I had a chance to look at the Nightster 975 in the dealership today. I was in a mood of a grumpy quality control engineer today (my regular mood), therefore I left irritated and unhappy with what I have seen.
In general, I like the silhouette and the very idea that Sportster lineup is not discontinued, despite it is not the Evolution anymore. I would like to take a test ride when it will be available, I hope it runs fine.
Anyway, here I will grumble and criticise.

 

Unusual fuel tank location - this bladder in front of the rear wheel is a fuel tank. Good for low CoG, but better to keep it safe from the offroad and gravel roads.
Also you can see unpleasant rough black texture of the exhaust.
Right side cover panel is plastic.

 

Pay attention to the axle head: a nut crudely welded to the stem.
Also, look at the lower shock mounting bracket on the swingarm. It is welded only along side edges, front and rear edges are left free. Weld seam goes wherever, because **** you that's why.

 

Looks like just another import clone to me, just swap name tags is all.

 

Look at cable and hydraulic lines routing. Looks as chaotic as it used to be on Soviet motorcycles like Dnepr and Ural.

 

Left crank case cover casting quality. This is appalling. Just have a look at Evo sportster to see how crisp engine parts can look.

 

A beetroot salad of curves, straight and broken lines.

 

Rudolf Giger's aesthetic of the water-cooled engine.

 

Tins of the false tank and both fenders are very thin, almost foil. If that nasty neigbor's kid would step on the fender, it likely will be damaged.
Rear tip of the rear fender is plastic. Turn signals are made of plastic too.

 

Really insightful comments. Enjoyed your thoughts. Got me to thinking about what a well-designed / assembled bike looks like. Ducati's Multistrada V2 (937cc). Darn Italians.