Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Nigster help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 11:39 AM
  #1  
gpon's Avatar
gpon
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Default Nigster help

I posted a long post not too long ago but apparently it was in the wrong section. I'm looking into getting a Nightster. What kind of gas mileage are you getting on your Nightsters/Sportster 1200s? How's the reliability? Maneuverability? Handling? How easy is it to do the typical preventative maintenance (oil, spark plugs, brakes, etc)? Overall rating of the Nightster?

I searched but most posts didn't really cover the info I'm looking for. Thanks for the help.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 12:03 PM
  #2  
FastHoss's Avatar
FastHoss
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Default

The Nightster is a fine bike,it can be made to do what ever you want it to do,in your case it will need better -longer shocks-better springs in the front tubes,they are easy to work on as far as oil changes,plugs etc.Mine is stock and will kick butt on the other models of Harleys except the v rod I guess,never been against one,it will also kick butt on several of the metric crusier type bikes,this is with a stock bike,I have left the motor and suspension alone because I don't use it for fast road work or speed but was surprised what the bike can do and so are my friends,they have new respect for the Sportsters.Mine is an 07 that I bought used,the only issue so far has been a leaking rear rocker box,covered by warranty.I have been very happy with mine.Bought it with 300 miles on it about two months ago,it has a little over 4,000 on it now.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 12:32 PM
  #3  
gpon's Avatar
gpon
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks! How's the gas mileage on the stock motor? I'm not planning on making any modifications at all, I have great respect for factory bikes. I want a bike that will last a long time, as in at least 100,000 miles, with proper maintenance. Something that I can ride for 5-10 years, not something that's super radical or unique in any way. I don't want it to be loud, I'd be keeping the stock pipes on if I choose to get one (is that a bad thing?). I'm a simple guy, just looking for a simple, clean, nice looking cruiser.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 12:47 PM
  #4  
FastHoss's Avatar
FastHoss
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Default

I get about 40 to 45 miles per gallon,the lessor when I am around town-heavy throttle hand.The Nightster sits pretty low I have scraped many times left and right,any agressive riding you will have to modify the suspension-no big deal deal.Do test ride one though to be sure it is what you are after.Could be a V rod would suit your needs better,there are some good deals on used units,they are very reliable also,there again test ride before you buy.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 01:00 PM
  #5  
gpon's Avatar
gpon
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Default

I want to stay away from the V Rod because they're just as quick as my bike in a straight line and would most likely get me into the same amount of trouble haha. Do HD dealerships look down upon sport bike riders? I want to ride my bike to the local HD dealer and do a test ride but I don't know how they'll react to a supersport rider. Maybe I should just drive my car there? I have my motorcycle endorsement, have been through the MSF class, and I'm insured, but I'm kinda young compared to the typical HD rider crowd, which also may induce them to turn a cold shoulder to me. Haha I would have never thought I'd be intimidated to go bike shopping.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 01:44 PM
  #6  
FastHoss's Avatar
FastHoss
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Default

I would not be afraid to go to the dealer on your sport bike,our local Harley dealer sponsers a sport bike night,also feeds everyone on Saturdays reguardles of what you ride or even if you don't ride.I think most folks realize the future of our country along with everything else is in the hands of the young folks comming up through the ranks.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 01:46 PM
  #7  
venable's Avatar
venable
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Default

I love mine, although I have made many mods myself. The bike is great and very easy to work on.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 02:21 PM
  #8  
Slaps's Avatar
Slaps
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 0
From: Mass
Default

Originally Posted by gpon
I want to stay away from the V Rod because they're just as quick as my bike in a straight line and would most likely get me into the same amount of trouble haha. Do HD dealerships look down upon sport bike riders? I want to ride my bike to the local HD dealer and do a test ride but I don't know how they'll react to a supersport rider. Maybe I should just drive my car there? I have my motorcycle endorsement, have been through the MSF class, and I'm insured, but I'm kinda young compared to the typical HD rider crowd, which also may induce them to turn a cold shoulder to me. Haha I would have never thought I'd be intimidated to go bike shopping.
I'm still young and only the HD shops gave me any attention all the international shops treated me like a window shopper. I enjoy my nightster a lot. I normally get 40+ mpg with it so far and it's not really broken in.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 02:23 PM
  #9  
mrb302's Avatar
mrb302
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Default

Originally Posted by gpon
Do HD dealerships look down upon sport bike riders? I want to ride my bike to the local HD dealer and do a test ride but I don't know how they'll react to a supersport rider. Maybe I should just drive my car there?
They are very friendly to anyone who wants to buy a bike. Go figure.
The guy who sells you a bike may not remember you 2 days after you take delivery, but he will be very friendly during the process.
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 04:00 PM
  #10  
MattYeoman's Avatar
MattYeoman
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver. West Coast Motherf#cker
Default

We're in the same boat gpon. I just want a simple bike, keeping it mostly stock, and regularly sevicing it so that it lasts forever. I think its a good plan. Does anyone else out there have something to contribute? I'd really like to hear more opinions.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:16 AM.

story-0
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-6
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-7
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE