Issues with the Nightster
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 7
From: Texas
I would like to say that something is wrong, but I doubt it. I've got hardtail struts on my bike with no spring seat. I've learned that I need to hold on - period. No bump ever surprises me. My eyes are always dead-set on what's in front of me. I have a lot of issues with front end wobble, and have thought about buying a fork brace but they aren't visually appealing to me. It's a rough ride and that's that.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 239
From: northeast
RK air shocks fixed the bouncing out of the seat deal and are your best bang for the buck, they dont change the look of the bike by much but they sure as hell change the ride.
we averaged nearly 150 miles per day on every saturday and sunday ride we took this past summer and i had no trouble hanging with the big boys.
roll on power is just a matter of getting a feel for the bike and what gear it wants to be in for the speed you are going.
we averaged nearly 150 miles per day on every saturday and sunday ride we took this past summer and i had no trouble hanging with the big boys.
roll on power is just a matter of getting a feel for the bike and what gear it wants to be in for the speed you are going.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 3
From: utah
It sounds like you are unhappy with all of the qualities that make it a Nightster. To me, this means that you have the wrong bike. The Progressive suspension upgrades fix the ride quality, and give you more lean angle, although you shouldn't need it. With the stock suspension, I ride through curves marked 40 kph (25 mph) at 115 kph (70 mph) every day, and have room to spare for bumps and changes in lean angle should I need to change my line. You just have to ride it like a race bike instead of a cruiser, it opens up tons of performance. If you want to run the engine at a higher RPM, change the sprockets. I don't have any trouble accelerating from low RPM, though. Of course, you have to define "low." I shift into (gear@mph) 2@20, 3@30, 4@40, 5@50 when not accelerating; add ten mph when accelerating lightly, add 20 mph when pushing pretty hard. The motor shakes a bit, but that's a Sportster for you. If you're getting clatter, you may not have good enough gas.
Anyway, as I said, it seems you don't like your scooter as it is, and I need a spare, so I'll let you give yours to me...
Anyway, as I said, it seems you don't like your scooter as it is, and I need a spare, so I'll let you give yours to me...
Yes, the stock engine doesn't have a lot of giddy-up at low rpms. Classic for the sportys. Known as "lugging". Sportys are supposed to perfrom at a little higher rpm. A stage 1 does quite a bit for lower rpm performance and torque. A progressive upgrade will help with suspension. If you're looking for a "tourer" you need to get a touring bike.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Chicago,IL
First things first, i am not an experienced rider...I love my nightster, but i too have hit a few unexpected potholes (my fault of course)...and almost flew out of the seat....My question is, now that my wife wants to take a ride every once in a while, what type of suspension do you suggest....stock suspension looks like its all the way compressed when we sit on it....I have seen that some of you said to adjust it, but which way do you turn it...does anyone have a pic of what it looks like in its tallest position.
Again i love my nightster, but am only asking this because everyone here is normally generous...im only looking for a reply that would help my predicament.
Again i love my nightster, but am only asking this because everyone here is normally generous...im only looking for a reply that would help my predicament.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
My *** took a pounding (no pun intended) when I drove my bike home when I bought it, it was about a 4-5 hour drive. Before I bought the Nightster, I new that it had its imperfections here and there, this is my first bike though, and it would be awesome to own something like a touring bike that is more comfortable on longer journeys.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Afghanistan
I hate to beat a dead horse....
Go ahead and spend twice the money on a nice bagger...
Or
keep your eyes on the road.
Be sure to keep a "reactionary gap" between the vehicle in front of you and yourself.
Constantly scan the road for the possibility of death.
Last but not least...
I hate to say it...
Man up!!!
Or
keep your eyes on the road.
Be sure to keep a "reactionary gap" between the vehicle in front of you and yourself.
Constantly scan the road for the possibility of death.
Last but not least...
I hate to say it...
Man up!!!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Chicago,IL
Thanks for the help....I will definitely look into that. Once again I appreciate those willing to help another rider out, opposed to bad mouthing a concern or complaint they may have...