HD Nightster
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 12
From: Dayton, OH
If it's what you want, buy it. A lot of folks on here will tell you to buy a big twin because you will eventually want one. I still ride a 1996 sportster and have been cross country on it many times. Get what makes you happy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
I ride more than anybody i know. Used to own a nightster. Fun bike. But not comfortable at all. Ive done 12 hour days on my heritage and begged for more. On the nightster 5 was way more than enough.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
I had a 2009 nightster and loved it. super fun to ride and not really uncomfortable. the seat needed an upgrade along with some forward controls. other than that the bike was sharp. the things I did not like about it was the aluminum rocker boxes were a pain to keep looking nice and you had to be careful when using metal polish not to get it on the jugs. also if you ever plan on riding with a passenger I would not do it on that bike. If you are really small and light and your girl is small and light as well you may get away with. I weight a little under 200 lbs and with the shocks turned all the way up a 130 lbs girl and I would loose all ground clearance and scrape everywhere.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
A buddy of mine had one and loved it. His only issue was range. He had a stage 2 done, and with the 3.5 gallon tank and his excitable throttle control, he had to make sure that there was always a gas station within 100 miles on his route or he would be walking.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 39
From: Central Florida
+10 pts for using the proper term 'pulling the trigger'.. nicely done.. 
No opinion on the Nightster.. never rode one.
No opinion on the Nightster.. never rode one.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
the nightster (sportster) is a fine bike...really depends on your expectations. are you of average height and weight? if so, no problem there. the suspension is slammed and rides almost like a hard tail. you can put on some street glide air shocks (or any of the touring model air shocks, the street glide shocks are shorter). put some progressive springs up front and change out the fork oil. this will make great improvements in the ride. you can spend much more in the suspension if you desire...not really necessary imo. a better seat than stock may help as well. the sportser is a very reliable platform and plenty of aftermarket support. cost much less to maintain than their big twin brothers as well. it can be ridden short distances to long hauls if the rider desires. now all that being said, it will not ride like a touring bike because its not. much shorter wheel base, stiffer suspension and the lack of space if you plan on riding two up in comparison to the big twins. some get a sportster only to regret it because their riding style or needs are not met by the bike. if you know what your getting and how you intend on using the bike, then hopefully you wont regret your decision. ive had several sportsters and currently still have one. I love them and think they are great bikes. sorry for the long winded post, but thought this might be things to consider before you make the purchase. good luck
I put road king shocks on my nightster, rode way better and let me lean the bike over more in turns, but lifted the rear up pretty high (which I don't mind the look of). The stock shocks are terrible, you may as well ride with solid struts and a non sprung seat. Once you get past the s**ty suspension, it's a fun bike.