I have a 23 Nightster Special, and I love it so far, mine is very modified, s&s muffler is truly awesome, I've added viking bags Saddlebags and Trunk, added the reach handlebars and seat, changed the shifter peg for 1 that extends out further, highway bars, plus a ton of orange cues, the difference is amazing and I get compliments everywhere I go on it
@TheMotoJawn there's a button to switch modes, I am still in the break-in period, haven't used sports mode yet, but, at idle I've switched through all the modes without a problem
@@TheMotoJawn I live far northeast Philly, am 59 and kind of a new rider, usually only get out when I have other riders with me and wouldn't try to ride into the city.
I bought a Nightster S last month and I've been riding it non stop since. I'm having a blast on mine but it's my first bike. One of the things that I like about the bike is that it's not your typical Harley. Maybe I don't want to fit in with a typical Harley crowd wearing overpriced t-shirts and calling everybody brother.😅
I just got my Nightster S, coming from an iron 1200. The nightater is far superior in every single way with sound opinions being subjective. Power, suspension that doesn't bottom out over a sewer grate, navi, cruise control, LED lighting all around, rides far smoother and faster around any corner, better milage, no more worrys when fueling ( scratches or gas all over paint or boiling hot air cooled engine....on and on i could go.
I have a 23 an Love it, I have back problems so I needed something light weight and this fits the bill perfectly. When you put it in “Sport” mode it comes alive. It’s like a totally different bike. This is also my very first Harley, and so far I’m impressed by it. The overall seating position fits my back an me perfectly. The only thing I don’t like is the sound, it’s way to quiet to be a Harley. S&S makes a slip on muffler but it’s currently on back order.
I'm in a similar situation, my knees are screwed so I needed something lighter. I love it, it's so well balanced. My only niggles would be the hard suspension and the exhaust note.
Good video. I have a '22, put 2100 miles on it so far, and love it! Most people that don't like it haven't ridden it. I have ridden the 48, Sportster S and an xr1200 Sportster before I settled on this. This bike makes almost 50 lb/ft @ 3k, which is more than most bikes make in their whole range. You don't need to rev it high to have fun. I ride like a hooligan, so a regular Harley won't do for me, as they scrape too soon. Plus, I found a lot of the traditional Harley heritage vibe I get when at the dealer to be a bit too exclusive. I put an S&S exhaust on it, and it snarls. I don't like the loudness of most H-D, anyway. If the Motor Company shaved $3K off the price, more people would give it a chance. It definitely is not for the Harley apologist, as it actually leans into the tech side of refinement. Ride safe.
I waited for this bike for 2 years and when it came out I was like “That’s too freaking much!” I went ahead with the Low Rider S instead because I figured that if I’m spending $15k+ anyway, I’ll just get the Big Twin Harley I always wanted. I do still want to check this bike out. It’s just too expensive for the smallest bike in the lineup. Imo.
I love the typical Harley, but I liked so much this Nightster 975, and I thought a lot of people especially young riders would have been attracted by this bike, but since it came into the market the first thing that I said was "No, really, they did it again, it's waay too expensive and it's not worth that price", after 2 years is even more expensive, and it's a total disappointment for a bike that would be really interesting, and actually a perfect second bike to be accompanied to the typical Harley, but objectively it's too expensive.
Absolutely love my Nightster Special I've owned it for close to a year (be a year around April). Only complaints I have are I wish It had more fuel range and there were more parts out there for it particularly stuff like saddlebags and stuff like that since I daily ride/commute on it.
I took a Nightster for a test drive today. I could say a lot that I love or like. Not a deal breaker but it sits a little lower than I would like. Bottom line is that I couldn't keep my right leg from touching the tail pipe which I believe would have left a first degree burn if I drove it for an hour. Even close to the pipe it is quite hot.
I bought the 2023 RH975 Nightster on June 28, 2024. It is my first Harley after having sport bikes most my life. I have to say I Love this bike. I'm sure it's not for everyone but it is a Great Ride and really well balanced. To the nay sayers I will simply say......have you ridin one??? I'm waiting!!
Great review nicely done. Completely agree with you that it’s not for everyone…..but in my honest opinion, it is the direction that Harley needs to go to attract the newer riders. Also, The RevMax engine is very mechanical sounding and not for everyone. There is a lot going on under there hence all the clicking and clacking noise that you can hear (especially on startup). I believe from the bottom of my heart, every dealership that wants to sell these bikes, needs to pull the stock pipe off of them AS SOON as they uncrate them, and put an aftermarket system on. The RevMax engine sounds AMAZING with a TBR or S&S kit on it….kind of a cross between a Ducati and a KTM…then they will sell.
I owned a 2022 Nightster. I come from a sport bike background of motorcycles. I really liked the styling and performance of the Nightster but I had numerous problems since day one-check engine warning lights, no start issues, defective handlebar welds and a fuel pump which imploded at 15,000 miles. Harley Davidson fixed all of these problems but I no longer felt any confidence in the bike. My local Dealership and Harley Davidson agreed to buy the bike back and sell me my bike of choice at cost. I purchased a 2023 Street Bob because it is a simple bike without any excessive electronic features to breakdown. I watch a lot of RU-vid videos and many people are selling their bike that has this engine because of similar problems. My local Dealership says they are not selling the Nightster as people want the traditional Harley Davidson bike. If Harley Davidson can correct the problems with the Nightster I believe it will be a good selling bike for the younger generation looking for the sport bike performance.
I just bought the Nightster S in Denim Black. BIKE VERY FAST! Modern tech, lightweight, maneuverable, great brakes and suspension. CRUISE CONTROL…Bluetooth, USB -C. Charging jack. Pocket fob to start bike. ….no key. Back up digital code if your fob dies…..Exhaust Sound….meh.. maybe a loud pipe can change that. Need to map the throttle to your taste to improve take off in sport mode. Great bike
I love the look, the new engine, more power, all good things imo. The price is just too high for the smallest bike in the lineup. $15k MSRP + fees+ stealership fees=??? $17k $18k. It’s too much unless it just rips!! Honestly, I would just get the rebel 11oo if I was getting a modern sportster bike. Just as much power and costs far less.
@codymetz8689 they had to drop the price and stop adding so many fees just to sell these bikes. They started like all Harleys, way overpriced. Then, when no one was buying the bike, they spent years developing and millions of R&D on, they started dropping the price just to move some of these bikes. I doubt it's going to work, though? Idk, something about it that just turns me off. Even with the drastic price reduction, I still don't want one.
I’ve been riding my Girlfriends 24 special, inside an EVO bagger typically. As far as the special it’s very fun to ride. power comes on smooth, and 91 horse in a 480lb sportster is all you need. Super quiet , display screen easy to read. Have ridden her on the back. The special is a lot better than the typical nightster, the wheels , tank badge , look great. Ungodly quiet, super light lever feel, runs strong as hell, the suspension works great , forks a little lightly spring for a heavier guy, rear shocks perfect out of the box. It pulls for days , GreatBike to ride.
This is my first bike. I put 2500k miles on it this season. I thoroughly enjoy this bike i get a lot of compliments. I enjoy it in sport mode. It great overall bike. The problem with this bike is the price. As much as anyone can say this is a beginner bike the only problem is the price. The price make it unappealing. I took out the low rider st for a test run. I notice one thing that was a major difference between both bike beside all the spec and it a different platform. It the giggle factor. I was laughing and enjoying myself more on the low rider st then i did on my nightster. Now, i plan on trading my nightster in for a low rider st.
They should've made the Bronx instead of trying to compete with Indian Scout. As long as Rebel 1100 exists, HD won't sell many of these. Not at anywhere near MSRP anyway. And no, I haven't seen any out and about. My local dealer had 2 of these.. at the beginning of May. Both still there. EVO Sportster has "heritage", loads of aftermarket trinkets and somewhat sane price point. This one has neither. And MSRP rivals liter hyper-nakeds.. Which are way more "hooligan" :)
I agree 100 with everything you said. For the $$$ you can have some legitimate hooligan fun and for thousands less the rebel 11oo scratches this itch. And give us the Bronx already!
I have a 2022 Nightster and love it! It maybe a bit of a slow seller. Mine was listed for 12K and I got it for $5799 when I traded my 2015 Street 500 to the HD dealer. Obviously, they were motivated to move it.
Some things to note about this test ride and maybe its because it was a dealer bike and you didn't want to beat on it too much but 1) you have to ride it in sport mode 2) it makes peak horsepower of 91hp at 7500 RPM and I I kept seeing you shift way too early 3) like a lot of harleys you gotta put an aftermarket exhaust on them. The lowrider s sounds like a sewing machine stock but once its opened up it sounds crazy. These nightsters won't ever give you that evo sound or feel but they do have a pretty cool sound with a full system on them. This bike has the same problem the vrod has. They are well refined machines. Harleys have always been known for the 4000cc 22hp lawn mower engines and this aint that. Its not going to satisfy a buyer looking for a more classic harley. But if you want to see what the next generation of harleys are going to look like, the nightster is your look to the future.
Still no aftermarket for this bike at all. That says it all. The Special has awesome slew of nice standard options from cruise control, usb port, abs, traction control, torque slip control, infotainment, ride modes and custom modes on a $13.5k bike new in 2024 and is only 481 lbs wet and the power is not bad especially for the weight. Im just so conflicted on this bike though. I like so much about it like I listed but I really dislike alot about the styling and no aftermarket support and ive just personally grown out of Sportsters and seek confort more now. This bike should be very appealing to younger and newer riders but I think the pricepoint is still a problem even though you do get quite alot with this bike so I kinda understand why it can't be $10k but I think $12.5k for Special from the start would've launched this bike much better.
It feels like something that Kawasaki might make, maybe a Vulcan S 975 prototype. The liquid cooling is a nice change (similar to the Indian Challenger) but I think it revs too high and the engine looks terrible & plasticky. They should release a Sport line-up which includes this & the Sportster S and then re-release the old Sportsters as part of the Street line-up alongside the Street Rod and their new 400cc model.
@@TheMotoJawn If I had to name it, I'd say that it's missing the uniqueness of being a Sportster. When I bought mine I knew exactly what I wanted and exactly what I was getting. And I wasn't disappointed. The Nightster...meh. What are you supposed to expect from it?
@@TheMotoJawn I think it's because it's not special in any particular way. It's not as fast as a 975cc sport bike, doesn't sound as good as one and isn't particularly more comfortable than a 975cc naked. It's the whole sport tourer thing again. 50% sporty, 50% tourer, 100% incomplete.
I have this bike and love it...looks like you were stuck in road mode the whole time (the icon looked orange)...Sport mode is red with an S in the middle...too bad you couldn't get it into sport mode...makes a HUGE difference.
@@TheMotoJawn yeah exactly! You were doing everything right! Looks like the bike you were on had a glitch. I will say, on the other end of the spectrum, when I get stuck in the rain, going to rain mode makes me feel better because it cuts a lot of power and the throttle isn't as touchy.
Haven’t ridden one, but I have sat on a few. It feels EXACTLY like my Vulcan 900 Custom when in the saddle. Which for me is a good thing. I loved that bike. Other than on the freeway at 70-75+. I might be in the market for one of these as a daily commuter.
You couldn't switch modes because there is a setting in the software allowing to set which modes are available to be cycled through. Rain, road, sport and two custom modes. From the dealer, sport mode wasn't turned on on mine and no custom set. But you can disable any of them, presumably you have to leave one. To me appeared you were in road mode the other modes were likely disabled.
Let’s not forget all the no start issues on the bike. I joined a nightster form to see what people where saying, and many users complained about the bike dying after a few 100 miles.
I want one but the price doesn't make sense when you cam pretty much get a Softail for same price. I do want the 2024 Special in that flat grey. Slap on a black TBR exhaust (shaves 15 lbs off too), road warrior fairing 11-13 inch shield, blacked out lenses and reflectors and idk about the handlebars, still conflicted on what bars to put on it. I want a little higher but feel the mini apes don't look quite right on it so maybe just larger Risers with the stock bars or 10 inch T-bars.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe majority of motorcycle owners end up modifying their bikes, so I don't see what the big fuss is about. You can change out the exhaust on the 975 for a more aggressive sound. Personally, I don't like all of the loud growling noise. I do need to hear beyond riding a motorcycle.
I think we don't see to many of the new sportsters because of the price of them, you can get a new softail standard/streetbob or buy sportster 883/1200 and do a stage 4 kit.
I trade my street bob for the nightster S about 4 month ago 🤦🏼♀️. I like the look I and how it feels when riding it but I agreed with you the sounds not liking hopefully when I change my exhaust I’ll have a different opinion . I kind of miss my street bob sound 😩
I have an Iron 883 2017 evolution and I tried to like the new versions but I couldn’t bond with it, less petrol, under seat is a fail, the plastic and the battery behind the radiator is a fail, lack of character and the messy design on the non look side. I have a bit of an issue with how the original evolution design was dropped like the Dyna line and replaced with something not as good and twice the price. If I wanted a Honda rebel 1100 I would have bought it. Just my thoughts though.
It looks too much like a metric bike and if you try to kit it out like any other Harley it would just look even more ridiculous. Plus the leaf blower exhaust and the afterthought coolant reservoir makes it look kind of hilarious to me. I can't speak to the performance and I'm sure it's a ripper but they just bombed with the aesthetics in my opinion.
Yeah I think it was road mode. For some reason I couldn't get it into sport mode. I though it let off the throttle, hit the mode button to change it. But it wasn't changing
I bought the 2022 brand new off the truck. Haven’t even put 2,000 miles on it and it’s again in the shop for the 5th time. Not a reliable bike cuts off in traffic and won’t start multiple times. They had to update the software at one point . This bike is trash and Harley won’t take it back or give me a good deal on another bike. I’m taking a lost but definitely going back to a sports bike.
hard to see, but it does look like you were in road mode the entire time. I feel like switching into sport mode makes people change their tune a bit. But, we do all hate the exhuast note, that's not just a "you" thing for sure.
Yeah it was road mode. For some reason couldn't find sport mode. I let of the throttle then hit the mode button but nothing happened. Thought that was the way it was changed
@@TheMotoJawn the difference is more than you'd think and actually makes most of us need to buy a new sear for fear of sliding off the back. A good excuse for another ride 😄 But, your 1200 will definitely hold a more long term place in history than this bike.
Wow I have had 2 883 Iron's and loved them but they do not compare to my 2023 Nightser Special . I removed the cat and fitted a S&S Muffler has run 11.98 on the1/4 mile . Not a slow bike ,have done plenty of big miles on it far easier than an old Sportster . Also ride a 2019 Softail Slim with some work done to it . I prefer riding the Nightster Special . Very few been sold in Australia . Harley Davidson do not push them here .
The biggest complaint I hear is the non Harley feel. The design is more for handling and balance. If you want to see them in the wild try bike night lol
@@TheMotoJawn…I think that’s why you didn’t get the full power of this new motor. All the videos I’ve watched say that Road Mode is much less responsive than Sport Mode…it “might” have been locked out by the dealer or maybe in neutral/clutch in to change the mode?
It's a cool looking bike but I think what turns people off to it is all that plastic and that 975cc. I personally haven't seen one out anywhere either.
@@TheMotoJawn. It has power everywhere. Torquey down low and still screams up top. I had a sportster 1200…. No comparison whatsoever in power department in any range. I can accelerate in any gear above 15mph
I'm not going to criticize the new bike or its design and features, because Washington DC dictates how to build motor vehicles. That said... If you owned a metric cruiser you'd be right at home on the 975. The sound, the feel, the gadgets, are right out of the metric cruiser playbook. Everyone makes a great deal out of how much a motorcycle weighs. After getting sucked into the vacuum of a passing tractor-trailer on a Honda CB450 on the Ohio Turnpike at 70 and being helpless to do anything but go with the flow I learned that lightweight bikes belong on the racetrack, not the Interstate. Could I see myself putting 50,000 miles in three years on the 975 like I did on the 2005 1200 Roadster? There were a lot of Interstate miles in that total. Could the bike hold up? I got 15K miles from the OEM rear tire and 25K from the front tire. My riding style was simple: gas (2 gallons) and Gatorade every 2 hours (120 miles plus or minus). Does the 975 have 600 mile days in its DNA? Riding in the city. Those bar-end mirrors are no good for close quarter riding. They have to go up or down but definitely inside of the bar ends. Turn the license plate sideways too. Anything you can do to reduce the bike's width will help, especially in states where lane splitting is legal. Harley had to do something because of ever-tightening worldwide emissions requirements. The air cooled motors won't work so the new motors are the result. Can you get used to it? Sure. It's just not what we've had since 1957, but it's still two wheels and an engine. And that's all we've ever needed
That engine sound with the stock exhaust is lame. I'm rarely one for aftermarket exhaust, but sounds like this one needs it. And yeah, I've only ever seen *ONE* Nightster on the road since it was launched. Someone turning into the North Wales Wawa. Also only once saw a Sportster S on the road, in New Hope, though I also actually know a guy that bought a Sportster S as his first bike getting back into riding after years. My biggest gripes with the Nightster are still the price and the hideous mess on the left side. Seems like it'd be great to ride, though.
I've seen one Nightster out in the wild. I don't think it was the special. But I think the right side of bike looks really good. But the left side looks like garbage. I think Indian and Victory did a much better job on Scout and Octane as far as symmetry goes. But I do think liquid cooled OHC is the future. They're not "traditional" but that's fine by me.
Majority of the people whom I've heard complain about this bike admitted to being use to riding their bike for a while and then test driving this one. That's like someone eating steak majority of the time and having fish for the very first time. Of course it's not going to taste the same. This is not necessarily an indictment on the 975 motorcycle.
It's overpriced. You can get the Sportster S for $1400 more than the "special" or $2900 more than the base 975. You get SO MUCH MORE for the money getting the S. The only people the 975 is going to appeal to are those who are scraping together every penny they can for a down payment on ANYTHING with a HD badge that they can say is brand new from the dealer. Anyone with just a little more money or credit is going to get the 1250.
Passenger use. I also was very turned off by the bobber tire up front on the s and the forward controls. I don't mind forward controls, but I wanted mid. What sealed the deal was needing a back seat for the backpack, absolute necessity. This is a 3rd bike, really only filling the small bike gap. I might wonder if I would have been better suited with something else in the lineup but I stopped worrying about that soon as the 1k service came up and all I had to do was the usual filter and oil change, no funky 3 hole service or the like. Hydraulic valve lash also is a plus. Change the oil and ride it, very metric. Tell you what though.. the stock exhaust note is just pitiful. They could have gotten a little more noise out of it and been compliant. The S&S makes it sound much much better.
I have the 2022 nightster (rh975) great bike .. first Harley , but coming from a stunt street bike it’s great . The 3 modes are noticeably different. But over all very fun bike . I will be doing a stunt build on my nightster check my page out and follow the nightster stunt build 🏍️‼️
That's what happens when millennials influence the design. They've forgotten what the Sportster's appeal was. No one wants the new bike, it's butt-ass ugly and doesn't look or feel like a "Harley".
Not many people buying them and the ones that do are constantly in the shop being repaired. Electrical gremlins. What a joke , not just Harley but nothing new is good anymore
