A New Age of Sportster? 2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster Review | Daily Rider

[@RevZilla]

Read more about the Nightster on Common Tread: rvz.la/3HjTorv Check out all of the newest motorcycle gear available: rvz.la/424TgWi

[@huyra8019]

WE WANTED THE BRONX

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Zach, nobody mentioned it on IG so I thought I would ask - how does this bike stack up against the Honda Rebel 1100? Thanks

[@MH5tube]

Nightstter

[@WeItenspinner]

Harley: "Make it look nice!" Engineer: "All around?" Harley: "No, just the side you see on product images." Engineer: "Say no more!"

[@erikjansen8597]

Well, people will only see it from the right side. lol

[@jameshisself9324]

@@erikjansen8597 "People will only see"? Do you ride to be noticed? I ask because that is all HD has ever been about so it would make sense. Broken headed, but makes sense.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Exactly !

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

LMAO Truly embarrassing - they should all be fired 😂

[@shashimenon1000]

😂😂😂right you are, mate.😅

[@bcrandeis]

Just wanted to mention to the Revzilla team how talented Zack is at presenting these videos. Every single one is entertaining to listen to him from start to end. Keep it up, Zack!

[@iLLuzion1st]

100% agree

[@mdnucklehead1540]

I have the exact opposite reaction to this video,

[@Surpriseify]

@@mdnucklehead1540 One of the very FEW then. Each to his own ofc

[@ZoahPorre]

agreed.. its quite hard to find quality impressions on anything..

[@608rider]

For the two above me that said the opposite. Can I ask why ? Have you watched any other videos of his. I have never gotten that impression from Zach or any Revzilla stuff. But just my take ^^^

[@johntyson]

Another great vid, man. I hate to be negative in the comment section, but I really hate the engine covers. It’s like opening the hood on a corvette and seeing the big plastic cover. I can live with it under the hood of a car, but man, it makes that bike look like a crappy toy.

[@MrDavidfuchser]

Not negative, but honest, and I agree. I had a 2002 honda magna 750 for a bit and while doing maintenance found out the "cooling fins" were just fake covers. It ruined the visual appeal I originally had for that bike.

[@bravo_victor]

Was thinking the same thing, those magnesium covers look like something off the toy isle.

[@taylor2105]

The "fuel tank" is the same. The two biggest aesthetic points on a bike and they blew it. Indian nailed it with their scout. That motor looks great sitting there

[@hokogan]

@@taylor2105 Facts. The Scout engine is one of the most attractive liquid motors out there.

[@raybrensike42]

Well, maybe we'll be able to get some plastic options and be able to change it out for a panhead, knuckle, or shovel or something, inexpensively...like a toy.

[@rhtufts]

Biggest wtf moment in daily rider history when Zack walked to left side of the bike... seriously WTF???

[@Domjack24]

I’ve never been so turned off a bike from a walk around like this before. It feels like Harley put this bike out to fail

[@travis2615]

I feel like Harley has some great engineers that want to make a great bike, but every single other person in the company doesn't. From the board to the sales staff, experience with that one. Pretty much if you don't want a big ol hog then F off.

[@JW20236]

@@travis2615 I think you are right along the lines with that comment. The execs should just say to the engineers and designers, build a cool motorcycle, you have this budget. And then leave them to it. I think the idea suggested in the video of this engine in a UJM style chassis would 'kick ass' and be a decent seller.

[@jakewillits4678]

Compliance with regulations will doom em

[@Johnclark300]

​@jakewillits4678 Harley is already doomed, they have the Milwaukee 8

[@frederickking1660]

A 883 or 1200 will go almost infinite miles with some basic maintenance

[@steve-wu7jp]

Harley needs to ask triumph how to do a water cooler bike that looks good.

[@PotatoeJoe69]

Or Indian..... Or any of the Japanese manufacturers.....

[@kignacio]

My 2017 Thaiumph T100 is doing great at 25,000 miles. My Harley Davidson neighbor was started a cross country road trip, made it to Bakersfield and his HD broke down. He traded it in and bought a new one. Latest I heard the new one was recently worked on and it broke down 3 miles away from the shop.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Something about this bike just gives me a terrible feeling about our future. No valve adjustments ever is really nice I wish every bike had that. But its ugly as hell badly done. Ita a hard change in taste from seeing air and oil cooler dinosaur sportsters which in the pictures loomed fly as hell on both sides.

[@mcnuggetapple]

@@kignacioI’ve taken multiple trips to South Dakota from Florida with Harley’s and buells, my dad had 45,000 miles on his 2014 Electra glide with zero issues until he recently sold it

[@wegert1]

Honestly it looks like a Korean knock-off of a Japanese cruiser.

[@dukenukem1682]

Good to see Hyosung back in the market.

[@carlosvejar3938]

Don't make fun of the Koreans, they don't make this thing. They don't deserve that. Harley totally deserves it

[@jameshisself9324]

Modern HD is knock off of vintage HD so sounds true to form. I am a huge fan of authentic HD from prior to the AMF days, but everything since the buy back has just been a modern bike styled to look like an old bike. The same knock off crap that the Japanese put out.

[@eugeniocollinassi.1548]

underrated comment! To be fair the Aquila at least had the SV650 twin, which made for a punch motor@@dukenukem1682

[@gearjammer3688]

Metric cruisers look a damp sight better than this rolling turd.

[@maybefrank8345]

“Hey, I’m missing the end tube of my leaf blower, has anybody se….” That’s the moment John saw the exhaust pipe on his neighbors new Harley

[@Zoli4119]

It looks like Gumby twerking.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

LMAO 😂

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Yeah mine will definitely be getting a good exhaust when I get it

[@baileylugnut]

I got scared for Zack when he took both hands off the grips...😱

[@alfordmick]

Getting so hard to hear a “real” review on this platform. It’s so refreshing to hear someone who is passionate and prepared to have an opinion. Keep up the great giggles and work Zack

[@phillipdaulton9861]

The engineer who designed that engine cover must have had a Big Wheel trike as a kid.

[@druegeme]

my theory is that they had two different engineers for each side. One owns a Pan-American the other owns an old sporty

[@bravo_victor]

@@druegeme one owns a Big Wheel and the other didn't show up for work

[@williamwintemberg]

It looks so cartoon like. Definitely not Harley.

[@shadow_realm47]

I don't wanna offend anyone but this does look like some gen z kid on fiver drew a Harley from their imagination for 5 dollars😅 And the design team picked the worst designed bike to say fuck you to the customer 😂😂 You could put AI prompts and get better designs than that these days. Sportster S looks like it was definitely AI prompted and not designed by a " real human".

[@shadow_realm47]

Man I hope I can find an 800/1200 sportster and an R1 this year(2024) just to preserve them cus these nice bikes are being phased out and the next gen is not looking good. Hell I'm only 27 and I'm speaking like an old fart 😂 ( Bikes of my generation were just better you youngsters don't realise!)

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I have had my Sportster for 25 years. She makes me smile 😁 Everytime I start her up. Makes me feel good just to ride her. Economical, reliable and dependable transportation. Daily driver as l don't have a car. 400,000 miles on the original engine. Goes like the Energizer Bunny. How they can call this pos a Sportster is beyond me. Killing off the EVO Sportster was a huge mistake on HD's part. I bet the SVM. Storm breaker will do well.

[@Friscorockhead]

Harley didn't really have a choice. Government emissions regulations killed the Evo sportster.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@Friscorockhead If that was true then we would not have the SVM Stormbreaker 1200. Harley Davidson jacked up the price of the Sportster so they could close the Kansas City plant. Then they replaced it with a more expensive bike. I have been happy with my bike for 25 years. It has a forever ♾️ home 🏠.

[@brandonclement]

400,000 miles.. damn. 👍🏼

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@brandonclement Ironically I bought the bike so when I would need engine work done l would have plenty of choices for me to pick from. Not only she has not needed anything no because she is over 10 years old the dealer won't touch her. Isn't that funny 🤣?

[@puffybodie5282]

I think that HD made agreement with Shineray to get some percentage out of the Stormbreaker sells. Because of the design (engine is out of patents). Similar way how Yamaha and KTM have agreement with CFMoto

[@michaelsisk5938]

I owned a 2022 Nightster and while it was a fast and nimble bike, I had numerous problems with it. Check engine warning light at high altitude, no start problem due to electronic issues with the handlebar control modules, defective welds in the handlebar, inoperative front ABS where the wheel would lock up and a fuel pump which imploded at 15,000. I got lucky as Harley Davidson and my Dealership agreed to buy my bike back and sell me a new bike of my choice at basically cost.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Jesus - after that debacle I hope you weren't dumb enough to buy another HD piece of shyt? 😂😂😂

[@phaylanx5]

You must have provided serious data to Harley as there unofficial test rider! What did you decide to get as a replacement bike?

[@leebrewer7394]

​@@phaylanx5a Honda?

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Left hand side looks like a hacked together development mule built for testing.

[@stiggy186]

It makes the fit and finish of my $6k Royal Enfield look like a BMW R18 lol

[@DJPTEXAS]

I love Harleys but sometimes I wonder what were they thinking.... was there some kind of deadline to meet and they just threw it together ? lol....

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

@@DJPTEXAS Not a deadline, but a budget and target profit margin based on anticipated units sold versus development costs.

[@519_jackpot_scottie]

@@Otto-AutoPilotand don’t forget about the CEO’s salary

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

@@519_jackpot_scottie No problem with that, or anyone's salary as I've just bought a Fat Boy so have helped pay it! LOL

[@brandonclement]

The Nightster makes the Street line look good! 😂

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

😂 and the Streets are ugly AF

[@bobtranquilli9985]

Decent roast!😂

[@keithkeller6509]

For a brand that once prided itself in the appearance, if not performance, of their bikes, I am stunned at what an eye sore this bike is. Seems that HD struggles when they get away from their Big Twin cruiser styling. I am thinking about how much more appealing the Indian Scout looks. For a guy with a degree in industrial design, I have a hard time looking at this bike. Looking away now. Ahhh, that’s better.

[@robwessels6899]

Zack is really diplomatic about reviewing a crappy bike. He still finds something positive 😂

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Theres things about it i respect but its a bike only a mother could love. Auto adjusting valves is a bigger deal. I hate that kind of maintinance. Steel braided line. Ride by wire good or bad depending on you. Its just so damn ugly. Look at the indian scout compared to this. The motor just visually looks more presentable to me.

[@thierryfaquet7405]

I think he’s quite honest. It’s a mediocre bike with a good engine

[@mcnuggetapple]

They need to make a scrambler version that’s actually good off-road , an sp version with some ohlins and then lower the price of the base model to about 9,999

[@thierryfaquet7405]

@@mcnuggetapple that could be a really interesting offering. But current HD management are too much of chickens to try anything like this.

[@thefuturetom]

you ridden the bike yet? Haven't heard a lot of negatives from those that have besides "it doesn't feel like a Harley" and "I would like a better seat".

[@gwynnromano5881]

Harley advertises it as being $13,000 but that’s a joke. After freight, prep and whatever other BS charge they can come up with it’s closer to $16K. There’s a reason all of the glamor shots are of the right side of the bike. The left looks like crap with hoses and plastic parts hanging out in the air.

[@acdclife94]

Lol try higher than 16k lmfao

[@falcodog2917]

It's a decent bike for 9K and what it is, but 13k is absurd money for this bike let alone 16k. It looks like they put the money in the engine, ran out of money, and didn't finish it.

[@aluisious]

LOL prep. I refuse to pay dealer prep. They connect the battery...cool beans dude, an 18 year old can do that in 5 minutes.

[@TexasDragon3907]

​@@falcodog2917 That's probably what happened. Wasn't this engine originally supposed to go into the Bronx?

[@druegeme]

​@@TexasDragon3907dang I was just thinking about the Bronx that thing looked like it could have been really good for the company. I thought that's really awesome but then the inevitable happened. Well they have the Panam which is a decent bike, except an adv is really a stretch for hd customers!

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

What I like about my 2018 Iron 1200 is the ease of working on and modifications. The sound, with the duel Rush exhaust is just music to my ears. The fit and finish makes it so visually great. With my tune, it has all the extended rpms that I would want. I have a nice sissy bar that holds my sissy bar bag along with my back packing bag and tank bag for longer camping trips. I have longer14" Legend 110 shocks with 1" lowering blocks on it which makes it so comfy. All this with a lot less money than the new Nightster. I haven't seen any of the Nightsters outside of the Harley dealerships. Most of what you will see is Road Glides, Street Glides, Road Kings, and Heritage of which I also have. I can't bring myself to sell my Sportster even though I have 2 cruisers now. The Sportster is part of my heart now.

[@clifffawcett]

I’m sure it felt really odd to use the word “refinement” in an HD review, but yet… you did. Always enjoy these videos no matter what bike it is. Even a bike I’d never consider like this one. Thank you Zach.

[@davechris1789]

I waited and got a left over 2022 nightster. I have had zero issues with mine. I didn’t pay msrp a lot less but they had the bike on the floor for over a year. No I don’t see it as a popular bike at all. All the points you mentioned are true. It’s not like a 883 iron or anything like the older version like the 1200. It’s a good in town bike back roads bike. I have owned a few Harley’s in my life and I can’t really compare it to any. It’s different it’s quick. Not sportster S fast.

[@Rydondo_Smooth]

That is the way to do it. I bought a brand new '22 Pan America S last year and got it below msrp out the door. Enjoy your ride man, I love the Rev Max engines.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Thanks for the honest review - but I'm thinking you should've got a Rebel 1100 with a V&H pipe, plus it has cruise control standard 👍

[@SuperFrodo95]

I don't even like cruisers let alone Harleys, but I feel bad for Harley fans that this bike exists. You guys at least deserve a bike that's fully assembled...

[@DJPTEXAS]

Lol...

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

😂😂😂😂

[@nickbroaddus]

The bike that nobody asked for. Harley is completely out of touch with their customer base.

[@csolivais1979]

​@@nickbroaddusneeded a bike they could sell in Europe after the air cooled sporsters would no longer meet Euro 5 emission standards.

[@Ntmoffi]

​@@nickbroaddusthey don't have anything new under $10k so they're REALLY not listening to their customers.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Whatever crap you test, it‘s always fun and entertaining without losing solid information. Great job. I‘d go for a scout, sure it‘s not better, but looks better and isn‘t worse.

[@erikjansen8597]

This bike should be renamed The Harley Davidson Half-Ass, because this bike comes off as an incomplete half-assed job. The engine cover on only one side says it all.

[@racebiketuner]

3/8 at most! 😉

[@whittyg2010]

Rode one last fall, actually really liked it and felt like a really good platform to customize. I own 3 Japanese bikes but every time i ride a Harley i smile a little bit more. I feel like a lot of the hate in the comments is just for the sake of hating a bike and brand that isn’t your style.

[@williamtaittinger4529]

They think it is too expensive. And it is. But I own the nightster special and it is A LOT of fun.

[@andrew65234]

I stayed away from Harley for a long time because of price and because I always liked sport bikes and naked bikes. The new engine from Harley brought me into the showroom and a test ride (Pan America). I fell in love with the new engine and platform.

[@thefuturetom]

I think I've come to embrace the fact that it's hated by everyone as a pride thing when I ride mine around. The Harley people hate it because it "isn't a real Harley" and the others hate it because it's a Harley. I enjoy mine quite a bit. Comfort for long rides could be improved, but it's also nice to take a break every 90-120 minutes to fill up. Sportsters weren't ever really good at all day distance cruises anyway.

[@subuguru3]

I'm with you this bike was quite a surprise

[@Carpuska]

My Nightster Special is my third and favorite Harley-Davidson. The Special has the features Zach mention as well as 6 axis traction control, ability to install heated grips & cruise control. My only big complaint is the right foot heat in stop & go traffic. My fuel economy is phenomenal at around 60 mpg. The rear suspension does bounce you but is predictable especially in twisties. My least favorite Harley-Davidson was my Dyna Low S which is insanely uncomfortable. Anyhow I understand that many Harley dudes hate this offering. For my 5'10" 185 frame it's profoundly comfortable for knocking out those 300-400 mile days.

[@xorbe2]

I like the engine sound of this 975, it's very mechanical, not overpowered by pipes or intake.

[@chrish4130]

New Harleys waayyyyy too much money. Old Harleys waayyyyy too much money.

[@randyholcombe4234]

Actually a lot of fairly inexpensive, nice Harleys out there. Just have to look and be ready when they appear. We picked up 3 nice Sportys and 1 Dyna Low Rider for little money.

[@JA-zh5xi]

What you just described is quality and resale value. Harley’s hold their value better than any bike on the planet.

[@Vegesaurus7]

Zach, dude you have a way with words. “Beer you can see through”, “barking up the nightster tree” I love your turns of phrase man. Keep doing what you do and I’ll gladly watch/listen.

[@float6969]

A bit late to the show, but on all of the Revmax engines, if you hold in the clutch, it will freely rev. Also, the factory exhausts don't do the engine note any justice. It'll never sound like a traditional Harley, but because they're using a 60° Vee angle combined with a split pin crankshaft, it has a 90° firing order, which causes it to sound more like a true 90° V twin, like a Ducati. So we're clear, it doesn't sound exactly like a Ducati, but it doesn't sound like an Indian either. Somewhere in between. I have 2022 Sportster S. First motorcycle I've had in probably 15 years, so basically a new rider. I used rain mode exclusively for the first few thousand miles. Once I got comfortable there, I moved up to road mode. Same thing, stayed there until I was comfortable. Now I'm usually in sport mode if I'm in town. The throttle response works perfectly for in-town riding. When I'm on the highway, I use road mode. It dulls the throttle response a bit, but it actually makes highway riding easier.

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

It's one of those bikes that is an easy punching bag from all sides of the aisle. I think once they've been around for another 3-5 years and the prices get down into the $5-7k range, that's when the bike will become a decent value for the money and you'll start to see people on HD that you otherwise never would have. HD also needs to make more variants with the 1250 Revmax, and give it the full 150HP to make a proper power-cruiser. And seeing the Bronx come to fruition would be amazing!

[@williamtaittinger4529]

it will not go down. It is an incredible fun and good bike. People are talking a lot of BS, this is the very best HD to date. Don't buy the trash talk.

[@jamshedsethna3428]

Thanks. The very wide angle lens distorts the view of the bike proportions

[@michaelfinck6945]

@Zack: Thank you for this video! Here in Germany everyone loved the Bronx!! When you talk about a modern streetfighter / roadster from Harley Davidson - the Bronx was exactly that in the perception of the people. The Sportster S was and is very much appreciated also, but more as a fan service from HD on the new platform. Then we got the Nightster instead of the Bronx. Nobody buys it. The new Special has better sales numbers, but the amount of units sold in 2023 is the same amount the Sportster S lost compared to 2022. The Pan Am sales dropped 75% (!) in 2023 and I'm afraid the CVO won't change much. No motorcycle from HD can be found in the 2023 top 50 sales list 😢

[@Mentatstrategy]

The Nightster Special has heated grips standard. Also - you are probably too tall to appreciate the Nightster - I have short legs and this this feels great for me. The throttle response, I'm glad you mentioned it - I only like riding it in sport mode.

[@MrEiniweini]

I bought the Sportster S on spec and have been extremely happy with it. It actually is fairly well priced compared to other bikes with the same power output. The Nightster never impressed me much on paper as it delivers 26% less performance for a reduction of only 10% of the price. The market price on that needs to be under 10K to compete with bikes of similar power.

[@shawnpackwood3955]

Bought 1 about a year ago. Love the look of the 1i saw all blacked out and got it for a good deal without the mark up at the time. Fun bike to ride initially. Handled almost as good as a naked bike, somewhat comfortable and power that is very unlike a Harley. Then came a persistent issue that left me stranded often. A module as Harley would regret to it would burn out seemingly while the bike just sits out of it did burn out while the bike was running wouldn't allow for certain functions to operate. Needless to say it wouldn't start, wouldn't push start wouldn't try to fire at all. 4 times in a row needed to be replaced plus a head gasket failure on rear cyclinder had me at my breaking point. Lemon law kicked in got money back and bought a z900 that had been nothing but amazing from day 1. Buyer beware on Harleys new bikes with this and the larger engine on the panamerica. Likely to share same electrical gremlins.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Sounds like you dodged a bullet - congrats on going Green! ❤❤❤

[@mcnuggetapple]

The pan America is solid now, keep the haters on the sportster not the pan am lol

[@leebrewer7394]

​@@mcnuggetapplehaha

[@acaelusthorne4920]

I went to get my first Harley back in the spring. I test rode one of these and a sportster 48. The new nightster was a nicer bike in almost every way, but I smiled the whole time I was on that 48. The 48 is on my carport right now. 😊

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

The constant praise of the engine makes the "delay" (OK, we know it was dropped but I hold out hope) of the Bronx concept so much more heartbreaking.

[@jayreimer6851]

Given how many people have been begging them to make the Bronx, and for how long they've been begging, if Harley doesn't make it, they deserve to go out of business. By all means, keep making big touring bikes for dentists and lawyers, and these Sportsters that no one asked for. Meanwhile we get a Bronx teaser in the form of the stripped down Pan Americans being raced in the Moto America Super Hooligan class.

[@Mechx66]

I never had a Harley before and I love my Nightster, such a fun and good bike. I don't understand all this hate about "not looking good" or "not the Harley spirit" etc. I see an amazing engine so fun to ride. Just enjoy guys! FYI: KTM has dirt bikes, roadsters, trailbikes, all sorts of models. Different styles for everyone. None of the KTM fans go on hating the models they don't like. I don't get Harley fans xD

[@mikep.5517]

A most un-Harley exhaust sound.

[@alansv4]

Nothing to do with bikes, but for all my homies who also like cars, at 19:10 a clean Leguna Seca Blue E46 M3 makes a cameo :)

[@jakobkonradsen1248]

Great review, but I cant imagine who would actually buy that bike. Its the complete opposite of what a typical Harley owner wants. And for non Harley people there are tons of better options

[@riotofmyown]

I must be the only person that likes this bike. I have various bikes but my Harley journey was Iron 883 > 48 > Street Bob 114 > Nightster. The Nightster handles better and has the pace of the 114. As for looks, it's a bit Mad Max on the left side for sure...

[@miked1254]

Impressive that Harley found a way to completely remove the character out of the bike that introduced most people to Harley Davidson, all whilst distancing most younger riders from their now premium motorcycle brand. Somehow, I don’t think this will turn out the way they thought it might in the long run.

[@arthurhudgens8213]

True that 👍. Heck if only it sounded like a Harley that would help some lol

[@Lance1311-Omegon]

Not a huge fan of the sportsters, but in regards to the versatility of the bike...the now discontinued sportster line was one of the most widely customized bikes I've ever seen. From dirtbike/tracker/adv conversions to cafe racers and even mini touring bikes, how does it not have that in your eyes? Different bars, different seat, even adjust the foot control location and add a wind-screen? I think with that motor its got MASSIVE potential for versatility. Just my thoughts.

[@Wrencher_86]

I've never seen the left side of one of these bikes before and HOLY SHIT!! I don't like the engine covers on the right side either, but why wouldn't you make it match side-to-side? What the hell? The engine is a neat piece of tech but that packaging is... insulting.

[@elevationmoto6208]

It surely is not beautiful. The Indian Scout is beautiful. If you want an American made cruiser, then check out the Indian Scout lineup. I traded my Scout for a naked sport bike, but the Scout was an impressive cruiser.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

@@elevationmoto6208 Agreed 💯

[@brianwade8831]

I own 05 sportster 1200 and 2023 nightster love both of them. Modern and old school.

[@thickheart28]

The only thing more disappointing than the Harley was how many cars Zach had to pass on the right on the highway.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Only thing more disappointing than a Nightster is the Rebel 250 I rode at the MSF class! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Lvndeadrollerz]

She’s a stunt bike, don’t see the complaints people are making. Solid bike, solid build and performance ready cruiser.

[@ThePeavey23]

I’ll keep my old Honda shadow, looks nice sounds good and it’s payed for also it has all its covers

[@mrtru2561]

Over 5800 miles on my Harley-Davidson nightster special 2024 😅 Love my nightster. Ride the bike for yourself. Don't let anyone opinion stop you from trying the nightster. It may be the perfect fit for you.

[@kendrickandersofficial]

Im 20yr old male, I have this Bike Specifically A 2023 Nightster Special, the photos compared to real life the bike is a beautiful bike, I get compliments on it all the time, I changed the exhaust and it does sound like a real Harley with aftermarket slip on exhaust, on the special version the electronics are very impressive from gps built in, to seeing engine temp and tire pressure, the bike is overpriced I have to admit, but seeing it on video and in person are extremely different I do enjoy my bike a lot I don’t regret buying it

[@Fredmullegun]

Zach and Ari GOAT motorcycle knowledge base

[@BlakesPipes]

For a 1000cc moto, and 3 gallon tank of 120 mile total range. That is going to the gas station every other day. Let's put a 5 gallon tank on there!

[@johncrauswell1781]

this thing is basically a v-rod and they have 3.7 but 5 as an aftermarket .

[@kendil22]

I vote for the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello next.

[@jonathansvensson9928]

Hope to see the new Ducati Monster on Daily rider soon😊

[@jonathansvensson9928]

@@sonny9608 I know. Thats why I wrote "the new Ducati Monster" because it have not been on Daily rider

[@shashimenon1000]

Zack...you truly have the gift! You can make any bike sound reasonable, useful and....maybe desirable?😊

[@Psychalflare]

What's with the rev limiting? Even when warm it won't let you rev it up when stopped? Or did I misunderstand that? I get it when the motor is cold, but after driving it all the way to work...?

[@darklotus6595]

The rev limiting I think is for the motor longevity. If you pull in the clutch and Rev no problems. Just trying to reduce the stress on the motor I'm guessing in stop/go traffic

[@NabGer]

I find the engine covers look to toy like

[@ericalger5003]

In summary, it's not very comfortable, isn't very fast, and it's expensive. Got it.

[@garys7828]

I have a 16 year old bullet 350....no electronics and drum brakes....love it😊

[@user-gc9yr1be6r]

This is the first person I've seen say that this bike was uncomfortable. Most people praise the comfort of this bike. I own one and absolutely love it. It is ridiculously comfortable to ride for hours at a time. Those bikes are also ridiculously fast. They blow away any previous sportsters in stock configuration. There's too many people in the harley community that are stuck in the past. I think it's a good looking bike. It might not have the greatest sound but who cares? Does the sound make the performance better? No... There's nobody that seems to want Harley-Davidson to fail more than hardcore Harley guys. They want Harley to stay 40 years in the past.

[@gypsywolf2600]

True, I have had few an just got a 09 xl883l because I love the 883 sound ,but when these came out all in mind was oh a 6th gear on a sportster 🤔 an its a basically 1000cc 😈......skip the sound.

[@nicknick8148]

I can promise you it's not "ridiculously fast" 😂

[@wiesnerjulian95]

I guess it is fast if you ONLY compare it to other Harleys

[@greatbigeye2506]

100 lbs less than the air cooled Sportster, more power, gas tank under the seat is brilliant, feels like a 400lb bike when you sit on it. Would like to see what it looks like when a lot of the covers and plastic stuff is removed. As far as giving Harley people what they want, they did that with the Milwaukee 8 engine. Less heat and vibration, more power. Look at the used market closely for awhile and you can find low mileage newer Harley’s for half or two thirds of what they go for new.

[@MichaelMassie]

Everything looks plastic instead of mechanical these days. Why hide what makes a rider fall in love with a bike in the first place? One of the many reasons I prefer “cheaper” and less sophisticated rides from companies like RE. May they never change.

[@teganjohnson5857]

The RE 650 platforms may be the best bikes on the market right now for the dollar.

[@thomascoppo1217]

Zach - great review - your rhetoric is always genuine and when you get that goofy giggle going - which occurred relatively often with this review- it’s a positive in my view! Thanks again

[@mrblondeheart9562]

I bought the 23 nightster special as my first bike, and I absolutely love it. The sport mode scared the hell out of me at first but now I almost exclusively ride in sport mode because I love the throttle response. I have also beat my buddy who has a ninja 400 in a race. There’s a lot of hate on this bike for absolutely no reason other than that it’s not a traditional Harley. I’m not a Harley guy, but this bike convinced me to give it a shot and I like the direction Harley is going. It’s a terrific bike that is fun, fast and turns heads.

[@Carpuska]

Right on. My 2023 Nightster Special is far faster and insanely more comfortable than my last Harley-Davidson, a Dyna Low S. They are an important step in the right direction.

[@nickyocom6281]

Yeah I absolutely don't understand all the hate. I understand it's not your typical Harley...which is honestly why I bought one. I never considered buying a Harley until I came across this bike while researching the Indian Scout. I also compared the Rebel 1100 and ultimately bought the Nightster. Harley's sales have been down and they needed to take steps to attract a different buyer and well it worked on me.

[@Carpuska]

@@nickyocom6281 Ironically the Harley-Davidson dealership in Samara Russia (where my wife of 7+ years is from) won't stock the Nightster Special but does have a new Honda Rebel 1100 on the floor. They offer the competition but not the 975cc Harley with more features. The old ways are cultivated long past being viable.

[@Carpuska]

@@nickyocom6281 The Harley-Davidson dealership in Samara Russia (my wife is originally from Russia) will not stock a Nightster Special. They hate the idea. Imagine my surprise to see a brand new Honda Rebel 1100 on their showroom floor next to a 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO for 8,900,000₽

[@darklotus6595]

I also bought a 2023 Nightser S (as my first as well) and she is a beauty. I actually like the Japanese look/style they went with. I'm waiting on a new slip on exhaust from screaming Eagle to slap on but that really is what I'm looking forward to. Such a good bike. Especially for a 3 hour ride.

[@aixpert291]

Harleys version of the subscription model. For $19/mo we’ll put covers on the left side of the motor.

[@ZinoAmare]

Sporster is the one I love from HD I won't buy it because in the Netherlands we gotta pay 18k euros being atm 19.6k USD like it's not even funny.

[@Nifilheimur]

22500 euros here in Norway :D

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Get a Honda Rebel 1100 or Shadow for half the cost - it will last twice as long and never break down 😂😂😂

[@ZinoAmare]

@@anthonysilvestri4946 I don't fit on the Rebel 1100 my legs come over the tank xD

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

​@@ZinoAmare OK then get a Yamaha Raider 1900 - they are badass and have plenty of leg room 👍

[@mfitze1]

Ive owned a 22 Nightster for about 2 seasons and 9,000 miles. Is the second bike ive owned, I had sportster 1200 for 2 months before i bought it. Great review and assessment on the bike. It has a fantastic motor, but the rest is a bit weird and not great. It's a shame that Harley isn't doing more with that motor because it has so much potential.

[@BlakesPipes]

I can tell you what a beginner HD sportster, Royal Enfield just did it, the Shotgun! Why they have not done a old school race bike from HD, like the 20s and 30s dirt bike. Nice 450/500cc. Just me?

[@adityan3208]

As an Indian, I think the RE bikes are slightly underpowered, but I think they're preparing and improving with each bike until they get to a bike with a bigger engine.

[@BlakesPipes]

@@adityan3208 I would agree with under powered with many of there bikes, but I am enjoying the lower power motorbikes, as I own a Kawasaki W800 Cafe and love it.would love a 650 cc HD road / dirt bike like they use to have. Think RE is hitting it out of the park.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

​@@BlakesPipes W800 is a gorgeous bike! 👍

[@ninji5226]

Unreal how the bike is so different one side to the next. Its just natural to be a little different due to the exhaust sometimes but to have a bike that looks like it stopped loading halfway through is completely unacceptable, doubly so because the competition is not just HD anymore. But a quality review as always.

[@ccrider8483]

I really feel sad for dedicated Harley riders, of which abmittedly I am not, but I just don't see anything desirable about their newer models. Harley have forced their dealers into taking on a lot of debt/overhead which has lead to a less than enjoyable buying experience. If I was a betting man I would short the company stock.

[@vasilyru]

See ya at $70 )

[@awdrifter3394]

I guess HD's old engines really was turning gas to sound without the side effect of HP. Now that it's turning gas to HP, it doesn't have the sound anymore.

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

Please review triumph t120 too

[@blakee9690]

I bought an early Nightster (and reached out to Zach to review in 2021 haha) and have some feedback regarding the questions people asked. -is it good for a new rider? Yes. The lighter weight and low CG make it an easy bike for a newbie to handle. -will you want to trade it in for a bigger more comfy bike? Yes. -can it be made more practical/versatile? Not really…aftermarket support isn’t there yet. -This or a 48? Get a 48…aftermarket support isn’t comparable…and these are plagued with electrical issues.

[@andyknuckles2903]

That soft limiter is going to piss off some show boaters.

[@xorbe2]

It's just in neutral, right? Not if in 1st with the clutch pulled, right?

[@andyknuckles2903]

@@xorbe2 I guess that makes sense.

[@louisjones2653]

That left side of the bike that only a mother could love would drive me crazy

[@captainaverage721]

Maybe take a note out of Triumphs book by hiding away all the wiring, plumbing and radiators etc?

[@thinkdunson]

dude, the Z900 has MORE TORQUE. yet you're saying the nightster engine is better because it has more punch. what does everybody have against the Z900? it makes no sense. but hey, love you Zack! great content as usual. keep it up. ooh, if you wanted to mix things up a bit, see if you can get two bikes at once and do a two-fer with Ari.

[@louhmx1136]

Please review the Royal Enfield Super Meteor

[@MaxF82]

I have a Yamaha Bolt R and it sounds so much better! Test drove the Nighster… nice driving feeling, but not a real Harley rumble anymore

[@christopherjohnson3377]

I’m still wanting the Harley X family to come to US. That’s what the academy uses. But traditional HD fanboys don’t want a non American bike, even though that’s how Harley could expand and gain the attention of younger and less fortunate riders. Honestly, 975 is too expensive and too powerful for the average 18-24 year old.

[@SoDakTwisties]

I really liked my demo ride on the Nightster and Nightster Special. Very comfy rider's triangle, and that new engine is fun to wind out. I just cannot justify the price of the Special. The Nightster Special should be priced where the Nightster is, IMO. I just don't see the value at $14,999. So many other bikes in so many different segments out there for that price.

[@cruze86]

Make a review on Harley Davidson soft-tail standard

[@stevetaylor9265]

Yea I would like to see that too.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

He already did - Google "daily rider Harley"

[@Starship007]

Agree with great aesthetics on the exhaust side of bike but what happened to the other side, ran out of R&D money? Plastic covers would be fine if magnesium side affected price point. Ducati makes use of lots of plastic which is lighter and cheap vs aluminum, carbon or magnesium

[@Starship007]

Look at Indian scout. Nice on both sides

[@davidpersson986]

It is an aesthetic disaster in any case, and they appear to have managed to create the World’s first V-twin sewing machine

[@joeygsxr3293]

I own this bike currently and out the door my 22’ nightster was 18k,am I regretting it? Yes. Not because the bike is a bad bike but the price. With 8,364 mile on the clock I’ve enjoyed the bike.i just feel there’s better bikes that’s more price friendly.next year I’m getting out of this bike and moving on to the next.

[@sonny9608]

For 12 k plus setup and tax (15k out the door) you get an ugly vanilla looking cruiser that sounds like a moped and is embarrassing to be caught on

[@grahamnelson5376]

And you could get an Indian scout bobber for about the same price

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

​@@grahamnelson5376 Exactly 👍

[@strubbleler]

if it wasnt a harley i would have guessed it was a 6k bike, if not less

[@chrisdigital]

Another abomination of parts, lack of vision and piss poor execution. Typical Harley.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

@@chrisdigital Amen Brother 🙏🙏🙏

[@acoustiquila]

Hold the clutch for high revs while stationary.

[@kooshaseyvani9285]

I want to love harley, I really do. I love the heritage and the style. But then i look at the prices and realize I wont be able to even get dual front brakes with my 15K. How come I end up getting more bang for my buck spending 13k on an Italian bike, import fees and all, as compared to the domestic brand? Piss poor value for my money.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

And new Ducati bikes are much more reliable than a Hardly Capable cruiser! 👍

[@JA-zh5xi]

You need to look at resale value, which is the best on the market. They hold their value better than any other bike.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

@@JA-zh5xi I buy bikes to ride them - not leave them sit in the garage to keep the miles down! LMAO You sound like a real "garage Queen" 🤣🤣🤣

[@JA-zh5xi]

@@anthonysilvestri4946 that makes zero sense. Resale is relative to mileage. Harley has better resale value relative to all other bikes when mileage is similar. I ride 10-15k miles a year.

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

@@JA-zh5xi you probably buy 10-15 HD tshirts per year!

[@Fast48-1]

Zack, great review! I currently own a 2019, 48. It has a Stage 3 upgrade and I'm seriously considering selling it to buy this bike. I'm 65, the 48 is nice but heavier, and the Nightster offers things I believe would be an overall win for me. What to do?? Footnote: I paused this before you answered the question about this bike or the 48! I'm about to listen to your answer!!

[@OG_MuttDog]

People have been sleeping on this bike, it's a blast to ride

[@williamtaittinger4529]

yeah these normies have no clue on how fun it is to ride this one.

[@johnhereth2692]

By what I have read in comments, it seems that many people are enamored with the Sportster image. They are unwilling to embrace technology. Agreed it is not the most beautiful Harley made , but that dohc 91 horsepower does scream. Also the bike has exceptional road manners. Now for a moment guys lets appreciate technology. At least this model is not one of the oil leakers of the past , and thankfully it is not an AMF. And we can all thank Mr. Buffett for keeping Harley Financially solvent.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Looks like an unfinished test bike .

[@brianesquivel6516]

Just got a quadlock mag charger from you guys. Love the channel and content. This bike doesnt catch my eye but i still like learning about what you guys ride.

[@stevem4783]

It's reasonably quick and handles well. Other than that it's an overpriced plastic piece of junk that sounds absolutely horrible both stock and worse with pipes. Harley could've modernized their Sportster engine line and implemented new tech while still retaining their style, quality, and traits that were big selling points and stood them out from the competition, but instead, they chose this...and there's a reason nobody is buying them.

[@jameshisself9324]

Retained their style? That is the worst thing about them and this thing still has it. Low seat, forward pegs, high bars. Has always been and always will be for posers so perfect for HD. Put them in a position that the rider can ride like a man and not a lap dog.

[@billfrank647]

Quality? Now that’s funny😄 I worked at Harley as a sales lead for many years and quality isn’t a word I would use.

[@-MakeItGood-]

Also the reason Indian will eat their lunch. Both are expensive but at least Indian produces genuine American made beautiful bikes made from metal parts and no plastic junk.

[@stevem4783]

@@-MakeItGood- bud, hate to break it to you, Indian isn't much better.

[@stevem4783]

@@billfrank647 bullshit-o-meter through the ceiling. Unlike you, I actually worked in bike sales, and say what you want about Harleys, I've been riding any brand bike I can for decades and I can tell you for sure Harleys definitively were built to a higher quality standard than every other generic manufacturer out there for a very long time, no matter what you KZbin experts say. Used to, being the key word...they attempted to appeal to those who hated Harleys for what they were, and here we are, with shít plastic bikes topped with crap paint and no fit and finish that don't run right as a result. Before, the Sporty was a wonderful bike that had dogs--- performance, now, it's a terrible bike that has mediocre performance. Real big upgrade on Harley's part, now you've alienated yourself from the crowd that doesn't care about performance while simultaneously not endearing yourself to the crowd that does. Bravo.

[@hemi398]

Point 'A' to point 'B' is always a competitive market and this price is more in line with what the market will bear. Good review.

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Seems to have an import vibe

[@victorricketson4113]

That is absolutely ridiculous they dress up the cylinders on the right side and not left. Zack is right it looks better on the left side anyway.

[@nottawaygarage3683]

The titanium engine covers(only on the right side?)give the bike a coin operated carousel appearance. Like something you'd see at the front entrance of a Target. I've been back and forth on ever owning a Harley and this one absolutely turns me off.