Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
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Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
I finally set up some time yesterday with the dealer to get some testing time in on the nightster. Since I'm 6'2" and have been informed by many on here and that I've conversed with that forward controls are almost a must. I was fortunate that the dealer had tow nightsters one with and one without forward controls. I had a 30 minute test ride on all back roads with plenty of stops, twisties, and straightsso I couldget a full comprehension of the handling ability of the Nightster, and it didn't disappoint. After test riding both I found that forward controls are a must. It was much more comfortable for my legs and I didn't feel cramped at all compared to the one with mids.
Since this was the first Harley that I have ever ridden in the last 18 years of riding here are my impressions. First, the only time I noticed any vibration was as I came to a stop sign. Other than that I noticed no vibration at all. There was plenty of power going through all the gears and even in 5th gear I could still feel the bike pulling hard. I liked the simplicity of the controls with only a speedo to look at leaving me with less distractions. The throttle was quite sensitive and required very little twisting for the Nightster to show what it was capable of. The positioning of the mirrors were great and I could see behind me with no problems. I did find the stock seat quite comfortable, but keep in mind that I've been on sportbikes my entire riding career.
I onlyforesee two downsides to the Nightster, the first one is that it only has a 3.3 gallon gas tank, and the second one is the location of the right turn signal. There were a few times that I almost rolled on the throttle when trying to press the turn signal, no biggie but something to keep in mind.
My overall impression, I found the bike to be a great ride and I could see myself being just as happy throwing my leg over it in three years from now.
Since this was the first Harley that I have ever ridden in the last 18 years of riding here are my impressions. First, the only time I noticed any vibration was as I came to a stop sign. Other than that I noticed no vibration at all. There was plenty of power going through all the gears and even in 5th gear I could still feel the bike pulling hard. I liked the simplicity of the controls with only a speedo to look at leaving me with less distractions. The throttle was quite sensitive and required very little twisting for the Nightster to show what it was capable of. The positioning of the mirrors were great and I could see behind me with no problems. I did find the stock seat quite comfortable, but keep in mind that I've been on sportbikes my entire riding career.
I onlyforesee two downsides to the Nightster, the first one is that it only has a 3.3 gallon gas tank, and the second one is the location of the right turn signal. There were a few times that I almost rolled on the throttle when trying to press the turn signal, no biggie but something to keep in mind.
My overall impression, I found the bike to be a great ride and I could see myself being just as happy throwing my leg over it in three years from now.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
The turn signals are a bit different to get used to. At first I hated them, but I rode my Fiances Mom's shadow home one night and just the one switch drove me nuts.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
ORIGINAL: Sgt Rock
First, the only time I noticed any vibration was as I came to a stop sign. Other than that I noticed no vibration at all.
First, the only time I noticed any vibration was as I came to a stop sign. Other than that I noticed no vibration at all.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
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RE: Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
It took me a couple of days to get used to the placement of the right turn signal switch also.
Another option, which I did, is to order a mid control Nightster with Highway pegs. That way you can be on the mids when riding the twisties but also stretch your legs out on the highway. The highway pegs with ape hangers are a super comfortable riding position.
Another option, which I did, is to order a mid control Nightster with Highway pegs. That way you can be on the mids when riding the twisties but also stretch your legs out on the highway. The highway pegs with ape hangers are a super comfortable riding position.
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RE: Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
Hi ,
I have just ordered a new Nightster arriving in April 09.This will be my first ever Harley and i cant wait to feel the famous torque in action.
I have heard the nightster lacks in braking ability and the shocks make it an uncomfortable ride on uneven surfaces.
What did you think?
Cheers
I have just ordered a new Nightster arriving in April 09.This will be my first ever Harley and i cant wait to feel the famous torque in action.
I have heard the nightster lacks in braking ability and the shocks make it an uncomfortable ride on uneven surfaces.
What did you think?
Cheers
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RE: Finally did my test ride on the Nightster
I'm going to play around with the stock suspension for now. I know they will eventually need to be upgraded but I'm going to do this one step at a time. If I can't find a comfortable setting on stock and it still feels to rigid then I'll upgrade to something like progressive. There is a noticable difference in stock to steel brake lines but the stock is not shabby by any standards. Besides steel cables are a cheap well worth upgrade. I've had my nightster for a week now and absoultely love the bike. I'll take the small quirks that go along with it. My forward controls came in today so I'll be putting those on tomorrow. Since I'm 6'2" the forward controls are a must for a tall person.
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