2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

This is my first test ride of the year. I'm stepping out of comfort zone to test ride a fast and fun motorcycle. This isn't your father's or Grandfather's Harley.

[@cpappone]

Had a 2019 Shadow Aero and a 2020 Rebel 500 - which were my first bikes - am 5'6" - traded them in and bought this bike a few weeks ago and truly love it so far - biggest differences I notice is it takes bumps way way better and much more power - still in break in mode - so I only use rain and street mode so far - will modify it to fit me as I go (example: ordered reach handlebars, will put exhaust, and bags and such on it, etc...) - biggest problems I have are the shifter bar hits your foot and forces you to turn your toes inward to shift - I will seek out a longer shifter peg - and the exhaust is hot at traffic lights to the point I am forced to push my leg outward - will get some exhaust wrap and put it under the shields in hopes it makes it at least somewhat cooler. The handling is amazing - am an older man and started late in life - used to be very cautious around turns - but this bike makes turns a complete no issue anymore. The mid controls are perfect for me at my height. Now I am so excited to ride - it just way easier to ride for me - amazingly way easier.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

That's a great story. Thank you for sharing. It's cool that this bike has made riding easier for you which also sounds like it makes you enjoy riding more.

[@bikesandwrenches]

Thanks for the review. Interesting. Any bike is good for a long haul. People on the 70's and 80's did it all the time on 250's and above for days and weeks. Baggers are just more comfortable, but no one have to over stretch their pockets so they can then, go on a long haul. Just need a bike and the road.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Fair point.

[@khrisstake2210]

I sat on one. My biggest annoyance was the license plate location. Put it in the middle. Geesh

[@TheCodgerBiker]

It is a little odd to have a modern bike with an old school plate location to be quite fair.

[@meneil909]

Fair review. I've ridden the '22 nightster and enjoyed it! Excellent bike for what it is.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Thanks Neil. Totally agree with you.

[@artvertex4152]

It is a bike that you need to ride to appreciate it. It’s light, quick and very well balanced.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

I think its a great bike.

[@lizardsonofanakie]

The Nightster Special is a very fun bike . The mirrors are good when adjusted. But l did change them . I did fit forward controls. I fitted the S&S grand national muffler. The suspension is great once it is adjusted correctly. I did 2000km road trip with friends over 2 days . Fuel range is only problem. 220 -240 km range which is about ever 2 hours which is not really a problem as you need a break anyway. The fuel range is more a problem on my normal day rides as l need to stop for fuel when my friends don't have too . Have a 2019 Softail Slim for longer trips . The Nightster Special is alot my fun with better brakes

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Wow. Thanks for all the info. Everyone has a different perspective and I appreciate you sharing yours. I'd say the NIghtster is a helluva good time. I'm glad you enjoy yours. I like the Softail Slim as well.

[@mirrorandaqoute]

I just bought this exact bike. I'm a new daily rider. I've had experience riding but few and far between. A HD has proved to be an entirely different beast. I don't feel its too powerful for someone with my experience level as some would suggest but Harley's longer wheelbase has been a huge learning experience. A HD feels so different coming from riding dirt bikes and crotch rockets. I've heard a lot of new riders who have shot too low and wanted to upgrade within 6 months. I don't think anyone is right or wrong; we all just make relatively different decisions. I believe I will be able to enjoy this bike for the life of my loan. However, it does scare me as a new daily rider but not because of its power. Learning to turn on a bike with such a longer wheelbase has been an experience. The ride modes are nice but the differences are minuscule. No matter, I still ride in the lowest mode possible while I'm learning. The mirrors aren't great and I'm looking forward to adjusting the suspension because the stock setup isn't that great. Custom parts are minimal as this is a brand new addition to the HD line-up. I personally don't care for the forward ride position. The bar height is too high in my opinion, coming up over the cowell. You wouldn't be able to lower them more than an inch without the gauge hitting the tank but maybe you could get there with some major mods. I plan on adding some bags, mini-ape hangers (as I am 6 foot tall) and an engine guard. I wish I could find some shorter risers to pair with the mini-ape hangers but as far as I can tell, they don't exist yet. I'd like to add some other mods eventually. Maybe an extended brake and louder exhaust; those things are at the back of my mind though as I'm just enjoying the bike as-is right now. I think it's the perfect bike for a person like me, in my early 30's, who can appreciate the modern innovations from HD. The bike has a great navigation, bluetooth setup, and key fob. The blinkers are on one side, and it's water cooled. I love my new bike and would recommend it to any semi-new riders like me but not to a complete newbie with no knowledge at all. Wish me luck in my new ventures as a new rider. Learning to ride has already changed my life in the best way. Be safe. Peace.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

It's a nice bike and you make a lot of good points. I definitely enjoyed riding it.

[@peterrooney9461]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a herky jerky throttle and clutch style in my life.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Yet I manage to have so much fun...

[@peterrooney9461]

@@TheCodgerBiker true

[@vickcecil]

Dealer adjusted my cklutch and fixed that. He said it was simple. Did not charge me.

[@peterseverson15]

Looks like a fun little bike to ride.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

It's a good time for sure but the Sportster S....oh my...

[@gordonthorne2964]

Nice bike! I'm glad HD decided to move into the 21 century!

[@peterseverson15]

Looking forward to the upcoming riding season

[@TheCodgerBiker]

No doubt.

[@michaelbrown7637]

Recently bought 23 nightster..a new seat and moving handlebars forward made a world of difference...can ride all day on it now...love it !!!

[@adejames88]

I am sure it’s a lot better than my 750 street which I think was Harley’s first water cooled engine so looks like something very good came of that bike as this is clearly much better. Yes I know the street is looked down on but a great bike for the price. As this is over twice the price of a street , I doubt it is twice the bike but I really want one

[@TheCodgerBiker]

This bike is probably a lot better than the 750 but you're probably right it's not twice the bike. But it is better for sure. I would suggest test riding one if you haven't

[@donaldsoncole3095]

HD needs to bring back the DYNA and put this new 1200cc engine in its place! Charge approximately $12500 , just black color with spoke rims, and a straight bench seat !! I’ll buy !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheCodgerBiker]

I appreciate the input. Sounds like a good idea btw. I think there would be room for all models tho.

[@khrisstake2210]

Yeah, the bike is over priced but they're still flying out the door. Can't blame them at that point

[@gordonthorne2964]

It would severely limit the bike's cornering ability to have wider pegs or stupid foot boards.

[@FXFBS540]

I've been eyeing on of those. I really need to test ride one.

[@TheCodgerBiker]

I hope you have given it a go by now.

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

If you threw on the detachable windshield and the bags it’ll be an ok weekender.

[@mikeglynn7743]

You'd expect Harley to have an owner's manual

[@darklotus6595]

I just purchased as my first motorcycle. Looking forward to making some memories. I live in the middle of my state and its about 3 hours each way to get to the edges so I'm not too worried about the mileage and or the seat comforbility. (I rode totegoats and the like when I was younger) just figured I'd start adulting at 24 and start building credit XD I'm super excited. What were your first thoughts on upgrades/mods on the bike??

[@Paradox-dj6rm]

It's a really decent bike but for almost 20k at the dealers it kinda defeats the purpose of it being a sportster... not a very entry level bike at that price. 😒

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Fair enough.

[@WolfyFam]

Tidy bike 👌

[@TheCodgerBiker]

It's a nice bike.

[@billwilliamson9842]

great bike other then the fact it sounds like crap, definitely not a "Harley" sound by a long shot. add that big miss and all the tech problems they are havin with the new sportys and its a dud.

[@fabiopelegrini1738]

Hi. My name is Fabio Pelegrini. I'm from Brazil, live in São Paulo. I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, but I'm thinking of buying a HD. I'm in doubt between the Low Rider S and Nightster models. What do you think is the best bike? Thanks!

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Well Fabio I would think any of those models would be a bit much for a person who doesn't know how to ride. If I has to pick one of the 2 I would pick up the Nightster. However, I would start with a Honda Rebel 500 or something akin to that. Also take a motorcycle safety course first.

[@fabiopelegrini1738]

Thanks for the opinion! I'll take lessons so I can ride a motorcycle! Thank you for your concern!

[@vickcecil]

Take the lessions and then choose. I bet you will choose the nightster @@fabiopelegrini1738

[@davidhutchinson1320]

Honestly, in rain mode, it could be a good beginner bike. But you would have to take it easy, and learn to ride well, before switching to road or sport.

[@dhavald4359]

tiger is more suitable for rough roads.

[@nicholassmith1240]

When a reviewer says I don’t research the bike before making the video I head elsewhere.

[@Thombable]

ungodly expensive; too plasticky. Engine covers look horrible

[@TheCodgerBiker]

Everyone has their preferences. Each to their own. I would like it to be less expensive.

[@gordonthorne2964]

You ARE a codger.