Harley Davidson has been quite open about expanding the Sportster lineup after the introduction of its revolutionary Revolution Max engine. The liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Timing has been well-received by everyone who has experienced it so far.
Earlier, at the launch of the all-new Sportster S, Harley Davidson announced that more motorcycles are on the way with this engine and that the next one would be another Sportster.
And so here it is, the all-new, Nightster.
Engine
The 2022 Nightster comes with the Revolution Max 975T Powertrain. The ‘T’ in 975T stands for torque. The 975cc liquid-cooled engine produces 90 PS of power at 7,500 RPM and 95 NM of torque at 5,000 RPM. The compression ratio is a generous 12:1.
As performance-oriented as it is, one of the highlights of this new v-twin is the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system which besides enabling phenomenal low to mid-range torque ensures impressive top-end performance. Furthermore, Harley Davidson didn’t stop there. The Hydraulic Valve Lash adjustment ensures that periodic valve adjustment is not required at all! This is remarkable and it has to be wondered why haven't more manufacturers done this yet. I have to admit that I didn’t expect Harley Davidson leading the way here.
While the engine is proving itself to be a force to reckon with, one of the best things about the motorcycles coming with the new Revolution Max engine is that they are completely new models. From the engine to the chassis and other cycle parts, nothing is carried over from the previous motorcycles. This is the beginning of a new chapter in Harley Davidson’s legacy.
Design
Creators of the Nightster say that the engine being the centerpiece forms the core of how the rest of the motorcycle comes around. At the same time, the silhouette has to be the traditional Sportster, increasing the complexity of the challenge even more. The result does look impressive. In an instant, the new motorcycle reminds us of the Iron 883 while making all the modernities apparent.
Described as the ‘Instrument of Expression,’ the 2022 Nightster is meant to be customized to reflect individuality.
Chassis and Suspension
Like the engine, everything surrounding it is new. The chassis is a steel trellis frame that holds the engine as a stressed member which makes the overall arrangement stiffer than before and improves every aspect of the motorcycle’s handling.
Efforts have been made to make the bike much lighter and feel lighter while on the move. To achieve this, the fuel tank now resides below the seat and the original place of the tank is taken by the airbox. This keeps the center of gravity low, improving not only high-speed handling but also making managing the bike at parking lot speeds easier.
The suspension is also a massive improvement. The front gets the Showa 41mm Dual Bending Valve conventional forks while the rear also has the updated conventional dual shockers. The front brake is a 4-piston Brembo caliper operating on a 320mm disc attached to a 19-inch wheel and the rear brake is a single-piston caliper holding a 260mm disc attached to a 16-inch wheel.
Electronics
It’s a night and day difference compared to any old Sportster. There’s ABS, switchable traction, as well as the slipper clutch which Harley Davidson calls Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS). Then there are riding modes - Road, Sport, and Rain - that change the throttle response and the ABS and TC settings accordingly. Moreover, the new Nightster features all-LED lighting.
The 2022 Nightster is launched at a starting price of USD 13,499 for the Vivid Black color and goes to USD 13,899 for Gunship Grey and Redline Red.