I got a HARLEY!

[jcp123]

It finally came in, two weeks early, I picked her up on Aug. 7th from Texan Harley-Davidson in Conroe, TX. For those who don't know, the Nightster is built on Harley's underappreciated Sportster line, specifically the XL 1200 Low from which the low suspension is borrowed. The design is to mimic that of flat-track racing Harleys of the '50's. It has an air/oil cooled 1203cc, 73 c.i Evolution OHV V-twin that churns out a claimed 79 lb-ft of torque @ 4000rpm, a 5-speed transmission, and belt drive. It rides very roughly, but has a wonderfully light feel to it with a rev-loving engine that you wouldn't expect from a Harley. It's not a bike that responds well to being ridden casually; shifting is not optional, and it loves to be tossed into a turn. Economy so far is pretty good, though it's still getting broken in, so it'll pick up as the internals loosen up. The EFI is a much more sophisitcated setup than others I've seen, actually incorporating O2 sensors, and the exhaust smells like it's got catalysts. The best part is that it seems to be made for smaller riders like me (5'8"), it's very intuitive to ride. My only gripe is that the tank is too small (3.3 gal) and the light comes on after you've used only two gallons.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my favourite pics from the ride:




(yes, that's me starring as Smilin' Bob)

[charged]

Nice bike mate... why are you holding up the gas station personally I would go with a decent full face helmet .. open face helmets are cool but a busted face or death if you throw it down the road is a high price to pay for looking cool


I know what you mean about short legs and high seat heights. Ive always had motorcross bikes and can barley touch with 1 leg on tippy toes.


Congrats mate on the bike

[jcp123]

I had a full-face as my first helment, because I'm with you - safety is prime on these things. But it just got really ungainly. I felt closed in by the sides and it made checking over my shoulder for a lane change really hard.

But thanks for the kind words I love it. Or at least, the honeymoon phase hasn't ended yet

[2ndclasscitizen]

Originally Posted by jcp123

the XL 1200 Low from which the low suspension is borrowed.

Why would you get low suspension on a bike with ground clearance issues already?

[scottie300z]

Cruuuuuuuuuise like it's 1952.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by 2ndclasscitizen

Why would you get low suspension on a bike with ground clearance issues already?

Aww, don't all rain on my parade! Regular Sportsters sit up high anyway, they look like a 4x4 next to any other Harley. I have at least as much lean angle as I did on my Honda Shadow Sabre.

[coolieman1220]

it looks mad old school but very nice! now make it really loud and obnoxious!

[Ferrer]

I love Harley's sound.

Congratulations, enjoy it.

[LeonOfTheDead]

wow, I like it, eve if my favorite Harley was the Night Train
I enjoyed motorcycles until a crush with my Gilera almost four years ago, almost broken my neck, and in a way my love for a two wheels simply fade out...
obviously, full face helmet ftw

[BOBSKAT]

good look'n bike...hope that chain stays out of the belt...

[NSXType-R]

Very cool. Stay safe and enjoy!

[whiteballz]

Awesome bike. Enjoy it!

[Kultag]

Cool exhausts.

Btw., what's the top speed of a Harley (not specifically your one, generally?)

[f6fhellcat13]

Nice bike. You should get some fin exhausts

do they just change the sound or do exhausts like these affect performance as weel?

[LeonOfTheDead]

Originally Posted by f6fhellcat13

Nice bike. You should get some fin exhausts

do they just change the sound or do exhausts like these affect performance as weel?

not on such engines
the improving factor is due to the design of the exhaust line itself allowing a better efflux of the exhausted charge, which isn't always a good thing, it depends on the engine and its settings. the final shape of the exhaust pipe is irrelevant from an engine efficiency point of view. see the fake exhausts present on almost all sport cars out there.