Harley-Davidson Nightster unveiled

Harley-Davidson pulled the covers off new model overnight, with the 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster boasting a new 975cc V-twin engine and keen pricing to lure new customers to the Motor Co fold.

The model is the new entry point to the American manufacturer’s Sport line-up, launching with a starting price of $23,995 ride away. In contrast, the recently introduced and bigger-capacity Sportster S is priced from $26,495 ride away, while Harley-Davidson's most affordable model, the Softail Standard, is priced from $22,995 ride away.

The centrepiece of the Harley-Davidson Nightster is its new Revolution Max 975T engine. The 975cc, 60-degree V-twin features liquid cooling and a 12:1 compression ratio, and is said to produce a claimed 90hp (67kW) at 7500rpm and 95Nm at 5000rpm. H-D says the new donk is tuned to produce an exceptionally flat torque curve and “strong acceleration and robust power through the mid-range”.

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The powerplant, which acts as a stressed member within the Nightster’s chassis, also features variable valve timing for its intake valves, internal balancers to minimise vibration, and hydraulic valve lash adjustment to constrain service costs.

The traditional Sportster-style metal fuel tank is in fact a cover for the airbox, while the 11.7-litre fuel tank sits beneath the seat to lower the bike’s centre of gravity. The low 705mm seat height, meanwhile, should ensure the vast majority of riders can easily get their feet down flat to the ground when stationery.

The bike rolls on a 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve fork up front and twin emulsion-technology shocks with adjustable preload at the rear.

The Nightster comes equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements – a suite of electronics which, in this instance, deliver anti-lock braking, switchable traction control, and Drag-Torque Slip Control, essentially a slipper clutch function that prevents rear wheel chatter under fierce deceleration.

Other tech highlights include a choice of three ride modes – Road, Sport and Rain – along with full LED lighting and a multi-function LCD display set into the 4-inch analogue speedo.

Harley-Davidson says the Nightster’s air intake cover, chopped guards and ‘speed screen’ recall styling cues of recent Sportster models, while the Revolution Max 975T V-twin is the centrepiece of the bike, and finished in textured Metallic Charcoal powder coat with Gloss Black inserts.

The Harley-Davidson Nightster is available in Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, and Redline Red colour options, but those last two schemes only change the colour of the airbox cover – the front and rear guards and screen remain in Vivid Black. And, naturally, the new model is launching with a host of genuine Motor Co accessories that will allow owners to customise their new ride to their heart’s content.

“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 personalisation, offering the ultimate platform for customisation and expression for new and existing riders.”

The new Harley-Davidson Nightster is rolling out to Harley-Davidson dealerships globally in April, priced from $23,995 ride away in Vivid Black, and $24,300 ride away in the remaining colour options. See your nearest Harley-Davidson dealership for more information.