When opportunity knocks, you grab the handlebar, and if that handlebar is of the just launched 2023 Nightster from Harley-Davidson in Bangkok, then surely you grab it tight. The Nightster has been one of the most sought-after motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, known for its distinctive styling and powerful performance. The 2023 Nightster comes with a number of upgrades and enhancements that promise to make it even more thrilling to ride. But let’s get a bit philosophical.
Night denotes darkness. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong if we say that they’re synonymous. The night is considered to be the harbinger of dark thoughts and practices, straying far away from the positive light. But not everything is negative about the night because if you think about it, the darkest of nights often lead to gorgeous sunrises. Such is the case with the Harley-Davidson Nightster as well. It is the third modern-age Harley and builds on the company’s revered Sportster lineage. It is among that current crop of Harleys which are pulling the company out of the slump it found itself in a few years ago. While the Pan America 1250 was a huge departure from the traditional Harley ethos, both in terms of design and overall approach. The Nightster, now is a more traditional Harley with a rather minimalistic take on the design. Harley is flaunting its traditional heart in the best possible manner with the new Nightster, as it feels like the motorcycle is built around the engine.
It features a redesigned frame and suspension system that offer a smoother and more comfortable ride. The motorcycle also has a new exhaust system that not only delivers an impressive exhaust note but also improves the bike’s overall performance. The Nightster’s powerful engine has also been upgraded to deliver even more horsepower and torque, ensuring that riders can enjoy a thrilling and exhilarating riding experience. The Nightster is based on an entirely new platform that also includes the new Revolution Max 975T liquid-cooled, V-twin engine. It acts as a load-bearing member, and talking about the numbers, it makes 88.5hp and 95nm. This is certainly a modern-age Harley because the American bikemaker has revealed the maximum output figures!
The Nightster’s design remains largely unchanged, with its signature blacked-out styling and aggressive lines. The motorcycle features a classic solo seat and a low-slung stance that gives it a menacing and muscular look. The bike’s handlebars have been slightly raised to provide a more comfortable riding position, and the footpegs have been moved back to improve rider ergonomics.
Harley Davidson has also equipped the 2023 Nightster with a number of advanced features, including a high-performance braking system and a state-of-the-art touchscreen display that provides riders with all the information they need at a glance. The motorcycle also features LED lighting throughout, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also improves visibility on the road.
Major design highlights include a round headlamp as well, and you know what? The fuel tank that you see isn’t actually your fuel tank, it is the airbox, and the fuel tank has been placed under the seat. This shuffling of things makes the Nightster look sleeker while also aiding in its low centre of gravity. The chopped fenders, as well as alloy wheels, also catch one’s attention. Up front, the Nighster gets a 19-inch wheel and a 16-inch wheel at the back.
Fire up the engine, ride away, and it becomes instantly clear that the engine is indeed the star of the show. The old air-cooled V-Twins were prone to vibrations, even while idling, but the Nighster’s engine gets a counterbalance shaft, so vibrations are kept at bay. The wave of torque doesn’t take too long to arrive, as you have abundant pulling force at your disposal as soon as you get going. At slow speeds, the Nighster is absolutely manageable, and its tractable engine had made it easy work for me to deal with the insane Bangkok traffic. The strong midrange is what Harleys and the cruiser segment, in general, are renowned for, and I am happy to report that the Nightster is no different. If you don’t put a leash on your right wrist while letting go of all the 89 horses, you might reach license-revoking speeds sooner than you realise since the acceleration on offer is pretty brisk even if you factor in its 221kg weight.
The downside is that there is no inbuilt GPS, and riding on a foreign land makes it a cumbersome experience. I also tried getting a universal mobile stand, but the handlebars are framed in such a way that you need one made to order for it. It’s the same feeling I had when I was driving the Mclaren 720S in Dubai because it does not have Apple Car Play, Android Auto and you have to sell your arm and leg to buy one. How can manufacturers of Iconic brands fail to make provision for one of the most important thing on the road - Navigation?
Having said that , the brief time I had with the Nightster was great , though it drinks fuel faster than we breathe and it’s a very thirsty engine. If you are expecting fuel efficiency, you have flipped on the wrong page.
To conclude, Harley-Davidson has always been a brand that is synonymous with American motorcycle culture, and the Nightster is a perfect example of the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performance motorcycles that embody the spirit of freedom and adventure. I really look forward to riding it on Indian roads soon.
