Consider this a return to normalcy of sorts. After the unexpected release of the adventure touring Pan America 1250, followed by the radical remake of the Sportster in its avant garde “S” trim, methinks The Motor Company’s new Nightster 975 will be seen as a welcome return to roots.
Oh, to be sure, the new Nightster is powered by yet another rendition of Harley’s high-tech Revolution Max engine, this the first version of the smaller-bore 975-cc versions to power a production bike. Like the Pan America, this Max features variable valve timing and hydraulic valve adjusters — a rarity in motorcycling — but it’s much more mildly tuned than previous versions of the Max engine. In this case, those eight valves and variable intake cam phasing put out “only” 90 horsepower, albeit at just 7,500 rpm. Yes, in keeping with Harley tradition, this one looks like a torquer.
Said engine look like it bolts into a traditional frame — there are, after all, twin rear shocks in the rear and a “right-side-up” telescopic fork up front — but in fact, it’s really a Pan America-like modular frame disguised to look like it was built in the ‘50s. And though those front forks look traditional, they are the latest Dual Bending Valve items from Showa. The single disc on the front wheel, meanwhile, may look basic, but is controlled by an anti-lock braking system.
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
The biggest challenge, though, says Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson’s vice president of design, was keeping the Nightster’s traditional Sportster “peanut” tank. Engine performance requirements dictated that the airbox have sufficient volume, a design element that would encroach on keeping the Nightster’s tank streamlined and still provide decent range.
Richards’ solution? Move the tank underneath the seat and use the area beneath the “tank” — now just a cover — to maximize airbox volume.
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 Photo by Harley-Davidson
Ditto other items like the speedo, a four-inch chromed item that looks like it was liberated from a bobber, but is actually a high-tech digital infotainment system that allows, amongst other things, the selection of three riding modes — Rain, Road and Sport. Likewise, the Daymaker front light looks like a circa ’50s headlamp but is powered by LEDs for a homogeneous spread of light. The combination rear brake/tail/signal lighting is tiny but bright, again thanks to LED technology.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the Nightster’s low seat, this one just 705 millimetres off terra firma. All in all, Milwaukee has done it again, managing to marry the latest in high-tech-ery with a package still recognizable as a Sportster in the finest XLCH tradition.
Nightsters will be in Harley-Davidson dealers later this month. Base Vivid Black versions will start at $16,499, while the assorted colour options will cost you $500 more.
Keyword: First Look: 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975