I bought a Nightster S last month and I've been riding it non stop since. I'm having a blast on mine but it's my first bike. One of the things that I like about the bike is that it's not your typical Harley. Maybe I don't want to fit in with a typical Harley crowd wearing overpriced t-shirts and calling everybody brother.😅

I have a 23 Nightster Special, and I love it so far, mine is very modified, s&s muffler is truly awesome, I've added viking bags Saddlebags and Trunk, added the reach handlebars and seat, changed the shifter peg for 1 that extends out further, highway bars, plus a ton of orange cues, the difference is amazing and I get compliments everywhere I go on it

I bought the special 4 months ago. I love it. I changed the exhaust a week later. S&S exhaust made the motorcycle sound way better.

Good video. I have a '22, put 2100 miles on it so far, and love it! Most people that don't like it haven't ridden it. I have ridden the 48, Sportster S and an xr1200 Sportster before I settled on this. This bike makes almost 50 lb/ft @ 3k, which is more than most bikes make in their whole range. You don't need to rev it high to have fun. I ride like a hooligan, so a regular Harley won't do for me, as they scrape too soon. Plus, I found a lot of the traditional Harley heritage vibe I get when at the dealer to be a bit too exclusive. I put an S&S exhaust on it, and it snarls. I don't like the loudness of most H-D, anyway. If the Motor Company shaved $3K off the price, more people would give it a chance. It definitely is not for the Harley apologist, as it actually leans into the tech side of refinement. Ride safe.

Idgaf what people say. Nothing will ever compare to that classic look at feel of an evo sportster.

I have a 23 an Love it, I have back problems so I needed something light weight and this fits the bill perfectly. When you put it in “Sport” mode it comes alive. It’s like a totally different bike. This is also my very first Harley, and so far I’m impressed by it. The overall seating position fits my back an me perfectly. The only thing I don’t like is the sound, it’s way to quiet to be a Harley. S&S makes a slip on muffler but it’s currently on back order.

Bought the 2023 last month. Absolutely love it. So much fun.

You make a good point. I have not seen one drive by yet. Saw the Sportser S twice. Immediately went to the dealer to take a further look.

Absolutely love my Nightster Special I've owned it for close to a year (be a year around April). Only complaints I have are I wish It had more fuel range and there were more parts out there for it particularly stuff like saddlebags and stuff like that since I daily ride/commute on it.

I love the look, the new engine, more power, all good things imo. The price is just too high for the smallest bike in the lineup. $15k MSRP + fees+ stealership fees=??? $17k $18k. It’s too much unless it just rips!! Honestly, I would just get the rebel 11oo if I was getting a modern sportster bike. Just as much power and costs far less.

Got this baby new yesterday with 16 miles on in. Now its got over 300 i love it tbh

Haven’t ridden one, but I have sat on a few. It feels EXACTLY like my Vulcan 900 Custom when in the saddle. Which for me is a good thing. I loved that bike. Other than on the freeway at 70-75+. I might be in the market for one of these as a daily commuter.

Great review nicely done. Completely agree with you that it’s not for everyone…..but in my honest opinion, it is the direction that Harley needs to go to attract the newer riders. Also, The RevMax engine is very mechanical sounding and not for everyone. There is a lot going on under there hence all the clicking and clacking noise that you can hear (especially on startup). I believe from the bottom of my heart, every dealership that wants to sell these bikes, needs to pull the stock pipe off of them AS SOON as they uncrate them, and put an aftermarket system on. The RevMax engine sounds AMAZING with a TBR or S&S kit on it….kind of a cross between a Ducati and a KTM…then they will sell.

I just bought one. Only had it a few days and breaking it in. But so far it’s a smooth ride. But I am finding from a vrod to this

I’ve been riding my Girlfriends 24 special, inside an EVO bagger typically. As far as the special it’s very fun to ride. power comes on smooth, and 91 horse in a 480lb sportster is all you need. Super quiet , display screen easy to read. Have ridden her on the back. The special is a lot better than the typical nightster, the wheels , tank badge , look great. Ungodly quiet, super light lever feel, runs strong as hell, the suspension works great , forks a little lightly spring for a heavier guy, rear shocks perfect out of the box. It pulls for days , GreatBike to ride.

I have a nightster 975 in the UK and it is a very good bike no complaints at all I used to ride a street Bob and a sportglide so it is very different

They should've made the Bronx instead of trying to compete with Indian Scout. As long as Rebel 1100 exists, HD won't sell many of these. Not at anywhere near MSRP anyway. And no, I haven't seen any out and about. My local dealer had 2 of these.. at the beginning of May. Both still there. EVO Sportster has "heritage", loads of aftermarket trinkets and somewhat sane price point. This one has neither. And MSRP rivals liter hyper-nakeds.. Which are way more "hooligan" :)

I dig it!..thanks for the review

I took a Nightster for a test drive today. I could say a lot that I love or like. Not a deal breaker but it sits a little lower than I would like. Bottom line is that I couldn't keep my right leg from touching the tail pipe which I believe would have left a first degree burn if I drove it for an hour. Even close to the pipe it is quite hot.

This is my first bike. I put 2500k miles on it this season. I thoroughly enjoy this bike i get a lot of compliments. I enjoy it in sport mode. It great overall bike. The problem with this bike is the price. As much as anyone can say this is a beginner bike the only problem is the price. The price make it unappealing. I took out the low rider st for a test run. I notice one thing that was a major difference between both bike beside all the spec and it a different platform. It the giggle factor. I was laughing and enjoying myself more on the low rider st then i did on my nightster. Now, i plan on trading my nightster in for a low rider st.

Some things to note about this test ride and maybe its because it was a dealer bike and you didn't want to beat on it too much but 1) you have to ride it in sport mode 2) it makes peak horsepower of 91hp at 7500 RPM and I I kept seeing you shift way too early 3) like a lot of harleys you gotta put an aftermarket exhaust on them. The lowrider s sounds like a sewing machine stock but once its opened up it sounds crazy. These nightsters won't ever give you that evo sound or feel but they do have a pretty cool sound with a full system on them. This bike has the same problem the vrod has. They are well refined machines. Harleys have always been known for the 4000cc 22hp lawn mower engines and this aint that. Its not going to satisfy a buyer looking for a more classic harley. But if you want to see what the next generation of harleys are going to look like, the nightster is your look to the future.

I just bought the Nightster S in Denim Black. BIKE VERY FAST! Modern tech, lightweight, maneuverable, great brakes and suspension. CRUISE CONTROL…Bluetooth, USB -C. Charging jack. Pocket fob to start bike. ….no key. Back up digital code if your fob dies…..Exhaust Sound….meh.. maybe a loud pipe can change that. Need to map the throttle to your taste to improve take off in sport mode. Great bike

I want one but the price doesn't make sense when you cam pretty much get a Softail for same price. I do want the 2024 Special in that flat grey. Slap on a black TBR exhaust (shaves 15 lbs off too), road warrior fairing 11-13 inch shield, blacked out lenses and reflectors and idk about the handlebars, still conflicted on what bars to put on it. I want a little higher but feel the mini apes don't look quite right on it so maybe just larger Risers with the stock bars or 10 inch T-bars.

I have this bike and love it...looks like you were stuck in road mode the whole time (the icon looked orange)...Sport mode is red with an S in the middle...too bad you couldn't get it into sport mode...makes a HUGE difference.

I owned a 2022 Nightster. I come from a sport bike background of motorcycles. I really liked the styling and performance of the Nightster but I had numerous problems since day one-check engine warning lights, no start issues, defective handlebar welds and a fuel pump which imploded at 15,000 miles. Harley Davidson fixed all of these problems but I no longer felt any confidence in the bike. My local Dealership and Harley Davidson agreed to buy the bike back and sell me my bike of choice at cost. I purchased a 2023 Street Bob because it is a simple bike without any excessive electronic features to breakdown. I watch a lot of KZfaq videos and many people are selling their bike that has this engine because of similar problems. My local Dealership says they are not selling the Nightster as people want the traditional Harley Davidson bike. If Harley Davidson can correct the problems with the Nightster I believe it will be a good selling bike for the younger generation looking for the sport bike performance.

Bummed I didn't get the Nightster S even just for the new infotainment. I love my Nightster either way.

I have 23 nightster love it ! I also have 2005 sportster roadster 1200 both great bikes

You couldn't switch modes because there is a setting in the software allowing to set which modes are available to be cycled through. Rain, road, sport and two custom modes. From the dealer, sport mode wasn't turned on on mine and no custom set. But you can disable any of them, presumably you have to leave one. To me appeared you were in road mode the other modes were likely disabled.

Still no aftermarket for this bike at all. That says it all. The Special has awesome slew of nice standard options from cruise control, usb port, abs, traction control, torque slip control, infotainment, ride modes and custom modes on a $13.5k bike new in 2024 and is only 481 lbs wet and the power is not bad especially for the weight. Im just so conflicted on this bike though. I like so much about it like I listed but I really dislike alot about the styling and no aftermarket support and ive just personally grown out of Sportsters and seek confort more now. This bike should be very appealing to younger and newer riders but I think the pricepoint is still a problem even though you do get quite alot with this bike so I kinda understand why it can't be $10k but I think $12.5k for Special from the start would've launched this bike much better.

I trade my street bob for the nightster S about 4 month ago 🤦🏼‍♀️. I like the look I and how it feels when riding it but I agreed with you the sounds not liking hopefully when I change my exhaust I’ll have a different opinion . I kind of miss my street bob sound 😩

Would you say youd be less tired riding the nightster over the spotster long distance?

Wow I have had 2 883 Iron's and loved them but they do not compare to my 2023 Nightser Special . I removed the cat and fitted a S&S Muffler has run 11.98 on the1/4 mile . Not a slow bike ,have done plenty of big miles on it far easier than an old Sportster . Also ride a 2019 Softail Slim with some work done to it . I prefer riding the Nightster Special . Very few been sold in Australia . Harley Davidson do not push them here .

My Nightster special has out run a Ninja 400 and a Low rider ST. This bike is no slouch. I love mine but only have added an S&S exhaust so far

Haven’t seen a one. I really like it especially in that blue but the price is seriously hurting sales. That’s the only thing that keeps me away

Let’s not forget all the no start issues on the bike. I joined a nightster form to see what people where saying, and many users complained about the bike dying after a few 100 miles.

I’m considering putting 2 brothers exhaust on mine at the Harley dealership they quoted 2k installed, is this a good price or exhaust?

Was looking at this one also. Not sure. Still thinking.

I bought one here in miami i can see a couple once in a while

It feels like something that Kawasaki might make, maybe a Vulcan S 975 prototype. The liquid cooling is a nice change (similar to the Indian Challenger) but I think it revs too high and the engine looks terrible & plasticky. They should release a Sport line-up which includes this & the Sportster S and then re-release the old Sportsters as part of the Street line-up alongside the Street Rod and their new 400cc model.

It's now almost December '23 and ive seen ONE on the road since launch, the rest have all been in dealers.

Bought my (Base) 24 Nightster last week. I didnt like the cowl and the 70s Logo, thats why i opted for the base.

I have a 23 nightster special and it's awesome I also have a 16 sportster 1200 no comparison

I like steel panels and fenders on my sportster but i cant explain why....

I have never seen one in person, on the road, or bike days.

I think we don't see to many of the new sportsters because of the price of them, you can get a new softail standard/streetbob or buy sportster 883/1200 and do a stage 4 kit.

Yamaha copied the Sportster when they made the BOLT, but it seems this is Harley's copy of the BOLT.

All the technology turned me off. Went with a 22 XL instead and don't regret it at all.

Put that thing in sports mode brother.

That engine sound with the stock exhaust is lame. I'm rarely one for aftermarket exhaust, but sounds like this one needs it. And yeah, I've only ever seen *ONE* Nightster on the road since it was launched. Someone turning into the North Wales Wawa. Also only once saw a Sportster S on the road, in New Hope, though I also actually know a guy that bought a Sportster S as his first bike getting back into riding after years. My biggest gripes with the Nightster are still the price and the hideous mess on the left side. Seems like it'd be great to ride, though.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe majority of motorcycle owners end up modifying their bikes, so I don't see what the big fuss is about. You can change out the exhaust on the 975 for a more aggressive sound. Personally, I don't like all of the loud growling noise. I do need to hear beyond riding a motorcycle.

I think Harley should add the words back into the silhouette. Orange looks great to a colorblind guy like me. Blanks almost seem apologetic.

It looks too much like a metric bike and if you try to kit it out like any other Harley it would just look even more ridiculous. Plus the leaf blower exhaust and the afterthought coolant reservoir makes it look kind of hilarious to me. I can't speak to the performance and I'm sure it's a ripper but they just bombed with the aesthetics in my opinion.

It's a cool looking bike but I think what turns people off to it is all that plastic and that 975cc. I personally haven't seen one out anywhere either.

hard to see, but it does look like you were in road mode the entire time. I feel like switching into sport mode makes people change their tune a bit. But, we do all hate the exhuast note, that's not just a "you" thing for sure.

I bought the 2022 brand new off the truck. Haven’t even put 2,000 miles on it and it’s again in the shop for the 5th time. Not a reliable bike cuts off in traffic and won’t start multiple times. They had to update the software at one point . This bike is trash and Harley won’t take it back or give me a good deal on another bike. I’m taking a lost but definitely going back to a sports bike.

The biggest complaint I hear is the non Harley feel. The design is more for handling and balance. If you want to see them in the wild try bike night lol

Majority of the people whom I've heard complain about this bike admitted to being use to riding their bike for a while and then test driving this one. That's like someone eating steak majority of the time and having fish for the very first time. Of course it's not going to taste the same. This is not necessarily an indictment on the 975 motorcycle.

I have one. 2023 Nightster Special

I'm not going to criticize the new bike or its design and features, because Washington DC dictates how to build motor vehicles. That said... If you owned a metric cruiser you'd be right at home on the 975. The sound, the feel, the gadgets, are right out of the metric cruiser playbook. Everyone makes a great deal out of how much a motorcycle weighs. After getting sucked into the vacuum of a passing tractor-trailer on a Honda CB450 on the Ohio Turnpike at 70 and being helpless to do anything but go with the flow I learned that lightweight bikes belong on the racetrack, not the Interstate. Could I see myself putting 50,000 miles in three years on the 975 like I did on the 2005 1200 Roadster? There were a lot of Interstate miles in that total. Could the bike hold up? I got 15K miles from the OEM rear tire and 25K from the front tire. My riding style was simple: gas (2 gallons) and Gatorade every 2 hours (120 miles plus or minus). Does the 975 have 600 mile days in its DNA? Riding in the city. Those bar-end mirrors are no good for close quarter riding. They have to go up or down but definitely inside of the bar ends. Turn the license plate sideways too. Anything you can do to reduce the bike's width will help, especially in states where lane splitting is legal. Harley had to do something because of ever-tightening worldwide emissions requirements. The air cooled motors won't work so the new motors are the result. Can you get used to it? Sure. It's just not what we've had since 1957, but it's still two wheels and an engine. And that's all we've ever needed

That 1200 Iron couldn’t hold the Nightster’s jock strap.

I have the 2022 nightster (rh975) great bike .. first Harley , but coming from a stunt street bike it’s great . The 3 modes are noticeably different. But over all very fun bike . I will be doing a stunt build on my nightster check my page out and follow the nightster stunt build 🏍️‼️

As Harley's entry level bike the price is way too high.

Too bad we don't know what mode he was riding in...rain mode and if he popped it into sport mode he would have been totally awed by the bike.

Fuel ⛽️ tank too small

Riding a singer! 😮

It's overpriced. You can get the Sportster S for $1400 more than the "special" or $2900 more than the base 975. You get SO MUCH MORE for the money getting the S. The only people the 975 is going to appeal to are those who are scraping together every penny they can for a down payment on ANYTHING with a HD badge that they can say is brand new from the dealer. Anyone with just a little more money or credit is going to get the 1250.

They not all that, especially for the money, alot of plastic, also

Too expensive

Harley took the world’s most iconic motorcycle-and ruined it. It’s hideous.

They're not a Sportster in any way shape or form.Expensive piece of crap.

That's what happens when millennials influence the design. They've forgotten what the Sportster's appeal was. No one wants the new bike, it's butt-ass ugly and doesn't look or feel like a "Harley".

Not many people buying them and the ones that do are constantly in the shop being repaired. Electrical gremlins. What a joke , not just Harley but nothing new is good anymore

No on the road in Bangkok as well, or just only me? 🥹