2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster and Nightster Special

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The 2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special. (Harley-Davidson/)

Overview

Back in 2021, in a particularly gutsy move, Harley-Davidson capitalized on the shock value of its innovative next-gen sport-cruiser by giving it the vaunted Sportster name. The Nightster and Nightster Special, introduced in 2022 and 2023, respectively, shift the focus back to the Sporty of old. Some would say the Nightster is the updated Sportster people would have expected from H-D in the first place. If the Nightster name on the “tank” (actually an airbox cover) weren’t enough to suggest a lineage to previous generations of Sportsters, then its more classic cruiser styling—a return to the “heritage” looks from which the Sportster S so dramatically broke—is all you need to understand that the Nightster is the modern Sportster for Sportster people.

If at first glance you assume the Nightster is simply a restyled Sportster S, as the 2007–2012 model of the same name was to the Sportster of its day, then think again. Harley has gone to great lengths to differentiate the Sportster S from the Nightster and Nightster Special, its up-spec variant. Instead of using the Revolution Max 1250T engine, it uses the smaller-displacement Revolution Max 975, which produces a claimed 91 hp at 7,500 rpm and 72 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,750 rpm. While testers say the engine’s character and powerband are more reminiscent of a sportbike than a cruiser, it uses three counterbalancers to transmit power pulses and engine vibration to the rider to give it a more typical H-D cruiser feel.

While modern elements like rider aids and a TFT dash (on the Special) are fully embraced, fitting a fully modern, liquid-cooled motorcycle into the old Sportster silhouette is a somewhat fraught affair. None of that changes the on-road manners, which our testers praised, however. Oh, and at $11,999, the Nightster is also H-D’s most inexpensive motorcycle. That’s lots of bike for the money, making it a great way to build loyalty to the Revolution Max side of H-D.

To our eyes, the steel trellis frame has a decidedly Honda Rebel 1100 look to it. Harley pretty much <i>had</i> to build a more conservatively styled Sportster, but one could argue classic H-D pillars of design have a difficult job of holding up the modern architecture. (Harley-Davidson/)

Pricing and Variants

The 2024 Nightster is available in Billiard Gray for $11,999 and $12,2999 for Vivid Black. The Nightster Special, starting at $13,499 for Billiard Gray and increasing to $13,949 for other colors, gets a small fairing, a TFT dash, a pillion seat, and more upright ergos.

In addition to its decreased capacity, the Revolution Max 975 has new cylinders, pistons, and camshafts. It also has only one spark plug per cylinder where the Sportster S’s 1250T has two. Its four-valve heads have variable valve timing on only the intake side. (Harley-Davidson/)

Competition

• <a href="https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/top-5-features-honda-rebel-1100t-bagger/">Honda Rebel 1100, $9,549</a>
• Indian Scout Bobber, $12,499 to $14,649

News and Reviews

• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-nightster-first-ride-review-2022/"><b>2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster First Ride Review</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-nightster-vs-honda-rebel-1100-dct-vs-indian-scout-rogue-comparison-test/"><b>2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster vs. Honda Rebel 1100 DCT vs. Indian Scout Rogue</b></a>

2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster and Nightster Special Claimed Specs

MSRP:	Starting at $11,999 / starting at $13,499 ( Special)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	59.5ci (975cc)
Bore x Stroke:	97.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio:	12.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame:	Stressed-member steel trellis
Front Suspension:	41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve fork; 4.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Dual emulsion shocks, preload adjustable; 3.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	Axially mounted 4-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	1-piston floating caliper, 260mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 19 in./16 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop H-D Series Bias Blackwall; 100/90-19 / 150/80B-16
Rake/Trail:	30.0°/5.4 in.
Wheelbase:	61.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	4.5 in.
Seat Height:	27.8 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.1 gal.
Wet Weight:	481 lb. / 483 lb. ( Special)
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

The Nightster Special in Baja Orange. Both models have three ride modes and ABS. (Harley-Davidson/)
The Nightster’s “gas tank” is actually an airbox cover. The real fuel cell extends from beneath the seat to below the swingarm. (Harley-Davidson/)
The Nightster in Vivid Black. (Harley-Davidson/)

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