Nightster vs 1200C
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 60
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From: Napa, CA
Nightster vs 1200C
Posted a few days ago about trying to pick my first Harley.
So been looking, sitting and narrowing down the choices. Ruled out a dyna, 48 and 883. Pretty much come down to the nightster vs 1200C.
For looks the nightster beats the 1200c for me, black over chrome any day in my book. The C appears to have a few function wins, larger tank, 2up out of the box, more comfortable stock suspension....
The forward controls i am not 100% on. This being my first harley i wonder about the advantage of the mid controls for a more alert or at least better prepared reflexively riding position, or what i am more used to. Vs of course the better comfort of forwards being 6 foot.
I know as i go down the road i can do highway pegs or forwards on the nightster. The road king shock swap seems a dirt cheap highly effective suspension upgrade, and i am going to want to replace the stock seat on either eventually.
So i'm left with the nightster at a better starting point on appearance and the custom having the larger tank. Which feels like a big advantage for the nightster now.
Hard to tell but looks like the C would hold resale value slightly better from older comps for if i ever want to move up or start over, but thats not a big concern as i'm more thinking second bike one day then getting rid of one.
I'll be riding them both tuesday to see if either completely wins me over. I just wanted to see if there were any drawbacks or advantages to either i am missing. Want to do all the homework i can so I don't overlook anything that will sneak up and drive me nuts.
Anything i should know as far as difference of degree of dificulty working on them? Well, really just looking for anything i may be missing.
So been looking, sitting and narrowing down the choices. Ruled out a dyna, 48 and 883. Pretty much come down to the nightster vs 1200C.
For looks the nightster beats the 1200c for me, black over chrome any day in my book. The C appears to have a few function wins, larger tank, 2up out of the box, more comfortable stock suspension....
The forward controls i am not 100% on. This being my first harley i wonder about the advantage of the mid controls for a more alert or at least better prepared reflexively riding position, or what i am more used to. Vs of course the better comfort of forwards being 6 foot.
I know as i go down the road i can do highway pegs or forwards on the nightster. The road king shock swap seems a dirt cheap highly effective suspension upgrade, and i am going to want to replace the stock seat on either eventually.
So i'm left with the nightster at a better starting point on appearance and the custom having the larger tank. Which feels like a big advantage for the nightster now.
Hard to tell but looks like the C would hold resale value slightly better from older comps for if i ever want to move up or start over, but thats not a big concern as i'm more thinking second bike one day then getting rid of one.
I'll be riding them both tuesday to see if either completely wins me over. I just wanted to see if there were any drawbacks or advantages to either i am missing. Want to do all the homework i can so I don't overlook anything that will sneak up and drive me nuts.
Anything i should know as far as difference of degree of dificulty working on them? Well, really just looking for anything i may be missing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
To me its a no brainer, the Nightster looks uncomfortable and with its limited suspension would have to be. I am 5' 9" and 205 and ride my 1200C great distances with no problem. I think nothing of riding for 7 hours to western Pa. to my daughters.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I'm 6'2 and love my 1200 Custom. It was my first Harley and my first bike after a long lhiatus. I had no problem with control. The forward controls aren't really that far forward on a Sportster. They are still pretty much beneath you. My favorite thing to do is riding the twisties and it handles nimbly through the turns. I have put 3500 miles on it since I bought it around Memorial Day and there isn't anything I don't like about it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 220
Likes: 2
From: oklahoma
i just bought a brand new custom and LOVE it... my wife loves the 2 up seat it isnt a very comfy ride for her but she says it will do for now...
they are both nice bikes but the custom was the pick for me because i knew that i liked crome and i liked the 2 up from the factory... better suited for me and my wife when we ride together from the get go!
they are both nice bikes but the custom was the pick for me because i knew that i liked crome and i liked the 2 up from the factory... better suited for me and my wife when we ride together from the get go!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 398
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Of the two I think the custom is more comfortable if you plan to sticking with it for a few years. I do like the looks of the nighster. And not to highjack your thread but I had a custom and then I went to a street bob.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 7
From: Texas
From an asthetic standpoint, the Nightster wins by far. It's a matter of preference. I have an 06 "C" and completely changed it because I think they are ugly. Mine was before the wide front end, but the tank, tins, riser/bar combo and headlight kill the bike. Are they even doing the 40 spoke wheels anymore, or just those ugly cast ones? I rode with forwards for about a year. Don't know why anyone would want them.
Buy what you want. If I could take back time, I would have bought a Dyna to chop up instead of my Custom.
Keep us updated!
Buy what you want. If I could take back time, I would have bought a Dyna to chop up instead of my Custom.
Keep us updated!
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
I love my Nightster and it was the looks category that sold me. With that being said I don't do any touring and if I did, I would be on the C. It really comes down to what you plan on doing with the bike and where you'll be going.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Napa, CA
This is what i expect, but again. Just being as thorough as possible so I don't overlook anything when making the choice.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
+1 on the Custom
You're doing the best thing: giving both a test ride. The Nightster ride leaves a lot to be desired IMO, but you be the judge. Regarding controls, you can always ask the dealer to shift them to mids and put highway pegs up front -- and include it in the deal.
I own a SuperLow but was tossed between it and the 1200C. I love what I have, but as I become more seasoned, I recognize why the 1200C is such a solid choice and good value. Aside from what you already mentioned (and the engine displacement), there are other extras that may or may not be important to you. Everything is chromed on it -- I know you prefer black -- but I find myself accessorizing my SL to match this look and it's costing me plenty. Everything from the wheels to the primary and sproket covers . . . the speedo . . . the emblem on the tank . . . you'll see when you take a closer look how much is on this bike. I also like the fat front tire.
It would cost easily triple to do all this stuff afterwards. Another big advantage: you can customize the 1200C out of the gate and make it your own from the factory. This is a big plus. Want a set of mini apes? Mid controls? Flat black paint job? Done. I saw one equipped like this at a local dealer. It was amazing.
Good luck!
I own a SuperLow but was tossed between it and the 1200C. I love what I have, but as I become more seasoned, I recognize why the 1200C is such a solid choice and good value. Aside from what you already mentioned (and the engine displacement), there are other extras that may or may not be important to you. Everything is chromed on it -- I know you prefer black -- but I find myself accessorizing my SL to match this look and it's costing me plenty. Everything from the wheels to the primary and sproket covers . . . the speedo . . . the emblem on the tank . . . you'll see when you take a closer look how much is on this bike. I also like the fat front tire.
It would cost easily triple to do all this stuff afterwards. Another big advantage: you can customize the 1200C out of the gate and make it your own from the factory. This is a big plus. Want a set of mini apes? Mid controls? Flat black paint job? Done. I saw one equipped like this at a local dealer. It was amazing.
Good luck!