Harley-Davidson Nightster - Owners Review And My Thoughts On The Bike

[@oliverrojas3185]

Thanks for revieiwing this bike and collaborating with Pete. It gives a propspective buyer a reallly good idea of what is entailed in the actual ownership expeirience.

[@BlakesPipes]

Just found your channel today and are 7 videos in. One comment is on another video was the getting into motorcycles at an older age. That was my hook to watching your videos. I got into motorcycles in my later 20s and still ride today as about to hit 50. Thanks for more entertainment as I injured my back two months ago at work and unable to hold up either of my bikes and the sadness has set in.

[@GasWorksISO]

You’ll get back out there!

[@tinman3586]

I ended up with an Indian Scout Rogue a couple months ago but I seriously considered the Nightster and test rode both before making my decision. The Nightster is a great bike on it's own, in fact ignoring asthetics there are a lot of things about it that are better than the Indian Scout. The biggest problem I think the bike has is that it's a Harley-Davidson. This problem is two fold: - People looking for a Harley-Davidson are usually looking at style and sound before preformance. They want something that looks and sounds like some American muscle crusier, something like the Low Rider S or a Sporster Forty-Eight. This bike has way more in common with your average Japanese street bike than it does other Harleys. Indian with their Scout, does a better job balancing style and preformance. The Rogue doesn't look (and for the most part it isn't) plasticity or Asian, yet it has modern preformance and a modern liquid-cooled engine. - People looking for a preformance bike probably aren't going to go for a Harley-Davidson either because they don't care for the Harley image or they don't want to pay the "Harley tax" because they can get a Japanese bike with similar or better preformance at a much cheaper pice (see the Rebel 1100). Ultimately I think the Nighster had better preformance than the Scout but they were close enough that the Scout Rogue's style won me over. I'm not a Harley hater, and I think they have a good product with the Nightster but they have got to tweak the styling in the next few model years some how for it to be successful.

[@oliver6287]

I think you made the right choice although I do own a Harley my brother has an Indian and it looks great, sounds better, and has way less problems

[@thefuturetom]

although the things mentioned are valid, I feel now with the Nightster Special, they may have added enough where it feels like not a Harley, but a better version and maybe equal value of the Rebel 1100

[@alanmeyers3957]

Those buyers are dying off!

[@betruly7894]

Nice calm review, with plenty of useful information. Thanks

[@jrparker4804]

Great video! I had a ‘15 Street Glide Special, and it was a boat! It was a beautiful bike, but it was so big, I found myself not riding it much. I’m considering a Nightster or a new Sportster S.

[@milodebruin4821]

It's almost criminal that they don't put cruise control on all ride by wire bikes. I would say in 5 years this will happen tho.

[@luthert657]

Man they just don't want to. It's not new you know

[@bfarm44]

Personally I’ve never ridden a bike with cruise control but we used to use big washers jammed in the throttle some times. Fairly sketchy but doable. Now I can’t ride long enough to justify that if it came with it. Just my luck

[@joeg8269]

Just got cruise on my softail, after waiting a year for the part. I love Harley bikes, but not having cruise on all their fly-by-wire bikes screams money-grab.

[@khrisstake2210]

Seriously, why didn't the cb1000 have cruise control? Makes no sense

[@genegoodwin8925]

I recently had my Tri-Glide in the dealership for a repair and spotted a Nightster. I like the looks. The old air cooled Sportster has been around sincew 1957, It was time to say good-bye to the Sportster and to say hell-o to the new 975 Nightster. There are a few things I don't like and one is the starter button. I've been thumbing a starter button since the 60's. I think I would like it better if the starter button was on the lower half of the four way flasher button. Two, the way the seat flips up to refuel the bike. Most riders mount and dismount from the left side of a motorcycyle. The way Harley has the seat flipping up you have to run the gas hose OVER the flipped up seat. I think Harley should have had the seat hindged on the right side of the bike so it would flip up out of the way and make it much easier to refuel. Thirdly, I don't need riding modes. If I want to rip around I'll downshift. If it is raining and the road is wet, I won't be ripping around. It's called common sense. I do wish that all Nighsters had electronic cruise control. I'm a bit spoiled sense my last four bikes all had cruise.

[@garycordle5295]

Good to hear from you I've been curious about these motorcycle s 👍 be safe

[@dakarpsi]

I like my nightster, it was a little iffy at first until I got the ecu updated, but I love it

[@pwhite5759]

What happened with your ECU if I may ask?

[@dakarpsi]

@@pwhite5759 they would freeze up and refuse to start. There was an update that fixed it

[@mateyaan]

was a nice surprise you walking up in front of the camera, gut for you, nice vlog.

[@BlakesPipes]

As for this video, I can add a plus to HD for a milage to empty. I own a concours and a W800 cafe, they both flash "fuel". No indication as to when it started flashing. And do you trust it. I reset my trip "A" each and every time when I fill up. The problem is, when it states you need fuel! You can't see anything else other then "fuel". Bad idea for Kawasaki. I don't love kawasaki, but they make bikes I am attracted too. Was looking at a Himalayan, and went to a dealership and saw a KLR right next to it. Why!!!!!!? Did 8 months of research on the Himalayan and now back to the drawing board with the KLR. Anyways, hope you still enjoy making videos! I like them

[@GasWorksISO]

If I had another hour to think about it, I probably would have got the KLR. They’re just dead reliable and tough as nails.

[@merlin5729]

I think they claim it about 460 pounds "as shipped". So, I would assume right around 500 wet or just under. I would be interested in where it falls on the power/weight ratio scale. The 2023 Special is just out now and it has cruise control, display upgrade, passenger pillion and pegs, and of course increased MSRP. I'm an older dude, ridden most of my life, sold my last bike last fall and am not sure if I am going to ride anymore. Most of my running mates have moved from the area or only want to putz around town for an hour on Saturday afternoon. The Nightser Special has piqued my interest for sure. Love that Rev Max power. Have to say I don't like the exhaust, looks like a leaf blower lol.

[@pwhite5759]

The '23 special does have cruise control now, it's amazing!!! 🏍

[@johnhess351]

Good video with a lot of insight. Harley was forced to make the seat hinge in that direction to avoid liability from lawsuits. When guys stand in the roadway trying to pour gas into the bike after running out on the way home from the bar, they sometimes get hit by cars. Car makers with gas caps on the left side have been successfully sued for millions for same reason. It is the same reason with Nighster seat. Where they screwed up was not hinging it in the back like the gods intended, but that is because the accountants came in after the lawyers and told the designers that they could save $7.29 per unit and put a dinky hinge on the side instead of a beefy one in back. HD, please, with good full fairing and this motor, maybe make a mid-size mile-munching middleweight?!

[@chrgher440]

My own motorcycle is a 2008 Softail Heritage Classic in Canada. I rented a Nightster in Barcelona and it was fun for a day, but I don't think I would ever buy one. Compared to my 2008 the Nightster sounds like a sewing machine. I did find the pedal position comfortable (I'm only about 5 ft tall) but had a hard time getting used to the signal indicator switch. only on the left. I ended up just using my arm to signal. Also, my ass got a bit sore on the seat and I had to google where the gas tank filler was. It is under the seat! WTF!

[@CantTreadOnMe]

The Special comes with cruise control, heated grips, usb ports, 5 ride modes, full gauge infotainment, darker engine covers, dope rims and higher risers. Im getting the 2024 Special!

[@Starlesslemon]

Still wish we got the Bronx instead

[@HDR20]

I believe they designed the seat opening because the bike is on the kickstand to fuel up and if they went the other way it would fall

[@GasWorksISO]

A longer tether would solve that. HD is just weird…lol

[@petemuddafuggincarvo9284]

It would make more sense to have the key on the other side.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

Ohey so that's what you look like. I gotta meet up with ya sometime soon or something haha. Maybe next summer /spring when I'm gonna be doing lots of bikes traveling around. I didnt get to this summer because of a stupid bolt, and too much loctite. I like the new Nighster. A chromed out one would be very much on my top list of bikes I'd love to own.

[@GasWorksISO]

I’ve been in front of the camera before! I just prefer to not be. 😆

[@JamesSmith-qx2mz]

I’ve always been a Harley purist, air cooled v twin, but I am glad Harley is producing a “modern” motor. Gotta change with the times on some things.

[@relevation0]

They should keep an air cooled V Twin in their lineup.

[@JamesSmith-qx2mz]

@@relevation0 I hope they keep several air cooled v twins. Can’t imagine they wouldn’t.

[@relevation0]

@@JamesSmith-qx2mz yea I only seen a single 883 and 1200 offering in their sportster lineup on their website, not looking good. I'll just be keeping my 07, dont like the new stuff.

[@bryanmathew2079]

Epa is Dud'n ing Lives.

[@altortugas5979]

6:23 You said the quiet part out loud. We shouldn’t encourage HD to charge hundreds of dollars for “upgrades” that cost them pennies.

[@Sr.D]

Best review i have seen, Harley really needs to address the left side of the bike somehow, it just looks lazy, and the seat should open to the other side too.

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

It's simple, they just need to make a moderately sized carbon fiber air scoop, boom, it looks sick.

[@psychlism]

I put clothes tape on the mount plate for the front cowling and the rattle went away. I'm 100% with you on cruise.

[@Longhardshepard]

I just bought a 24 Nightster S, love the bike

[@davidfige7877]

I own one too, I did everything that can do it aftermarket.

[@markf.3617]

Did you install a device to charge the mobile phone? I ask as I just bought the bike and installed an Optimate USB device and attached it to the battery tether and discovered that when the bike is on, it stops powering the Optimate 😢

[@yeast1000]

top quality motovlog as usual, thanks

[@DanielKulka]

Was looking to buy one but the local dealership would not give me a price on there website. So I called and still wouldn't give me a price. Told me to come down and check one out. A friend went to look at one. $15,499. By the time he left total price $18,000. Heard labor cost $150.00 hrs & they took there sweet time doing it. He waisted a hold day.

[@alanmeyers3957]

I might buy one but it’s going to be 12+ tax or they can keep it.

[@Justin-tp3lr]

It's a nice bike, but for $13k there's a lot of plastic parts on it.

[@alanmeyers3957]

My 2002 Honda has plastic on it, it’s just as nice as it was 22 years ago, no dents, no rust.

[@jackkornasphotography7331]

So, how does the Nightster compare to your Street Bob?

[@GarbageMans2wheels]

More videos! I Like’s the channel

[@arsssis]

Tested one of these a few days ago and didn’t really set my world on fire (coming from a Trident 660). Definitely not a £15k bike

[@GasWorksISO]

No, they’re not worth the price. Real world, $9,500 at best.

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

Great vid… new subscriber

[@ksheridan]

Hi on day to day riding what sort of mileage you getting out of that fuel tank.

[@adejames88]

The streets are pretty good ….. this bike almost twice the price of a 750 street and can pretty much gautantee it isn’t twice the bike. So bit annoyed then. However so want one of these !!!

[@GasWorksISO]

I can assure you the quality of this bike is miles beyond the Street 750.

[@ManuelMaestas-i9f]

What does the battery look like

[@skullmexa9651]

The exhaust is what breaks down the shape of the motorcycle, it looks like any other CF motorcycle

[@bryanmathew2079]

Hows it To RepLace the Air FiLter & Can Ya Make a Vid@ & Good To Hear about Ride@ 60 Lol, Wish Seat Was an Inch Higher & HeLd Another 1/2-GaL Or More.

[@slimeypuma]

Is it faster than the Street Bob?

[@GasWorksISO]

We did a rolling start @35 mph. They’re basically the same up to 90 when we rolled off.

[@jarthur1369]

hi i have a question. are the wires and cables long enough to raise the bars an inch or two? the ergonomics are a deal breaker for me.

[@Handirifle]

Maybe because I am only 5'6", but I have never owned a bike that I could not see behind me with stock mirrors.

[@toofastnobrakes]

I mean, technically speaking, this is the “Harley” experience, it’s just a new Harley experience.

[@johnnychow2268]

why I not buy a Honda???

[@Jonathan-L]

I can't wait for the Bronx.

[@geeeee8268]

At almost $15K out the door new and "no Harley experience" one would just be better off buying Rebel 1100.

[@lenphil9875]

You wouldn't buy it because it doesn't give you the Harley experience? What does that actually mean? It's too good to be a Harley?

[@rickhjortsberg2711]

As a long time iron head and EVO Sportster owner this bike is hideous. What were they thinking???

[@1SaG]

Left side of the bike looks like they went out to lunch mid-assembly and then never came back to finish the job. Plus I wish they'd offer more colors and an option to get more shiny bits from the factory. I can't stand those "black and more black" bike designs with no visual contrast to them whatsoever. I'll gladly spend a bit more time with chrome-polish for that plus having owned lots of black vehicles ... black is just as much of a pain in the ass to keep clean as any other color or high polished metal bits.

[@positivelynegative9149]

"Premium brand"

[@billwilliamson9842]

I'm afraid these new sportys are gonna be another "street" failure, they sound like absolute boiled crap no matter what system you put on em. The fit and finish is sub par and the new fangled tech is problematic. Shame, rest of the bikes are pretty bad ass but the exhaust note is like nails on a chalkboard, just horrible.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

No cruse controls, crapy dash, put the good one on the so called prime model, small petrol tank and under the seat, stuck the battery behind the radiator in an awkward position, cheap hand grips. I really tried to like this bike but for $25K AUD I just felt disappointed, love the engine and the engineering just not the was Harley cut corners. This bike could have been done so much better, given a personality, a look, just feels like a Honda rebel 1000. When BMW make better Cruises then Harley it’s a problem.

[@Keeferes]

Way to edit the walk around out to make sure and not show the “naked” side that’s completely unfinished and not address it all.

[@coyote4936]

Harley ruined the sportster. They should keep original sportster and call these something else. These might as well be a Yamaha. The exhaust doesn’t sound good. Nothing on these us original sportster. Could be a Kawasaki or Yamaha if you remove Harley Davidson words on fake tank

[@msg63bretired82]

Sucks it only looks good from one side

[@stevecox-u8y]

An 11 litre fuel tank is a joke !

[@stevecox-u8y]

Made in Thailand !

[@brandontapia4155]

Not impressed after riding and way overpriced

[@douglasfuerst9363]

HD is going out of business if they keep making crap like that. Lemon!

[@bobberguy1]

They're going out of business anyway, due to pricing.

[@bryanmathew2079]

Seems Like a Good Bike & Wonder if*? Maybe Some😮ones BLocking Cruise ControL@ Bike, Like the TP Thingy, & Big Bussiness ControL.