First Look at the all new 2022 Harley Davidson Nightster (video review included)

The 2022 Nightster is Harley Davidson’s newest offering, bringing back a previously discontinued Sportster model with an all new liquid cooled Revolution Max 975T powertrain.  Similar to the Sportster 1250 S, with a more traditional design and a similar walnut fuel tank shape, round air intake cover and similar oil tank cover featured on the Sportster. 

According to Harley, “The Nightster is an instrument of expression and exploration, underpinned by performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “By building on the 65-year Sportster legacy, the Nightster provides a canvas for creativity and personalization, offering the ultimate platform for customization and expression for new and existing riders.”

The Nightster features an agile, lightweight chassis built with a powerful engine specifically tuned for strong mid-range performance- coupled with steering and suspension for urban traffic and as well as handling for curvy backroads. Mid foot controls and a low-rise handlebar put the rider in a centered, comfortable posture on the bike. Seat height is just 27.8 inches and with a low seat height and narrow profile the Nightster makes it possible for most riders to confidently place feet down flat when they come to a full stop.

The central, structural component of the Nightster motorcycle chassis is the Revolution Max 975T powertrain, which significantly reduces motorcycle weight and results in a very stiff chassis. The tail section of the bike is made from lightweight aluminum. The swingarm is formed of welded rectangular steel tubing and is an attachment point for the dual rear shock absorbers.

Front suspension is 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks designed to provide superb handling performance by keeping the tire in contact with the road. The rear suspension features dual outboard emulsion-technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment.

The Nightster model is equipped with Rider Safety Enhancements which are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control, and powertrain technology. Its main safety enhancements are:

Antilock Braking System (ABS) designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock.

Traction Control System (TCS) designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. TCS can improve rider confidence when available traction is compromised by wet weather, an unanticipated change in the surface, or when riding on an unpaved road. The rider can deactivate TCS in any Ride Mode when the motorcycle is stopped and the engine is running.

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) designed to adjust engine torque delivery and reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt down-shift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.

The Nightster model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS, and TCS settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions. A unique icon for each mode appears on the instrument display when that mode has been selected.

Rain Mode is designed to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise limited. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of ABS and TCS intervention are selected.

Road Mode is intended for daily use and delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a higher level of ABS and TCS intervention.

Sport Mode delivers the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. TCS is set to its lowest level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.

The Nightster model features a round 4.0-inch-diameter analog speedometer with an inset multi-function LCD display mounted on the handlebar riser.  LED lighting is designed to deliver style and outstanding performance while also making the motorcycle conspicuous to other motorists. The Daymaker LED headlamp has been designed to produce an equal spread of light which completely eliminates distracting hot spots. Combination rear brake/tail/signal LED lighting is located on the rear fender.

The Nightster also revs like no other V-twin cruiser has before, and instead of slamming into the rev-limiter at 4,500 to 5,000rpm, powers on and only really runs out of steam just before the red-line is hit.  On the road it’s a more appealing prospect to ride this than the larger and more powerful Sportster S. The Sportster S is a properly quick bike off the line and accelerates with brutal efficiency. But even with all the VVT and tech the engines share, the 975T still feels like the more rounded, easier to ride, and tractable of the two units.

The Nightster model arrives at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally beginning in April 2022. U.S. Base MSRP is $13,499 (Vivid Black) and $13,899 (color options).

(video credits:  Bennetts BikeSocial)

Harley Davidson Nightster Specs:

Engine:
Cooling Liquid
Number of cylinders 2
Capacity 975 cm³ / 59.5 cu. in.
Power 90 HP (67 kW)
Torque 70 ft-lb / 95 Nm
Gearbox 6-speed
General:
Fuel Tank capacity 11.7 liters / 3.1 gals.
Top Speed not informed
Avg Fuel Consumption – 52.4 mpg City/Hwy
Dimensions:
Length 86.9 in. / 2250 mm
Width not informed
Height not informed
Wheelbase 61.3 in. / 1545 mm
Ground Clearance 4.5 in. / 110 mm
Seat Height 27.1 in. / 705 mm
Weight (Kerb) 481 lb. / 221 kg
Chassis:
Front Brake Disc 320mm
Rear Brake Disc
Front Tire 100/90-19
Rear Tire 150/80-16
ABS Yes
Traction Control Yes
Others:
Fully Digital Panel Meter No
LCD or TFT Digital Panel LCD
Full-LED Lighting Yes