Riding Harley's Sporty Nightster: A Full Review from a Sportster Owner
Friday December 14, 2007
When it comes to motorcycle reviews, there's no substitute for experience. And while I've tested plenty of Harleys, when I got the opportunity to review the Nightster-- Harley's retro-rod psuedo-bobber-- I had to call up SUV expert Jason Fogelson. Counterintuitive, you say? Not really; Jason is, after all, the proud owner of a 1993 Sportster, which gave him a unique perspective on Harley's latest Sportster variation.
To find out what he thought of this back-to-basics bike, check out his Harley-Davidson Nightster review. And to take a closer look at Nightster, check out our Harley-Davidson Nightster photo gallery.
If you've got your own opinions on the Nightster (which I'm guessing you do), comment away!
Photo © Basem Wasef
Comments
Sharp looking ride! Just a bit on the pricey side, but looks like you get what you pay for.
Everyone knows sportsters are girl bikes…
Well, Garp –
As a Sportster rider for the past 15 years, I have to tell you that gender had little to do with my bike choice. I like the styling, the maneuverability (relative to a Big Twin), and the power to weight ratio. I could ride a bigger bike, but for riding in an urban setting and on our nearby canyon roads, I’ll take a Sportster any day of the week.
The “girl bike” label usually comes from guys who’ve never ridden a Sportster. Try one — you might sing a different (more respectful) tune.
The first biked I rented after taking the course and getting the license was a Sportster 1200. Most people would consider that too much for a newbie, but I’m 6′2″/215 and it was a really fun bike. I agree it would be a great bike in an urban setting, and I see quite a few in NYC. Still, like all Harleys, they are expensive and it’s pretty easy to find better values with Victory or Yamaha.
Garp,
you had the opportunity to be shut up..
..yr big mouth…
Jason took the ooportunity and used his axe…
Anyway , Merry Xmas to all of you that love motorcycles…
I love sportsters. Had a ‘69 900 for a couple of years. The handling and engine snort I’ve always enjoyed. $10,000 is just too much money. you can buy a lot of bike for that kind of money, even new. How about an ‘07 roadliner for 11,000.That is what the local Yamaha shop is offering now (if you don’t mind blue).
When I started riding, one of my first bikes was a 1000 cc Ironhead Sporty….when guys on 74’s said anything about it, I would offer to run them for pinks…never had anyone take me up on it.
I agree with Barry about the ‘Liners. Those with the fortitude to buck Harley can get a great deal. And even if you don’t like the detail on the tank or the color, you can get the tins custom painted and still be way ahead.
I test-drove an 08 Nightster last Friday and loved the bike. I’m a small man and it seemed like the bike was tailored to my specs. It handled very nimbly and I love the looks.
I