Harley-Davidson recently released their all-new Nightster model, complete with the new Revolution Max 975T engine. The new model is landing in dealerships this month... Press release: H-D.

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster model starts a new chapter in the Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle story – a leap forward in performance and design while remaining an accessible entry point to motorcycling and the brand…

The 2022 Nightster marks a new chapter for Harley Davidson as they move towards making a bike more accessible to customers looking at getting on a Harley-Davidson.

The 2022 Nightster marks a new chapter for Harley Davidson as they move towards making a bike more accessible to customers looking at getting on a Harley-Davidson.

This all-new motorcycle combines a classic Sportster model silhouette with the performance of the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain and a host of electronic rider aids and features. H-D say the 2022 Nightster model redefines the Sportster motorcycle experience for a new generation of riders. 

At the heart of the 2022 Nightster model is the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain. It is a liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin with a torque curve that stays flat through the broad  powerband – and engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration and robust power through the mid-range.

At the heart of the 2022 Nightster model is the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain.

At the heart of the 2022 Nightster model is the new Revolution Max 975T powertrain…

The length and shape of the intake velocity stacks, combined with the airbox volume, are tuned to maximise performance across the engine speed range. The profiles of DOHC and Variable Valve Timing phasing on the intake valves are designed to match the performance of this engine. Hydraulic valve lash adjustment ensures quiet operation and eliminates the need for costly, complicated service procedures. Internal balancers help reduce engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability.

H-D say the Nightster model pairs a nimble, lightweight chassis with a powerful engine tuned for  strong mid-range performance. Mid foot controls and a low-rise handlebar put the rider in a centred,  comfortable posture on the bike. Unladen seat height is 705mm. The low seat height combined  with a narrow profile makes it possible for most riders to confidently place feet down flat at a stop. 

H-D say the Nightster model pairs a nimble, lightweight chassis with a powerful engine tuned for  strong mid-range performance.

H-D say the Nightster model pairs a nimble, lightweight chassis with a powerful engine tuned for a strong mid-range.

The Revolution Max 975T powertrain is the central, structural component of the Nightster’s chassis, which significantly reduces motorcycle weight and results in a very stiff chassis. The tail section structure is lightweight aluminium. The swingarm is formed of welded rectangular steel tubing and is an attachment point for the dual rear shock absorbers.  

Front suspension is 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks designed to provide  improved handling performance by keeping the tyre in contact with the road surface. The rear  suspension features dual outboard emulsion-technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a  threaded collar for pre-load adjustment. 

Front suspension is 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks designed to provide  improved handling performance.

Front suspension is sorted by 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks….

The Nightster is equipped with Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson The systems are electronic and utilise the latest  chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Its three elements are:


  • Antilock Braking System (ABS): The ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock.
  • Traction Control System (TCS): The rider can deactivate TCS in any Ride Mode when the motorcycle is stopped and the engine is running.
  • Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS): Designed to adjust engine torque delivery and reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt down-shift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.

The Nightster model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance  characteristics of the bike, and the level of technology intervention. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding or when stopped, with some exceptions. 

Selectable riding modes are one of the highlights for the new model, aimed at making the ride safer...

Selectable riding modes are one of the highlights for the new model, aimed at making the ride safer…


  • Road Mode: Intended for daily use and delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a higher level of ABS and TCS intervention.
  • Sport Mode: Delivers the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. TCS is set to its lowest level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.
  • Rain Mode: Designed to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise limited. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of ABS and TCS intervention are selected.

The 11.7 litre lightweight plastic fuel cell is located below the seat – what appears to be a traditional fuel tank forward of the seat is a steel cover for the airbox. The fuel fill is reached by lifting the hinged locking seat. Locating the fuel cell below the seat optimises the capacity of the engine intake airbox and moves the weight of fuel lower in the chassis compared to a traditional fuel tank location, which results in a lower centre of gravity for improved handling  and easier lift off the side stand. 

Locating the fuel cell below the seat optimises the capacity of the engine intake airbox and moves the weight of fuel lower in the chassis compared to a traditional fuel tank location.

Locating the fuel cell below the seat optimises the capacity of the engine intake airbox and moves the weight of fuel lower in the chassis compared to a traditional fuel tank location.

The Nightster features a round 4.0-inch-diameter analogue speedometer with an inset multi-function LCD display mounted on the handlebar riser. H-D say all-LED lighting is designed to deliver style and outstanding performance while also making the motorcycle conspicuous to other motorists. The Daymaker® LED headlamp has been designed to eliminate distracting hot spots.

The Nightster features all-new wheels which helps convey classic Sportster model styling cues, also noticeable in the exposed rear shocks and the shape of an airbox cover that evokes the iconic Sportster walnut fuel tank. The Revolution Max powertrain is the centrepiece of  the design, framed by snaking exhaust headers and finished in textured Metallic Charcoal powder coat with Gloss Black inserts. Paint colour options include Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, and Redline Red. Gunship Grey and Redline Red colour options will be applied only to the airbox cover; the front and rear fenders and speed screen are always  finished in Vivid Black. 

Harley-Davison Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories has created a range of accessories for the  Nightster, designed to enhance fit, comfort and style. 

Harley-Davison Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories has created a range of accessories for the  Nightster, designed to enhance fit, comfort and style.

The Nightster arrives at authorised Harley-Davidson dealerships globally beginning this month. The Australian Ride Away Price is $23,995 (Vivid Black) and $24,300 (colour options). Check out more pricing info and the accessories range here


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2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster Specifications

www.harley-davidson.com/au/

Price: From $23,995 Ride-Away
Warranty: two-years unlimited km
Colours: Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, and Redline Red
Claimed Power: 67kW
Claimed Torque: 95Nm@5000rpm
Wet Weight: 221kg
Fuel capacity: 11.7L
Consumption: 5.1l/100km (claimed)


Engine: Revolution Max 975T, 975cc, 97 x 66mm bore x stroke, 12.0:1 compression ratio, ESPFI, 2-into-1 exhaust; catalyst in header.
Gearbox: Six-speed, primary drive: 48/89 ratio.
Fuel Consumption: 5.1L/100km


Chassis: Trelis frame, lightweight aluminium rear section. Engine used as a stressed member. 
Rake: 30° Trail: 137mm
Suspension: 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminium fork triple clamps. (f) Dual outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment. (r)
Brakes: Single rotor, floating, hub – mounted (f) Solid uniform expansion rotor (r)
Wheels & Tyres: Aluminium cast in Satin Black. Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series Bias Blackwall tyres, 100/90-19 57H (f) 150/80B16 77H (r)


Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1545mm
Seat height: 705mm
Ground clearance: 110mm
Overall Length: 2250mm


Instruments: 4-inch viewable round gauge area analogue display


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