2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster Review

Harley-Davidson is the name of the heritage and is known for the finest old-school motorcycles. This brand shapes the American motorcycling scene and is known for its superior cruiser designs. Harley-Davidson motorbikes are unique in every sense.

You may not agree, but for most Americans, Harley-Davidson makes the most stylish motorcycles with addictive sounds. Among the most popular Harley series and models, the Sportster series has always proved to be the game changer.

Harley-Davidson Sportsters is among the motorcycles that sell the highest. They revolutionized the cruiser market by introducing a sportier stance in the cruiser segment. The popularity of Sportster models reached further heights when the Nighster appeared on the motorcycling scene.

Continue reading this article to learn more about the 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster  Nightster's specs, performance, and look.

Out of several Sportster models, the H-D Sportster Nighster is highly unique. It was first introduced in 2007 as the H-D Sportster Nightsrer XL1200N. The bike was powered by a 1200 cc air-cooled Evolution engine.

The bike was capable of producing a torque of 107.1 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It was among the best-performing models of the 2010s thanks to its sportier stance. It was very unique and deviating from the traditional Harley styling.

Above all, the Harley enthusiasts welcomed the changes and new styling. The H-D Sporster 1200 Nightster had a minimalistic design with a slim solo rider seat, a high-mounted slim gas tank, and several other bobber elements.

Towards the front, there was a lightweight bobber-style front fender. The front forks had a long-stroke design but were quite slim in width. However, they had fork gaiters for aesthetics.

The H-D 1200 Nightster was also renowned for its low seat height of 25.7 inches, making it easily accessible to most riders. After careful consideration, it was discontinued in 2012 to promote the Sportster Iron models.

The H-D Sportster Iron 883 , which is among the most popular and high-selling H-D bikes, was inspired by the Nightster. It was a smaller-displacement variant of the Nighster 1200. Both bikes had almost similar aesthetics and riding styles.

The Harley Nighstster 1200 was a trendsetter in the Harley lineup as it paved the way for modern Sportster models.

The H-D Nighster was brought back to the Harley lineup in 2022 due to its popularity and demand. This bike now features a 975 cc liquid-cooled Revolution® Max 975T engine. It is a Sportster from its soul and character.

Those missing the H-D Sportster Iron 883 and Iron 1200 after discontinuation have a perfect replacement in the shape of the H-D Nighster. It is not only among the most beginner-friendly Harley in the current H-D lineup, but it is also one of the most inexpensive modern Harley motorbikes.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster is the lightest yet one of the most attractive H-D bikes. Though the Sportster S is also in the sports cruiser category, it is more of a performance cruiser. Meanwhile, the H-D Nighster is an authentic Harley bike with several traditional styling elements.

However, the 2024 Nightster has a liquid-cooled engine and a blacked-out finish. It is ideally designed for those looking for a sportier stance. This bike has a solo rider seat, as you would find on almost every Sportster model.

The front end has a bobber-style light front fender. The rear fender is also light and chopped to ensure a full view of the rear tire.

The gas tank is also very small and has a gas-carrying capacity of 3.1 gal. It still looks attractive and is integrated perfectly on top of the frame. The gas tank beautifully rests on the frame, with the rods visible outside.

The engine parts and machinery are completely exposed and visible from the outside. Not to forget, the Revolution® Max engines are among the most attractive and innovatively designed powerplants with a dull gray finish.

The 2024 H-D Sportster Nighster also features a low-mounted, almost flat handlebar with bar-end round-shaped side mirrors. There is also a small round-shaped analog instrument panel mounted to the handlebar.

The 2024 Nightster also features lightweight and stylish seven-spoke blacked-out wheels. The front wheel is 19 inches in size, and the rear one is 16 inches in size, ensuring a lower stance.

Overall, the 2024 H-D Nightster is one of the coolest-looking lightweight and beginner-friendly Harley motorcycles. The dark theme and the overall slim silhouette make it one of a kind.

The one thing that will make you feel different from the rest of the previous-gen Sportster and other traditional Harley V-Twin-powered motorbikes is the latest liquid-cooled technology. The liquid-cooled technology has brought a lot of difference in the engine’s vibe and character.

You may not get the traditional Harley vibe with the Revolution® Max 975T engine. However, it ensures a refined power delivery and is also very quiet. The previous Sportster models feel more torquey to ride. Meanwhile, the 2024 Nightster ensures smoothness.

The current Sportster Nightster also complies with the current emission regulations in most parts of the world, thanks to the liquid-cooled technology. The 59.5 cu in (975 cc) Revolution® Max 975T engine produces a peak horsepower of 91 hp and a torque of 97.62 Nm. The engine can also deliver a great low to mid-range grunt for a more exciting performance

For most Harley enthusiasts, getting used to the liquid-cooled engines on Harleys will take time. The sound and grunt of the air-cooled Harley engines will be missed, but the company must keep up with modern trends.

The liquid cooling and the large radiator behind the front wheel keep the engine cooler. This results in better power delivery and is ideal for riding in stop-and-go traffic.

The power and torque figures may not be too high, but they are more than enough for most riding conditions. You can use the 2024 H-D Nightster for city traveling, daily commuting, highway cruising, and riding in heavy traffic. The 975 cc engine will not disappoint you.

The 2024 Nighster is not only designed with beginners and intermediate riders in mind. You can hop on this bike and enjoy riding it, no matter how experienced.

The 2024 Nightster has a predictable nature when it comes to handling this bike. Due to being light and slim, it feels pretty nimble. You can comfortably change the direction of this bike without worrying about dropping it.

The 2024 H-D Nightster also feels stable and upright on the road due to being lower to the ground. The weight of this bike is also centered low, which improves stability.

Cornering is also much easier with this bike. Some riders may suspect its cornering capability due to being quite low to the ground. The 2024 Nightster only has a ground clearance of 4.5 inches, which is quite low. However, it is still reasonable in the cruiser category.

Despite low ground clearance, the H-D Sportster Nightster offers a lean angle of 32° on either side. You can also swerve the bike easily even if you don’t have expert-level skills.

Nonetheless, you must consider the low ground clearance to corner a sharp turn, as you may scrap the pegs. It is better to slow down a bit if you are entering a sharp turn.

Being a Sportster, the 2024 H-D Nightster is marketed as a sports cruiser. However, as you sit on it and ride this bike, it does not feel uncomfortable. The ergonomics are more on the comfortable side.

The 2024 Nightster has a seat height of 27.1 inches, which makes it easily approachable to most riders. You can easily balance this bike on both your feet when parked or stopped at a traffic signal.

The foot controls are not purely mid-mounted. It is decently forward, considering the seat position. Most mid-mounted foot controls are installed below the seat level, which restricts the legroom.

The 2024 Nightster’s handlebars are low-mounted and relatively flat, as you would find on most cruisers. To have a bit of bend in the elbows for turning, you must lean a bit forward.

Nonetheless, it is not too sporty to make riding uncomfortable after a while. You can manage to keep your back upright and straight.

The low weight of this bike also makes it one of the easiest Harley-Davidson motorcycles to ride

The 2024 Nightster’s suspension technology is neither too basic nor too extraordinary. It does what you can expect from a bike that comes at $11,999.

The front forks are non-adjustable 41 mm Showa dual bending valve with 4.5 inches of wheel travel. Towards the rear, this bike has dual external shocks with preload adjustability and only 3 inches of wheel travel.

Considering the suspension technology, it is only good for riding on the paved road. It can take only small bumps and road imperfections without making riders uncomfortable.

However, you will feel the pain traveling through your spine if you hit a noticeable bump or pothole while riding this bike. You must expect this from a motorbike with low seat height and ground clearance.

The 2024 H-D Nighster fuel tank looks pretty decent and is also made of metal. However, it is not a real gas tank. It is the air box cover.

The gas tank is installed under the seat. To refuel, you must remove the seat using the bike’s key, and there you will find the tank cap.

It may be disadvantageous in situations when you are in a hurry and require refueling. It may seem a bit inconvenient to get off the bike first and remove the seat first to refuel. However, placing the gas tank under the seat also has certain benefits.

The placement of the fuel’s weights is centered low, ensuring a low center of gravity. It makes the Nightster feel planted and stable on the road while turning corners.

Another prominent quality of the 2024 H-D Sportster Nighster is its low weight. This bike feels extremely lightweight, with only 209.56 kg dry weight and 218.18 kg wet weight. It is quite light compared to previous H-D Sportster models that weighed around 250 kg.

The low wet weight allows for better handling, maneuverability, and cornering. Also, this bike is easier to stop due to being lighter than almost every Harley-Davidson model.

Despite being more powerful, the 2024 H-D Nightster is lighter than the H-D Sportster Iron 883.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Nighster is the cheapest model in the Harley lineup. If you are new to motorcycling and want to experience riding a true American cruiser, the H-D Sportster Nighster is a good option. The base 2024 Nightster will only cost you $11,999.

The Nightster’s price has surprisingly gone down in 2024. You can buy the 2024 Nighster Special variant for $13,499. In 2023, you could only buy the base variant at this price.

This is probably because Harley wants to sell more Nighsters. It is good to see Harley-Davidson motorcycle prices going down so they can become more accessible to riders.

Talking about the value for the money, the 2024 H-D Nighster is a great overall package. It looks like an original Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a water-cooled engine.

The price of this bike may seem less affordable to new riders compared to other small-displacement metric cruisers or used bikes. However, considering it is a Harley-Davidson, it is the cheapest bike in the H-D lineup.

Good to have a little ride customizability on a basic Harley model. The 2024 H-D Nighster features a ride-by-wire throttle, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The ride-by-wire system provides three different ride modes, including:

• Road

• Rain

• Sport

It will take a little time to get used to the different ride modes and how the Nightster behaves. The strange thing about the different ride modes is that they all feel pretty distinctive. How this bike delivers power and reacts to the throttle completely changes as you switch to a particular ride mode, particularly rain mode.

However, at the same time, it is good to have a distinctive feel every time you switch to a new mode. It is recommended that you get used to the three ride modes by riding on an open or less busy road.

You also have ABS and traction control on the 2024 H-D Nightster for better and safer performance.

The Harley Nightster is an excellent beginner bike due to being light, easy to ride, and stable. It is also a reasonably comfortable sports cruiser. The seat height is also on the lower side.

If you have previously ridden the H-D Sportster models, you will also find a considerable increase in the power. This bike is beginner-friendly, and it is fun to ride.

Above all, you can buy the 2024 H-D Nighster at an affordable price of $11,999.

The H-D Nightster and Nightster Special are almost similar bikes with the same power plant, frame, and design. A few special items are installed on the Nightster Special, making it unique from the base model.

The 2024 H-D Nightster Special features:

• A passenger seat and footrests for two-up riding.

• More stylish wheels.

• A headlight cowl.

• A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

• Two additional rider customizable ride modes other than Rain, Road, and Sport.

• A 4-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity.

• USB-C charging port.

• Side-mounted license plate holder.

• A bit taller handlebars with five-inch risers.

The Harley Nightster has a water-cooled engine, which may be a downside for most Harley enthusiasts. Most Harley fans love the classic vibe and sound that the air-cooled V-Twin produces. However, the water-cooled engine is way better in terms of performance, refinement, and smoothness. It is a great upgrade on the modern H-D Nightster.

Also, performance-wise, the water-cooling Revolution Max engine is superior to the air-cooled engine. It keeps the engine cool and manages heat perfectly.

The H-D Nighster is recorded to attain a top speed of 120 mph, which is exceptional considering the bike type.

It may be referred to as a beginner bike; however, it is quick, particularly if you are riding in the Sport Mode. The throttle response is smooth and quick, making the rides very responsive.

The H-D Nightster feels more agile due to being lighter than old Sportster models. Also, it produces way more horsepower than the Sportster Iron 883.

If you prefer the feel and sound of the traditional Harley cruisers or Sportster models, the H-D Nightster may not be for you. The sound may not be as addictive and throaty as the traditional air-cooled Harley V-Twin engines make.

The torque delivery also may not be spot on for many riders who have ridden the traditional Harley with an air-cooled engine.

However, considering the performance, the 2024 H-D Nightster is a perfect bike for most riders, including beginners, intermediate, and even experts. The 975 cc Revolution Max engine is smooth and performs much better than the H-D Evo Sportster with the air-cooled Evolution engine.

The throttle response and pick-up may not intimidate you if you are riding in the Rain Mode. However, as soon as you shift to the Sport Mode, the ride becomes super thrilling. This bike's throttle response and acceleration are perfect without compromising ride quality and smoothness.

The water-cooled technology is among Harley's top upgrades in recent years. There may be less acceptance for water-cooled Revolution Max V-Twin engines on Sportster models, but this is the way forward.

The 2024 H-D Sportster Nightster is more than a beginner bike. It performs and handles extremely well. It is also a great deal, available at only $11,999. Despite being the cheapest modern Harley, the 2024 Nightster doesn’t compromise on the quality of parts.