Motorcycle description sheet Harley-DavidsonRH 975 Nightster 2022 The long-awaited Sportster..

the original Nighster model first appeared in 2007. Based on the Sportster 1200 cm3, powered by the excellent 1200 cm3 XL Evolution V-twin mounted on silent-blocs, it refreshed the Sportster range, which then comprised the 883 cm3 and 1200 cm 3 models, by offering a vintage roadster, delightfully uncluttered, thanks to a few well-considered aesthetic tweaks.

Priced at less than €10,000 in plain black (a two-tone grey-black version was also available), the Nightster was an unsurprising success with bikers and motorcyclists of all stripes, who saw in it an authentic motorcycle, splendid from the outset, but also very easy to customize and offering its share of raw mechanical sensations, as imagined on a Harley.

some fifteen years later, Harley-Davidson pulled this iconic name out of its hat to expand its range. Indeed, the 2022 Nightster joins last year's Sportster 1250 S: inaugurating an all-new liquid-cooled V-twin, this model sounded the death knell in 2021 for the original Sportster line, which had been powered by an air-cooled V-twin since its birth in 1957.

the new Nightster adopts the same engine architecture as its big sister, except that the Revolution Max 1250T V-twin becomes the Revolution Max 975T. As a result, Milwaukee's water-cooled displacement has been reduced from 1250 cm3 to 975 cm3, or 275 cm3 less. Opened at 60°, this V-twin's dimensions have been reduced from 105 mm bore and 72.3 mm stroke on the 1252 cm3 to 97 x 66 mm on the new 975 cm3. It retains its VVT variable valve timing system (intake only). The balancer is also still in place, as are the Velocity intake and dual overhead camshaft timing. With a compression ratio of 12:1, this twin-cylinder engine develops 90 hp at 7,500 rpm and 95 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm.

although new, this 975 V-twin had already been seen on the HD 975 Bronx. Originally scheduled for 2020, this project was aborted. This roadster, much sportier in definition than the Nightster 2022, claimed 115 hp from the same engine block. By reducing the power output to 90 hp, Harley has returned to a definition more in tune with traditional custom customers. The reduced power also opens up the possibility of offering an A2-compatible version, by halving the horsepower to comply with the 47 hp limit imposed by current regulations.

nevertheless, if we compare the mechanical characteristics of the new Nightster with those of the original version launched in 2007, we can guess that the 975T will surely offer a slightly sharper ride than its predecessor.and this despite the fact that theprevious Nightster was already equipped with fuel injection, which also became standard on all Sportster models in 2007. The first clue is that the 1200 cm3 air twin was a long-stroke engine (the bore being larger than the stroke, 88 .9 x 96.8 mm), which results in a stocky character, favoring low-speed pulling power over rapid revving. The Nightster 2022, on the other hand, has a super-square engine, i.e. its bore is larger than its stroke, giving it the edge when revving up.

on the other hand, thanks to its larger displacement, the old Nightster offered 10.50 mkg from 3,000 rpm, compared with 9.7 mkg at 5,750 rpm today on the 2022 model, i.e. 0.8 mkg less, 2,750 rpm later. The little newcomer takes its revenge on the power front, with 90 hp at 7,500 rpm, beating out its predecessor by offering 15 hp more, since the latter developed 75 hp at... 6,000 rpm. That said, it wouldn't be surprising to find that at the same rpm, say 6,000 rpm, the power outputs of these two machines are close. In any case, modern motorcycles require modern engine behavior. Now that the Revolution Max 1250T has established its charms, we can legitimately expect its 975T version to be just as enthusiastic.

the engine is also used as the main structural element of the chassis. A choice that reduces the machine's weight while providing the rigidity required for healthy handling. The rear section of the frame is made of aluminum, while the swingarm is made of rectangular-section steel tubing. In terms of suspension, the Nightster is fitted with a pair of conventional rear shocks with 76.2 mm travel, and a Showa 41 mm front fork with 114 mm travel. Braking is by single discs, 320 mm in diameter at the front and 260 mm at the rear, squeezed by 4-piston calipers at the front and single-piston calipers at the rear. All by Brembo. Naturally equipped with ABS, this little newcomer also features traction control (TCS) and residual torque control (DSCS).

perfectly in tune with the times, this modern Sportster offers its rider three riding modes: Road, Sport or Rain. All this is displayed on a small LCD screen at the bottom of the large, round speedometer on the fork crown. Last but not least, the 11.7-liter fuel filler cap is located under the seat, which is itself hinged and held in place by a cable. This is far more practical than having to dismantle it, only to not know where to put it without damaging it during refuelling, and end up struggling to engage it correctly. The layout of the fuel tank also offers a number of advantages, starting with the centralization of weight, as the false tank ultimately hides the airbox, helping to optimize the Revolution Max twin's intake.

the new Nightster should also appeal for its ease of handling. Starting with its low seat height, announced at 705 mm unladen and 688 mm with the rider seated on it. This should put it within reach of all leg lengths. It should also benefit from its compact tire size (original equipment: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series Bias Blackwall), with 100/90 x 19 at the front and 150/80 x 16 at the rear, for excellent handling. Finally, its belt final drive contributes to the smoothness - and cleanliness - of the whole package.

in terms of looks, the Nightster successfully carries over the styling of its predecessor. With its small headlamp cover and clean, vintage lines, it perfectly captures the ambience of the original Nightster. Above all, it manages to really stand out from the Sportster 1250S, whose nasty, body-built roadster look plays a much more muscular and modern part. And while it's still regrettable that the aseptic appearance of the liquid-cooled cylinders lacks the charm and elegance of the fins and rocker rods of Harley's old air-blocks, it's fair to say that with this 2022-style Nightster, Harley is offering a successful contemporary reworking of its Sportsters of yesteryear. Certainly the Sportster many have been waiting for.

it's a pity that the price of €15,190 ( in black) isn't also based on the extremely well-placed price of the 2007 Nightster, which was under €10,000...

prices: from €15,190 in black, and €15,470 in other colors (red or gray)

Available from May 2022.

Michaël Levivier - Manufacturer's photos