You might not be far off with this observation, although it might be old-school Harley riders more than Harley corporate that sees it this way. It's funny to think of the Sportster S as a "beginner bike," given that it might be the fastest street-legal bike Harley has ever sold. It could be a really good beginner bike if you could put it in Rain mode, and lock it there until the Beginner/Owner put enough miles in to safely move to Road mode, and then Sport. No way would I put a beginner on it in Sport mode.

The bottom line, for me at least, is that this bike is a bunch of fun. It is not a replacement for my LRS, rather it is and stablemate. It loves the corners, and it goes like a scalded dog when you tell it to. I would like a bit more suspension travel (and if HD ever puts a real suspension in the back, I'll probably get another one) but ever as delivered it really works well. I like it a lot!

 

Winnepeg...lol. I guess ignorance isn't always bliss.

 

Its Winnipeg- not Winnepeg, youre just proving my point.
Im sure your friends and family know this about you already, were just figuring it out now. Laughable- and a little sad.

 

Since you're being technical, please let me fix your post for you:

"I'm sure your friends and family know this about you already, we're just figuring it out now. Laughable- and a little sad."

Yes, it's sad when people on this forum attack when another user is asking for help and/or opinions...

 

Youre right- i took it a little too far- my apologies to you- and of course the OP- whos thread got sidetracked.

 

Thank you. My apologies as well.

 

I can't speak on reliability but I got to test ride one today and it was a blast. My current ride is a 2022 Lowrider S. The Nightster was in standard mode (never thought to switch it to sport) and it very closely matched the acceleration of my Lowrider 117. The engine was surprisingly smooth (no vibration or buzz through the bars or foot pegs) and other than the typical for me (5'6") stretch to the handlebars (will be fixed with 6" pullback risers) it was comfortable to ride.

Of course with any new bike it will take some getting use to the different ergonomics and mechanical nuances of the bike. Gear shifting with my left foot took a little more force and the position of rear brake foot lever is a little awkward and will take some getting use to. Being short the heat from the exhaust pipe on my right leg is something I have to keep in mind when I stop (same for the Lowrider).

All of my riding is local (two hours max) but it cruised well at 70-75mph so it would probably be good for longer trips. All in all a fun ride.

 

I'm going the opposite direction. I’ve developed severe arthritis in both shoulders and maneuvering the Lowrider S around in my small garage to fit my wife’s car has become brutal. I was looking for something lighter and test rode the Special. Given the power to weigh ratio the acceleration is on par with the much bigger Lowrider with the 117 M8. It was surprisingly smooth on the highway at 70-75. No buzz in the hands or feet.

 

Also, if you haven't done it yet, take a ride on a Sportster S. Overall, the Nightster might be a more practical bike, but the Sportster is a genuine kick in the butt with the bigger engine. At 500 lbs, with 120hp, it gets up and scoots.

 

@Tpoppa72 I bought a 2023 Nighter Special in February 2024. I have ridden dirt and street, but had not owned a bike for about 10 years when I bought the Nightster Special. I was living in downtown Denver at the time, (live in Phoenix now), and wanted a comfortable, nimble and well-performing bike that I could bonk around town on as well as do day trips and overnights in the mountains. After a lot of online research and then test rides, the Nightster Special checked all the boxes for me, and I was able to get a great deal buying a brand-new 2023 in 2/2024.
It is a high-performance motorcycle, but has elected modes like rain and road which tone down throttle response, adjust traction controls and ABS, and make it very forgiving. I have not had a single technical issue with it and use it for commuting to work and ride pretty much every weekend and day trips or overnights. (Living in Phoenix is great because you ride year round!)
I have not put a windshield on it yet, but will do so as it really makes a difference in comfort on freeway rides, (National Cycle, Memphis Shields and Harley all have options). I did buy a tunnel bag from Saddleman that fits over the rear pillion, looks very cool and has enough space for overnights. I might also add some risers to the handlebars as I would like to sit back a bit more. (The Special already has a more relaxed riding position than the base Nighter and you can check that out by sitting on them at the dealership.)
I generally cruise around pretty tamely, but have been on twisty canyon roads from Phoenix out to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flats where motorcycle and sports car traffic really moves. The power to weight ratio, outstanding handling, great engine breaking and excellent breaks makes this bike a pack leader with the right rider. Also, having only recently gotten back into riding, I felt extremely confident at speed on winding canyon roads and could easily run hard in road mode. I don't use sport mode much, but it reduces traction control, ABS, improves throttle response and increases mid-range power.
Anyway, hope these comments help your choice!
DR