2007 Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Nightster Review

The new Sportster model was announced today at the Harley-Davidson Winter Dealer Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Blending a low seat height and mid-mount controls with the powerful torque of the rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engine, the XL 1200N Nightster adds another exciting option to the Sportster family.

"The XL 1200N Nightster is a blacked-out street bike that continues a half century of Sportster tradition of innovative, fun and versatile motorcycles," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "With loads of truly select features and components, the Nightster takes all the enhancements made to the Sportster family in recent years to an entirely different level."

The distinctive look and feel of the XL 1200N Nightster centers on a low seat height of 25.3 inches that makes it comparable to the XL Sportster 883 Low, an inch lower than the XL Sportster 1200 Low and among the lowest riding of all Harley-Davidson models. Besides enjoying the lower seat height, the Nightster rider goes solo with a one-piece, Sportster classic seat.

The mood gets drastically darker on this new Sportster, as the Nightster features a host of black components. Black wheel rims and hubs contrast with chrome spokes, while the front forks and clamp, headlight cover, handlebar, levers, turn signals and air cleaner insert are all finished in black.

The rear belt guard and front fender clamps are also black, but are opened up with a bullet hole pattern. The rear fender is cut back to show more of the rear tire. The back of the Nightster rides without a separate tail light, as that feature is integrated with the rear turn signals.

Taking the latest Sportster design for a ride into the past, the Nightster features a side-mounted license plate holder and front fork gaiters. While the side-mount license plate is a street design cue, the fork gaiters are a retro component that can help protect the fork seals from dirt and debris.

The Nightster rides smoothly with a 1200cc Evolution engine, which features a new Medium Gray finish with polished and black treatments. The transmission and airbox cover also sport the new finish. The Evolution engine provides a responsive throttle and high performance, while the integrated transmission has quietly meshing helical cut gears and lightweight dog rings that reduce shift effort.

Like all 2007 Sportsters, the Nightster has Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), reduced clutch lever effort, redesigned gauges, high performance carbon fiber belts and improved front brake lever effort.

As part of the original Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle family, the Nightster has a design refined from the racetrack to the street that is primed for customized creativity.

 ----

The Nightster is offered in Vivid Black, as well as four two-tone paint schemes and a unique Harley-Davidson fuel tank graphic. The fuel cap, headlamp trim ring and oil dipstick cover are coated in a new Silver Satin finish. The Nightster is offered only in North American markets.

Features

• Rubber-mounted 1200cc XL Evolution engine
• Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished and black treatments
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
• High-performance cams
• Smooth, quiet transmission
• Light clutch lever effort
• 25.3-inch solo seat height
• Low front and rear suspension
• Black front forks with gaiters
• Bullet hole rear belt guard and front fender clamps
• Black, low rise handlebar with brake and clutch levers, turn signals and air cleaner insert
• Side-mounted license plate holder (dealer-installed rear mount option)
• Brake and tail lights integrated with rear turn signals
• Black mid-mount foot controls
• Black-rimmed, Laced Steel wheels
• Chrome staggered shorty slash cut dual exhaust
• Silver Satin finish fuel cap, headlamp trim ring and oil dipstick cover
• Optional Smart Security System

 ----

SPECS

Dimensions

Length: 85.80 in. (2179.32 mm)
Overall Width: 36.40 in. (924.56 mm)
Overall Height: 43.60 in. (1107.44 mm)
Seat Height:

• Laden: 25.30 in. (642.62 mm)
• Unladen: 26.30 in. (668.02 mm)

Ground Clearance: 4.4 in. (111.8 mm)
Rake (steering head): 29.6°
Fork Angle: 29.6°
Trail: 4.60 in. (116.84 mm)
Wheelbase: 60.00 in. (1524.00 mm)
Tires (Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):

• Front – D401F: 100/90-19 57H
• Rear – D401: 150/80B16 71H

Fuel Capacity: 3.30 gal. (12.49 L)(warning light at approximately 0.80 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter): 3.60 qts. (3.41 L)
Weight:

• As Shipped: 545 lbs. (247.21 kg)
• In Running Order: 565 lbs. (256.28 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 1000 lbs. (453.59 kg)

Engine

Engine: Air-cooled, Evolution
Valve Train: Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 3.50 in. x 3.81 in.(88.90 mm x 96.77 mm)
Displacement: 73.20 cu. in. (1859.28 cc)
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner: Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System: Dry-sump

Drivetrain

Primary Drive: Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive: Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch: 9-plate, wet
Transmission: 5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall):U.S.

• 1st: 9.315
• 2nd: 6.653
• 3rd: 4.948
• 4th: 4.102
• 5th: 3.517

Chassis

Frame: Mild steel tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm: Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Fork: 39 mm
Rear Shocks: Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels: Black, Laced Steel

• Front: 19 in. x 2.50 in. (482.60 mm x 63.50 mm)
• Rear: 16 in. x 3.0 in. (406.40 mm x 76.20 mm)

Brakes:
• Caliper Type: Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Rotor Type(diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors

• Front (floating): 11.50 in. x .20 in. (292.10 mm x 5.08 mm)
• Rear: 11.50 in. x .23 in. (292.10 mm x 5.84 mm)

Suspension Travel:

• Front Wheel: 4.60 in. (116.84 mm)
• Rear Wheel: 2.40 in. (60.96 mm)

Performance

Engine Torque (per SAE J1349): North America 79.10 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (107.26 NM @ 4000 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAE J1168):

• Right: 29°
• Left: 30°

Fuel Economy (EPA urban/highway test): 42.40/57.10 mpg (5.55/4.12 L/100 km)

Electric

Battery (per Battery Council International Rating): Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging: Single-phase, 30-amp system(357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting: 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):

• Headlamp(quartz halogen): 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
• Tail/Stop Lights: 8W/28W (5W/21W)
• Turn Signal Lights: 28W (21W) self-canceling
• Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warnings, security system (optional)

Styling/convenience

Engine Trim: Medium Gray, with polished treatment
Exhaust System: Chrome, staggered shorty duals
Foot Supports and Controls: Mid-mounted rider footpegs with brake and shift levers
Handlebars: Black, low-rise
Seat: One-piece, solo Sportster classic
Instruments: Redesigned gauges with enhanced features: Electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual resettable tripmeter, speedometer gauge with low fuel warning light, low oil pressure indicator light, diagnostics readout, brighter/balanced LED lights
Hazard Warning: Integrated into turn signal controls
Smart Security System: Optional, next-generation hands-free security fob; operates based on proximity to vehicle

Warranty

Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval: First 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter