“The Nightster is an instrument of expression and exploration, underpinned by performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson in launching the next generation of Sportster. “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 2022 Harley-Davidson® Nightster™ model starts a new chapter in the Harley-Davidson Sportster® motorcycle story – a leap forward in performance and design while remaining an accessible entry point to motorcycling and the brand,” is how the official announcement reads. “This all-new motorcycle combines a classic Sportster model silhouette with the on-demand performance of the new Revolution® Max 975T powertrain and a host of contemporary electronic rider aids and features.”
The heart of the matter for the Motor Company’s Nightster is the liquid-cooled, Revolution Max 975T — a 60-degree V-Twin which Harley claims has a torque curve that stays flat through the broad powerband. “Engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration and robust power through the mid-range. The length and shape of the intake velocity stacks, combined with the airbox volume, are tuned to maximize performance across the engine speed range. The profiles of dual overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Timing phasing on the intake valves are designed to match the performance of this engine.”
Revolution Max 975T Engine Specs
Displacement 975cc
90 HP (67 kW) @7500 RPM
70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm) peak torque @ 5000 RPM
97mm bore x 66mm stroke
Compression Ratio 12:1
Low seat height of 27.6 inches and a suite of safety features are intended to make the Nightster approachable to new riders, while the 975cc engine and taut suspension and mid-range torque should keep more seasoned enthusiasts intrigued. The Rider Safety Enhancements* by Harley-Davidson are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Its three elements 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 also offers selectable Ride Modes consisting of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings. The right-hand MODE controller can change the active ride mode at the touch of a button.
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.
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.
The Nightster model is arriving at authorized dealerships globally beginning this month. Base MSRP is $13,499 (Vivid Black) and $13,899 (color options).
