Harley-Davidson Nightster Special versus Honda CMX 1100 Rebel

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Naked
Honda

Honda CMX 1100 Rebel

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2023 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 15.995 €
RRP 10.799 €
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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
Pros:
  • Sovereign engine
  • grumpy sound
  • very accessible machine, also suitable for beginners
  • low seating position, also suitable for smaller people
  • very casual driving experience
Cons:
  • Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
  • for this price a bit much plastic
  • carelessly laid cables
  • slippery seat
Cons:
  • Front brakes could be stronger

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat :
715 mm
Weight :
225 (max: 420 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.240 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
700 mm
Weight :
223 kg

Engine

Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-stroke in-line motor 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.084 ccm
Hub: 82 mm
Hole: 92 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

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: 87 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 4.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
280 km

Chassis

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
Frame type:
Raw steel frame (steel)
Front suspension:
43mm telefork
Rear suspension:
Stereo strut
Tyres at the front: 130/70B18 M/C
Rear tyres: 180/65B16 M/C

Brakes

Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper ( 260 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 330 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 256 mm)

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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.595 €
  • Availability: since 03/2023
  • Colors: matt black, yellow, blue, black metallic

Conclusion - what sticks

The Honda CMX 1100 is a dignified cruiser with good driving characteristics and a complete equipment. Unlike many U.S. ships, it is neither particularly heavy nor particularly difficult to navigate. It brings a lot of fun on the road, sounds good and is also suitable for novice drivers. Although it has impressive dimensions, the rider does not feel overwhelmed in the saddle and quickly has the bike under control after a very short period of getting used to it. Operation and quality are typical of Honda. Nice cruiser!

Thanks again to Andi from Hamburg for borrowing his machine. Soon there will be more tests by LeserBikes, who have responded to our video call. Thank you very much for the many offers!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 11.260 €
  • Used (3 years old): 9.500€
  • Availability: since 2021
  • Colors: Black, Gray