Harley-Davidson NIGHTSTER Test Ride

[@petemuddafuggincarvo9284]

I got one last Friday. I love it, but there are a few negatives. The most annoying is the gas tank, the actual one. The cap is under the seat. The seat requires the key to open up. The lock is on the left, and so is the hinge for the seat. You unlock the seat and lift it towards you. Annoying. When you get the seat up, you end up leaning over the bike to grab the fuel hose, if you didn't walk around the bike. If you reach over the bike to fuel up, you have to hold the hose away from the exhaust. It's not something I expected to see brought up in this review, and I think it's something potential buyers should know. Now, it's light, flickable, quick but stable. It's ONLY 975cc, but that 90 HP is nice!

[@BlockheadMoto]

I was curious about that. I’ll have to try and fuel up in future review vids to get this insight, good lookin out!

[@usmcvet0313]

Roger that; so exit left side, lift seat, and walk around bike to pump.

[@petemuddafuggincarvo9284]

@@BlockheadMoto I watched the whole video before commenting, waiting to see if you mentioned it. Everyone I've shown has the same "WTF, Harley?" reaction.

[@petemuddafuggincarvo9284]

@@usmcvet0313 and hold the hose away from the exhaust pipe.

[@usmcvet0313]

@@petemuddafuggincarvo9284 maybe you could you park a little farther from the pump, so the reach of the hose will naturally keep it up & away from the exhaust.

[@KYLEOME]

I've been waiting for this... I'm hammered, so I might need to re watch later. Took 10 min to make sure this comment was spelled correctly.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Aside from the extra space after the comma, you did great! 🍻😆

[@RulgertGhostalker]

don't ride like that.

[@KYLEOME]

@@RulgertGhostalker hate to sound dated but... duh.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Great riding and hanging with you bro. What a heck of a light little bike with plenty of power. Windy little engine. Keep er' up in the high RPM's for shoa! 🤘

[@crazedwizardpro]

I'm a diehard old school air cooled fan, I own an EVO Sportster and am going to be restoring and EVO Softail Heritage. The EVO engine has so much personality and attitude, and is as reliable as an Amish sawmill. I'm afraid that some of that has been lost in the new RevMax, however I understand that it was time for an update. I love the Indian Scout and am excited to compare it to the new Nightster, as they are both DOHC liquid cooled twins. I really hope this bike is a smash hit for HD and am really excited to see what people do with theirs!

[@DeuceVideoHD]

The Revo out of the VRSC was the most reliable powertrain Harley ever produced. I'd expect similar out of the Revmax.

[@candiedorangepiggy3281]

I’ve had two air cooled Harley’s, and now have the sportster S. I was pretty distraught at first, because I thought the revmax had absolutely no soul or personality- but I was wrong. It’s a subtle personality, but you’ll find it if you give it some time, patience, and keep an open mind. It’s such a good engine, and the different modes make it feel like three separate bikes.

[@masonmonty7898]

WOW! the video production quality has gone up so much from when I first started watching you years ago! I'm proud of how far you've come as a long time viewer!

[@mattburch2773]

I am defiantly considering this nightster as a first bike. Thanks blockhead for the review. 🤘🏻

[@CarlosJackazz]

Did you ever get it!?

[@teranitupfpv]

28:37 😂 that was a sweet burnout 👍👍 great video guy+!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Didn’t even notice that 😆

[@teranitupfpv]

@@BlockheadMoto 😂😂

[@iiviinstiinct3064]

I love all your bike reviews and tips. You really helped me pick out my first HD and I've been obsessed since I got it all I wanna do is ride

[@BlockheadMoto]

Glad the vids helped!

[@aladdindorado3608]

I'm the first owner of this bike here in Reno, Nevada. I love it!

[@stevengustafson5024]

Thank you for doing this video. I’m in my MSF class now, and concerned about getting something too big. I’m a casual, and relatively safe driver. Hearing this from you helps a lot!

[@furiousgtz]

makes me appreciate my 883 air cooled motor, the sound, and the ability to customization the nuts and bolt.

[@jayteesgear]

🇺🇸

[@adamhicks24]

I love the look of the Nightster. It is very aesthetically pleasing. Those custom builds were dope

[@traeucity6087]

03:04 It's telling that at 6'6", Matt Laidlaw had to fully stretch his arms to reach the bars.

[@dadwithabike]

Good to see Harley do more with a sport cruiser segment. I've not had a chance to ride the Nighster but the Sportster S was a fun little bike to ride. Also, cool to see one of my favorite KZbinrs on your channel ... Ride to Food - love her stuff. Thanks brother ... PEACE!

[@KSMotoCafe]

Harley is becoming the new dentist bike brand like BMW... The baseline price of 13.5k for an entry is not affordable for most newcomers.

[@drewthelegend0188]

That's not an entry level bike, they still have the Evo sportster for that

[@KSMotoCafe]

@@drewthelegend0188 they stopped selling evo sportster outside of North America since 2020

[@drewthelegend0188]

@@KSMotoCafe oh yeah that can be a problem

[@fastec5]

Harley has never really been an affordable company tbf

[@drewthelegend0188]

@@fastec5 motorcycles have never been affordable, what's your point

[@rogerskelton5023]

I heard you mention the nightster in your last video and I was like bro.... where's that video?! lol. I appreciate your reviews! Thanks for the content!

[@TheMarvelous1310]

The best thing about KZbin is seeing the same ride from different angles, but Blockhead gives you a bunch of them in one video! Finally, Harley-Davidson makes the Sportster what it should be - the gateway to The Modern Motor, ripe for customization but fun right out of the box. Classically styled and familiar to the touch, but unmistakably modern. Quiet enough to slip past anyone looking for a Sportster at cruise, but with a rewarding tone that lets you know this metric beast is a product of Milwaukee and down to clown as soon as you crack the throttle. A letter to all the companies that make "Sportster killers" that says: --- Dear Sirs, We're not mad, just disappointed. We'll be keeping this spot, but thanks so much for playing! With love, Harley-Davidson --- And burns a strip in front of their headquarters after they deliver the letter!

[@chrisblack7226]

It's nice to see Matt Laidlaw in Block's vid! He's a Harley man! He fits right in with Block's gang!

[@ToyotaSubieDude]

This is one of the bikes im looking into for my second bike. Im also looking at a rebel 500, kawasaki eliminator, vulcan s, or indian scout sixty. Any of them would be great, but i need to sit of them and see how the ergonomics are

[@GearheadPhil]

That laugh when you got on it haha, I love the high revving engine in these things! My V-Rod sounds like a Nascar with the drag pipes I'm running and I bet these things will sound absolutely rowdy with a set of pipes!

[@jimgraham614]

Blockhead, I just bought my first Iron 883. And I gotta say it's beautiful. Quiet, but beautiful lol. And because of your learning to ride videos, I'll be on the road in no time!

[@austinhogan5216]

Get a 1 1/8” sheet metal drill and run it into the outlet end of the mufflers (remove it first). Just drill through the plate in the middle, not the cat. Sounds pretty good but not too loud, runs better on top, and it’s almost free. Once I added an Arlen Ness big sucker and a tuner, HOLEY CRAP! Like a different bike, and don’t need earplugs.

[@douglasbelasco9773]

I'm glad to see harley davidson trying new idea's 500lbs with 122 hp sounds like fun

[@Firestorm637]

Finally power from the factory. No mods or stage 2-4 needed. Not sure if RDRS standard. Euro 5 requires traction control. Love the looks of modern engine.

[@crapton9002]

A smaller displacement Pan America dressed like a sportster is what this bike is. I love my Pan America so someone will love this Nightster.

[@georgegutierrez8384]

That’s cool you’re in SB. Hope I see you riding around.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Departed a week ago but loved riding out there! Def would love to go back 🤘🏼

[@Hughj87]

I've been waiting for this video 😀 this is the bike I was looking to get, since I saw it I loved the look 😀 I cant wait for my local dealer in Australia to get one so I can test one

[@hanzyg5920]

Only some stores have it,,I'm 6 foot 2 ,,the shop I went in today said I wdnt like sport star s,,,,,now I'm interested in night star,,,bikes are few and far between in australia, annoying,,this new motor and tech I love

[@AG-33-]

Performance gains and sounds in a liquid cooled engine over air cooled is night and day. I’m shocked they’re popular now when HD had it already with the Vrod. It would be amazing to have a new Vrod. Sporties just got a lot cooler.

[@brianstevie]

Yeah sad to see the Vrod being forgotten when basically it's the foundation of Harley's liquid cooled engine

[@idcrazy1960]

I'd like to suggest something, I think a Blockhead Raw channel would be absolutely Banger. I don't think I'm the only one who misses the pov cruises. Just saying, like if you support

[@westernjeep4015]

Excellent, comprehensive review. I am excited to test-ride it.

[@AdamPage85]

I've been waiting a while for the new sportster. The Sportster S is is what got me back into motorcycles but wound up going with the Triumph Speed Twin. To me it looks better, better ergos and has a better price point than the S than the Nightster. Would still love a comparison video between them.

[@NicePantsLance]

Good choice! I have a Speed Twin and it's amazing!

[@AdamPage85]

@@NicePantsLance You're one of the one's who helped convince me. Lol

[@betobsbf]

The video editing is superb

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thank you!

[@denismichel3622]

I love when you do rider ergonomics So Useful

[@JonathanMMatthews]

So many youtube motorcycle channels in one! Love it!

[@AlexBaldwin440]

I gotta be honest, I hope a bigger version of the RevMax ends up in the touring platforms. Some may say it lacks personality but thats not necessarily a bad thing.

[@KevinButler816]

I'm right there with you!

[@stevem4783]

I'm a fan of the RevMax, but my only thing with that is...who wants to rev a tourer to the moon? A light bike you can throw around all day and are comfortable ripping around on, absolutely. A touring bike made for going in a straight line all day comfortably? That's where having the torque and powerband of a traditional Harley V-twin really shines. I think a bigger variation of the RevMax would work really well in the smaller Softail line (Standard, Slim, Street Bob, Fat Bob, Low Rider,) but the Fat Boy, Heritage, and the tourers are used for an entirely different purpose that might make having a really high revving engine with less of that grunt a little exhausting. It's not as if the M8 is really all that anemic up top like the Evos, either.

[@KevinButler816]

@@stevem4783 that’s the beauty of the Revolution Max engine is the VVT. You can have your lower in torque and your high rpm horsepower! The Indian challenger has torque and horsepower so just think what a larger Revolution Max engine would bring to the table.

[@stevem4783]

@@KevinButler816 my dude, it isn't the same and you know it. I generally agree with you on these topics but there is a BIG difference between the grunt of a Twin Cam or M8 and something like a RevMax. It isn't always about that peak number, it's where it comes on and how you get there. Nobody wants to run a bagger at 4,500+ all day long.

[@stevem4783]

@@KevinButler816 I know. And that "low-mid range" version of the RevMax still doesn't have the low-end grunt of an Evo, which is my point. On a tiny application like a Sportster it doesn't matter, but on an 800+lb bagger it unequivocally does. You want that immediate torque and feel as soon as you pull the throttle in the 1500-2500 range, no amount of variable valve timing in a DOHC V-twin is going to give you that and for the third time, nobody wants to run baggers where the power doesn't come on until 5k, which is the case even in the S's RevMax.

[@GenXBiker]

I still have stock pipes on my road glide. Some of us like quiet and less obnoxuous

[@genehullinger9614]

Great video! Will be interesting to see what comes out for the after market parts. I could see possibly relocating the gauge cluster in the top of the airbox cover where the logo is and different bars,exhausts... I'd definitely have one!

[@brianstevie]

Design looks good, maintaining the classic Sportster. But one problem for me is the dashboard, why Harley-Davidson put their newest digital dashboard from Sportster S in this model?

[@vacuumnut8300]

HI Blockhead. Thank you for the videos. I always enjoy them and have learn a great deal. I have not had a motorcycle in 45 years. I am now 66 and interested in getting back into the hobby. I did some up front work and contacted Harley Davidson for an insurance quote. What a shock $6,992.56 a year. Tried Geico. They were only $4796.76 a year. Apparently, living in Los Angeles is not a good idea when it comes to motorcycle insurance. I found a used 2021 Harley sport glide at a local dealer. Its mileage is 5210 and they want $22,000 for it before Title, tax, and other charges. Looked up the original msrp for a 2021 Sport Glide. It was $18,830 and this bike is used. Looks like I am going to have to settle for the kind of bike one pedals. Thanks again for the wonderful videos.

[@randallzook5570]

Move to PA brotha Harley insures me for $175 per year full coverage 2021 Sportster S. I'm 62 no accidents or speeding tickets, HOG member, and needed another insurance company quote to get that rate. The dealer hooked me up when I purchased the bike in Feb.

[@vacuumnut8300]

@@randallzook5570 Thanks Randall. I might just do that. Called my State Farm guy and he quoted me $168 a month. It was a great conversation as it turns out he has been riding since he was 17. We had a good talk. He was saying to go with a lighter bike because people drop their Harley's all the time and they are expensive to repair. Have a good one.

[@BEEBEE58679]

Can't wait for the: Bronx. This Vietnam Veterans preference: 975cc

[@jonS-42]

When Matt laidlaw sits on a sportster it’s like the average human on a Honda grom lol

[@jasoncory78]

I really want one of these but I took my msf last October and haven't yet bought my first bike. I want the evo air cooled sound first. Either iron 883 or a forty-eight as my first bike. Maybe second down the road will be this. I'm very happy with the changes harley has done to modernize but I do hope the dont stop the evo yet. I am in love with the sound.

[@Firestorm637]

90 horsepower and less than 500 pounds is one of the fastest Harley’s especially over touring bikes. The PA, Sportster S, and 975 best power to weight bikes

[@firianblackproductions9693]

Before these new bikes the Street 750 was faster than any other Harley other than the V-Rod and the street only has 50-60 HP as well as weighing 60-70lbs more than this Nightster. Who knew that updating an ancient model to one the rest of the world was already utilizing for years would end up showing up the others

[@ripmax333]

@16:17 you didn’t ride a Triumph Street Twin yet, didn’t you. I think that motorcycle is the only one I can safely say, Yes..I can live with the stock exhaust.

[@wilpagan7745]

I rode this the last week at the opening at Bulldog Harley. awesome bike. great review

[@BulaMeister]

Great in-depth video!

[@Bcharns]

great video, wish we had these kind of roads here in Florida.

[@charlesgarcia4928]

Where can I get a full exhaust for my 23 Nightster s? And a comfortable two up seat

[@geeeee8268]

If I remember correctly last Nightster was 1200cc and could be had for circa $9K. Granted, it didn't have riding modes and was a bit heavier. But it was an evolution, simple and fairly reliable. Super customizable and who needs riding modes on frggin' cruiser anyway? This one looks good, if you can get past humongous exhaust and radiator hanging in front. But the worst part is the price. $15K? Really?

[@briansearles4473]

Harley has lost the entry level market with the Nightster/Sportster lineup. I think these new Harley's will be competing with the Indian Scout Bobber?

[@mattw7557]

Not even.tbh if i wanted an ohc engine i would of got a yamaha. The only reason why I have a harley is because of the push rod and 30°lumpy fire engine ​@@briansearles4473

[@ericknapp3114]

that fast part going down the mountain was awesome!

[@a.j.roppolo1432]

Nah when you where zooming in on the gauge in real time I was looking up from the screen to “see where I was going” 🤣

[@KevinButler816]

Great informative video!

[@Cool_Rider25]

hi mr.blockhead, i used to watch all the videos of matt laidlaw, he's just as good as you in explaining the harleys, but not once i knew his height was 6'6 ! cheers

[@peteschram9524]

Real nice review covered it all

[@melissachaffins1679]

Fantastic review. Thank you.

[@morsecode2112]

Great video. Excellent info. Thanks!

[@spacebear49]

Feel like they're really going after the Indian Scout with this one... 👍

[@kayjayduhh]

I can't unsee a leaf blower exhaust lol

[@BlockheadMoto]

Everyone knows it’s the first thing to go, lol

[@ronmanalo5001]

Matt Laidlaw always look like a grasshopper on every bike he rides. What a tall guy!

[@VaughnDingus]

My biggest complaint about those is the tiny gear lever. I missed shifts and it tore up my boot on the test ride.

[@e_skie2685]

Nice review... now if we could get the rear end off this bike and put it on the sportster s. Or offer a higher level of nightster, one that has more power and the gauge of the sportster s and its tech.

[@rodya_malverde]

Absolutely hated it at first, and still think the OG nightster looks better. but maybe put some clip ons, new rearsets, proper bullet cowl, and this thing kind of makes a dope cafe sportster.

[@shadow-ew6rb]

What bars would you recommend to not have to choke up on the seat I’m about to buy one and I’m 5’10 that’s the only thing I wasn’t fond of was having to either choke up or lean into the bars

[@rickdacorte]

Can you do a direct comparison with the sportster s and the nightster?

[@danielbuchanan5327]

I have the 2021 MT-09 and I'm curious what you feel the level of fun is on the Nightster vs your MT-09. I am not any brand's fan boy and I really just want to own fun bikes. Thanks for the awesome review brother!

[@magnang]

Lost me at 4:55 - that just doesn't sound like a Sportster should sound. This would have been the highlight of the ride on an Evo bike - idle and off idle in a tunnel. That blip on the gas sounded like a GS500

[@toofastnobrakes]

This bike seems pretty cool. But all it really does for me is make me wish it had been the Bronx

[@Firestorm637]

Balancing act horsepower and torque with rotating mass. As rpm’s increase more horsepower but loss of torque with higher rpm. The heavy Harley’s need more torque off the line. Light Harley’s need less torque so rpm can increase for more horsepower. KTM Super Duke very unique V2 engine as it offers 104 ft pounds torque/180 horsepower all below 9500 rpm. Harley doing great job with new bikes not just new paints every year. Variable valve timing following the emission chart. Turbos were next at least for cars.

[@donaldruggiero5326]

Looks really good seems like you guys can handle the curves I think I need to go test ride one

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

So here is the thing Harley have now Removed this from the 2023 Line up and re added a new refresh model with some more features, but while they were playing in the sandbox Royal Enfield just released the Shotgun 650.

[@roadrunner681]

I can't afford this at the moment but I can't wait to grab one in a few years

[@hectorallanrivera9334]

Great content (as always!); did you inquire if you can get cruise control as an option?

[@exogamer624]

Alright I want to get a nightster after I fix my truck I was debating if this would be a good first motorcycle cause I'm 6ft 6,1 around there and I'm a hefty guy so was worried about the size

[@mockbattles]

The new J-Series Royal Enfield Classic 350 is one of the few bikes that I don’t feel the need to change the pipe on.

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Nice review and ride.

[@gothops154]

As someone who’s not a cruiser guy, this is such a cool bike. But, and this is one of the reasons I’m not a cruise guy, at $14k MSRP, I’ll take a MT07/09/even MT10 for that price. Ducati Monster, a whole slew of Triumph Bonnie’s, street triple. Even one of the Indian Scouts. I would be so much more into HD, at least the new ones, if there weren’t so many bikes that meet my needs for (way) less. If I ever got one for free I’d be psyched, but for my own money, can’t justify it

[@mallen1846]

Harley are their own worst enemy l swear.

[@billymad3529]

I’m a major fan of the evo sportsters that’s all I’ve ever ridden, however I’m super excited to see a new power plant. Just wish they would’ve kept it a little more traditional but just with a newer engine that better complies with new emissions standards and more power to stay competitive in the segment.

[@candiedorangepiggy3281]

Can’t have it all unfortunately. Try one out, it’s wild Harley made these, they’re so out of the norm for them- and they absolutely nailed it first try.

[@Chieflywaze]

Wish HD would've made the "fuel" tank. with some type of lockable storage. Hmmm aa new aftermarket idea?

[@FlokiLothbrok]

Is it possible to take off the headlight cover on this bike? I like the Honda rebel headlight style with no cover

[@Nobody313]

I really like the direction where harleys is going, but man, im a 6.1 guy and this bikes are so small for me.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

IS 2 UP RIDING NORMAL; FOR A DUAL OR ADDED SEAT ? SUSPENSION CAN HANDLE ANOTHER 70KG

[@ianloyd6384]

Man that whole front end of the frame and headlight cowl looks a LOT like the Vrod 🤔

[@fourteenfour1]

My only dislike of the Revolution Max bikes is that Harley did not put enough effort in making the motor look good from both the left and right side. Indian put the effort in for both their Scout and Challenger line ups. Their bikes look very similar from both sides but the Harley just looks unfinished. However lets be real, this is far more effort than they ever put in the Street line up. These bikes look good. Otherwise after seeing this bike all I can say is, please bring us the Bronx. Surprising how good it sounds from the seat point of view. Would have preferred more standard Harley handlebar controls. Adjustable levers are a good update

[@ward0517]

Does it seem bigger than the Street 750. I’m looking to upgrade and like the Nightster and Rouge.

[@randallzook5570]

Great video as usual. Would you go with the Indian Scout Rouge or the Nightster if you had to pick one?

[@Mcdingles]

Have you tried the 2022 Honda shadow Phantom? I've enjoyed mine, but im also new to the cruiser side of riding. I've had kawasaki ninja's for awhile and decided to double up on my riding and get a cruiser as well. I'd love to know what you think of it.

[@jdox28]

Trying so hard to keep up with the Indian scouts… and they dropped the old school Harley sportsters to do it unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong, I love both Indian and Harley. But Indian is keeping it old school with technology.. my wife was leaning on a Indian but went the a 2022 Harley 48 due to possibly being the last of em at the time. They ended up dropping em so maybe we have something special

[@M1st1kz]

Hey Block i wanted to get an iron 1200 for my first bike should i save up and go for the nightster instead ?

[@rickhill6277]

Nice Review! Does the Digital Tach Display seem to lag behind some? Thanks Sir.

[@rw6783]

The fake gas tank bothers me. I wonder why they decided to use an airbox over a traditional side mounted filter.

[@stevem4783]

Because the gas is underneath you and they had to put something there. The intake is still on the side, the filter is just up top.

[@theshadowtalks]

I own the HD and my wife rides the Kawasaki Vulcan S (650). Half the price, faster 0-60 and top in speed. I really should have thought the Harley purchase though.

[@aztriumphster]

Great video man. Did you see how the gauge is mounted? Its not part of the handlebar clamp. Speaking of customization, keep an eye on Dean Speed Customs. They just picked up a Nightster and are going to be coming out with some pretty sick parts.

[@ImFAULKn]

Love the look of this bike but I'm sticking with kawi since I can't afford a damn helmet from harley let alone a bike lol

[@TheMarvelous1310]

Z900RS is the only Kawi I'd consider these days, their 650 cruiser is especially terrible 🤦🏿‍♂️ you know it's bad when you return a rental!

[@fastec5]

@@TheMarvelous1310 I've heard nothing but great things about the Vulcan 650. I have 2 friends with them and they love them. Pretty quick for what they are too, faster than the old Sportys anyways.

[@rockyflagg]

Love your videos by the way

[@averagehummer1213]

19:30 Craig from Bikes and Beards/Srkcycles making a cameo

[@bierslord6200]

Nice that you draw a size comparison

[@Knight_of_the_Old_Code]

To me, the Nightster is basically a Sportster that's larping as a Night Rod Special. That's just me, though.

[@Meaty_taco]

Your local to SoCal? You guys were in sb. Love those drives man.

[@JACLISER]

Watching the video on the Scout Rouge and then this video. What motorcycle do you like better? Nightster or Rouge?

[@jameslewis6135]

Is it the same engine of the sportster s with less bore or is it a complete different engine?

[@FunnyNickolacho]

Good seeing Craig from bike and beards there