Harley-Davidson has launched a new Sportster Nightster model that has features catered specifically to beginners.
Bike for Beginners
Over the past several years, Harley-Davidson has refocused its efforts on attracting younger riders, which is critical to its long-term success. Those efforts have included the launch of some more affordable models, of course, but now, H-D has added a pretty interesting new Sportster Nightster model in Japan that caters specifically to those who don't have a ton of experience riding a motorcycle in general.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
Lay Me Down
Some of the more interesting features present on the Japanese Nightster pertain to safety, and include handlebars with protective bar-end weights rather than mirrors in the event that one was to lay the bike down. Meanwhile, a tubular cage of sorts protects the powertrain and the bodywork if that were to happen, too.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
Plenty of Protection
There's more tubular protection out back, along with modified controls - in this case, the levers and foot pegs are closer together when compared to the regular Nightster. There are even seven different colors of warning lights at both ends, which aim to make the bike more visible to others on the roadway, which is critical for newer riders who may not be quite as versed in defensive riding techniques.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
Plenty of Power
As for power, this special model utilizes the exact same Revolution Max 975T generating 91 horsepower and 72 pound-feet, which is mated to a six-speed gearbox. It does also feature ABS brakes, traction control, and other electronic nannies that should help keep less experienced riders out of trouble, however.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
Attractive Offering
With a total weight of 462 pounds, the Japanese Sportster Nightster is relatively light, and has an easily approachable seat height of 27.1 inches, too. All of this makes it a pretty attractive offering for those that want to get into riding motorcycles, but also need some seat time to get the hang of it as well. Whether or not H-D plans on bringing it to the U.S. remains to be seen, but we can certainly see the appeal of such an offering in more than one market.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
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