I've read a few posts from different places doing google searches, etc. and have seen it mentioned that Sporty 1200's won't go over 120 or in some cases 100. Just wondering was real world top speed is on a Nightster in particular, and if the bottle neck is gearing, motor, or ECU shutting it down? I plan to get a Nighty, bob it out as much as I can while still having the option of slapping a Badlander on for 2 up, and going Stage 2 with it probably before even riding the damn thing. Just curious as to what my top speed will be. I don't want / need to haul ***, but I would at least like to be able to drop 120 for a few miles if I so desire. I would probably see 100 at least every other ride as well. What is the general consensus on the factory gearing? I notice many if not most hardly do any mods outside of exhaust, and if so only going Stage 1 at most. Thanks!

 

Mine will do about 118. I think that is pretty good considering the year model.

 

I have seen 111mph in 4th gear on my 2006 1200 Roadster. Never topped out in 5th gear. I think some on here have seen 125-130 mph on their1200s, but I don't know what mods they had. If mine has the hp to hit the rev limiter in 5th, I would guess it would be good for 120-125 mph, but I'm not curious enough to find out.

Keep us posted on your findings.

 

Twice I've hit 190KM/118MPH, the machine had more in it but that was it for me.

 

For comparison purposes, my bike when it was an 883 would hit the rev limiter in 5th gear at 114mph. I converted it to a 1250, but as of yet haven't changed the gearing or electronics. Consequently, it still hits the rev limiter at 114. But, it will get there a LOT faster if I want.

It's not important to me. Above 100 mph, the Sporty is just not comfortable. Now, my Ultra...that's a different story. At 100 mph it still feels like you going through a school zone. LOL

 

I researched this a couple years back. If I recall, a STOCK 883 will max out at 103 mph, and a STOCK 1200 will max out at 125 totally pushed. Anyone else?

 

I'm thinking I hit over 117mph with my 833 w/ 1200 kit. Wasn't that pleasant.

 

My 08 N'ster...K&N a/c, stock pipes with baffles removed, SEST and dynoed at 79.4 HP. The motor is basically stock, just tuned real well.

At Bonneville (on the salt) in 2010....118.863 MPH avg through the measured mile and that was with a 1 mile run up to the measured mile. My limiter is set at 7000 rpm with the SEST and I was shifting at 6500 rpm but in 5th gear I could not past 6000 rpm (ran out of HP).

btw...The speedometer was buried at 120 for 1/2 mile before I got to the measured mile.

fwiw...Once you get above 105-110 MPH, aerodynamics become very important. My chin was on the gas cap and knees tucked in and I looked like "the monkey with the football."

It was a blast!!!

Bwana

 

On a 550# scooter, I would think a lot would depend on the weight of the rider. Comments?

 

Top speed without adjustment to the ignition/rev limiter is at 6200 RPM: 883 is 110 mph and the 1200 is 127. The 883 can hit that speed (the limiter) in 5th while the 1200 is geared too high to even get close.

Bwana