Harley-Davidson Nightster | First Look

Overnight Harley-Davidson dropped a new bike in the Sportster family, the Nightster.
Utilising the Revmax engine as seen in the Sportster S and the Pan America, However this new version is a smaller capacity 975cc, and is dubbed the Revolution Max 975T. This a liquid-cooled 60-degree V-Twin, apparently with a torque curve that stays flat throughout the powerband. with peak torque of 95NM at 5000 rpm, and a compression radio of 12:1

Heres the press release:
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. This all-new motorcycle combines a classic Sportster model silhouette with the on demand performance of the new Revolution® Max 975T powertrain and a host of  contemporary electronic rider aids and features. The 2022 Nightster model redefines the  Sportster motorcycle experience for a new generation of riders.

“The Nightster is an instrument of expression and exploration, underpinned by performance”  said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “By building on the 65-year  Sportster legacy, the Nightster provides a canvas for creativity and personalisation, offering the  ultimate platform for customisation and expression for new and existing riders.”

New Revolution® Max 975T Powertrain

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. 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 dual overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Timing phasing on the intake valves  are designed to match the performance of this engine.

Revolution® Max 975T Engine Specs

• Displacement 975cc
• 90 HP (67 kW) @7500 RPM
• 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm) peak torque @ 5000 RPM
• 97mm bore x 66mm stroke
• Compression Ratio 12:1

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. The balancers are tuned to retain just enough  vibration to make the motorcycle feel alive.

Powerful Agility

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

The Revolution® Max 975T powertrain is the central, structural component of the Nightster™  motorcycle 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.

Rider Safety Enhancements

The Nightster model is equipped with Rider Safety Enhancements* by Harley-Davidson, a  collection of technologies designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction  during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The systems are electronic and utilise the latest  chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. Its three elements are:

• Antilock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock.
• Traction Control System (TCS) is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. TCS can improve rider confidence when available traction is compromised by wet weather, an unanticipated change in the surface, or when riding on an unpaved road. 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) is 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.

Selectable Ride Modes

The Nightster model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance  characteristics of the motorcycle, 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 the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions. A unique icon for  each mode appears on the instrument display when that mode has been selected.

• Road Mode is 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 is 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.

The Nightster™ model features a round 4.0-inch-diameter analogue speedometer with an inset  multi-function LCD display mounted on the handlebar riser. 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 produce a homogenous  spread of light, eliminating distracting hot spots.

Fresh Design Based on Classic Form

All-new from the wheels up with a look that is lean, low, and powerful, the Nightster model  conveys classic Sportster model styling cues, most obviously in the exposed rear shock  absorbers and the shape of an airbox cover that evokes the iconic Sportster walnut fuel tank.  The round air intake cover, solo seat, chopped fenders and speed screen recall elements of  recent Sportster models, while a side cover that conceals the under-seat fuel tank has a shape  similar to the previous Sportster oil 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. A cover below the radiator conceals the battery and helps  the radiator appear less prominent. The wheel finish is Satin Black. 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 motorcycle, designed to enhance fit, comfort and style.

The Nightster model arrives at authorised Harley-Davidson® dealerships globally beginning in  April 2022. The Australian Ride Away Price is $23,995 (Vivid Black) and $24,300 (colour options).  The New Zealand Ride Away Price is $25,495 (Vivid Black) and $26,330 (colour options).