is not only up to date in terms of engine and chassis, but also in terms of assistance systems: series are Wheelie Control, Curve ABS from Bosch, Traction Control, Ride By Wire and three driving modes ...
... not even this prejudice lasts more.
The test bike was provided to us by Ducati Hamburg.
Conclusion - what sticks
Nightster or Nightster Special, that's the question! We would go for the new Special, if only because of the pillion seat, which you can use quite well every now and then. We particularly liked the great new cockpit and, above all, its ease of use, including the app. Whether you really need it is certainly a matter of opinion, but at least it works splendidly, which cannot be said of all competitors.The test bike was kindly provided to us by Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There are the Nightster Special and the Standard Nightster as demonstrators - among many other chic Harleys. A visit to HD Hiel is always worthwhile, if only because of the wide range of used machines. You can also take a wonderful tour around the Westensee - let's go!
