I am thinking about buying a new 2009 Nightster but wanted to know how riders thought about the way it rides. I have heard from some people that it is a rougher ride. Most of my riding is around town but I would like to take a couple long trips a year with it. Do you feel it is a rougher ride? Is there any ways to improve the ride? Thanks for your help

Jim

 

its definitely a rough ride because its the lowest bike HD makes. People cannot expect a smooth ride when shock travel is only 1-1/2". If you want the low look and don't care about ride, the nightster is the bike for you. If you want a smoother ride, go with a softtail

 

What have you ridden in the past?

Sporties are generally regarded as having a rougher ride than the big twins, but Sportster owners also tend to swear by them. You can improve the ride with new shocks and a better seat. I almost bought one, but opted for a Street Bob instead.

 

If you like the bike, then go for it! I mostly ride mine around town, and as my daily driver; but, I also took a 400+ mile trip on it recently and it was just fine. You will probably want to convert to forward controls and replace the seat before your long trip, but the bike is awesome. I don't think it's too rough, but I grew up riding horses so perhaps I'm just accustomed a bumpy ride. That's my opinion after 3 months, and 4000 miles on my Nightster.

 

Test ride one for sure,they are not for everyone.Bought mine 07 with 300 miles 4 weeks ago very cheap.

 

If you want raw buy a Nightster. If you want a better ride buy a Street Bob.

 

The ride is a little rough but not bad. I still have to break my seat in and adjust my shocks. But I'll be looking for a new seat all winter while the thing sits.

 

My openion you can make the nightster ride as good as some of the bigger bikes, just have to find the right combo

 

I have mine set on the fourth out of five settings and it is stiff but doesn't bottom out. I think my Corbin improved the ride for me a decent amount, after my normal 40 mile ride I wasn't just wanting to go home and park it. I think the seat plus some Progressive shocks will and fork springs I will be set.

 

The ride is not soft, but very predictable - I actually like it. I have had mine since June 07. Spent all last summer lamenting the seat and the mid-controls. Put the forwards on in September and have never been happier. Once the seat broke in and I changed the riding position the seat became a non-issue for me. I commute to work whenever I can and do 2 to 3 longish trips (900 mile weekends) each year and love the Nightster. The toughest part about going anywhere with it is bringing your stuff, no matter how little you want to bring! But there are a bunch of good threads with solutions to that.