Harley Davidson XL1200N - Nightster!

[James Deuce]

Wellington Motorcycles - Ride A Harley Day

Remember that really big kid in Standard 4 when you started school who turned out to be 13? Remember how he could grab you by the shoulders and shake you so hard your loosening baby teeth started falling out? I know it's a cliche but them Harley things don't half shake at idle! I used to have fillings. Pete assured me that it smooths out as you get going. All I could say in reply was, "uh uh uh uh uh uh uh, g-g-g-g-g-good-dd-dd-dd".

I've been checking out pictures and reviews of this bike on the Net and in magazines since it appeared. For some reason its diminutive proportions, matte paint, and exceedingly clever engineering allied to some of the best styling I've seen Harley pull off the drawing board of late had piqued my interest.

It's probably an age thing. I hope. Or not.

The last Sportster derivative I rode was an 883. A base-model carbed 883 struggles to hold 100km/hr in a headwind. This Dawg has the fuel-injected 1200 and the peak HP figures do not do justice to the power delivery. A bunch of the lads testing the big blocks nailed it away from the lights on Aotea Quay and the Nightster was in no way embarrassed. The Night Rod had as big a gap on us as the cars were behind us though. The Rod engine deserves better from the faithful.

I had high hopes that the Nightster would have some ground clearance but sadly no. It offers about the same sort of lean angle as a M109R, and I'm not a great fan of going scriiiitch all the way around roundabouts. You can see where this is going right? The problem may well be me I guess, failing to get the point as usual. I understand the Euro version gets longer shocks for increased ground clearance. The other problem is, I REALLY like the way this thing looks. I love how everything looks like it has been hewn from solid lumps of mild steel. There's a distinct "quality" that Harley Davidson lend to the bikes they build that is unlike any other manufacturer. This particular quality has good and bad bits to it though. An ugly galvanised bolt connects the steering head to the upper triple clamp, but the upper triple clamp is a thing of beauty.

Riding down the motorway was a laugh. Even on the "little" Harley, the gearbox is really just there to help you get into top gear and cruise mode. Kids wave at you. Parents cringe. Lads in 10 year old BMWs try to hide behind an oddly positioned sun visor and a spare hand. That motor is superb. Harley have obviously made a point of giving the Sportster some motorway teeth. No need to change down to overtake, simply wind the noise handle on. Speaking of which, Harley's Aural Engineering division need a Nobel Prize. Some of these bikes are painful to stand next to, and the Nightster certainly sounded positively delicious to sit upon. I deliberately left the earplugs in my pocket and it was in no way painfully loud. Just "right". Or is that righteous? Travelling home, I passed the last group returning from Petone and I couldn't hear them from the other side of the motorway. Only a concrete barrier separated them from me, as well as our 200km/hr closing speed. But there was no noise pollution at all. Sitting in the middle of the gaggle had been a hoot! Decent noise all the time.

20 minutes isn't enough time to get to know a bike of any sort, but the crude suspension irritated me and I struggled with the right hand indicator button. The bumpy road and light throttle meant that the engine hunted a little when trying to maintain a steady speed, but I suspect that either heavier throttle return springs or just plain old practice would sort that.

Even so I feel bad about what I am about to say. My 15 year old Katana 400 felt like a highly developed mega-buck thoroughbred in comparison. I got on, took off and wafted down the road like a maglev train. The direct instant comparison was at "stunned mullet" level. I almost ran a red light on Kent Terrace.

For me the Nightster is a frustrating set of contradictions. A bobbed-Sportster. That oughta go some way toward nudging what used to be the fastest sports bike in the world back up the sports tree a little. Instead I'm left wondering how that gorgeous engine will go in the XR1200.

All in all the Nightster is a bit like the Dad from "The War at Home (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_at_Home_%28TV_series%29)". 90% of the time the Dad is outrageously inappropriate, reading situations and people horribly wrong and managing to get on the wrong terms with just about everyone. 10% of the time though, he's on the money, and not smug like you'd expect. Given time you'd get to know this bike and I'm sure a bit of effort and cash could "fix" things. Probably with the help of a Harley catalogue if I'm not mistaken.

I could own this bike. It's not a righteous Bro's bike, more of a solo cruiser for the self-confident. And it'll be that big Standard 4 kid looking at you with a measure of respect and a smidgen of uncertainty when you thud up next to his people carrier at the lights, sneak him the finger, blow his wife a kiss (with added wink), and wave happily to the hoard of unwashed offspring filling the back of his Previa with a foetid stench.

Hasta La Vista, Sucka.

[98tls]

If nothing else a very enjoyable read with a few chuckles along the way,well done.:2thumbsup

[White trash]

That folks, is how to write a review.

[Bonez]

Great reveiw Jim. I too like the look of the Nightster. It finishing that does not blind you when the sun comes out and doesn't look like it was thrown out of a disco. A very minimalistic m/c, back to basics. Those rubber boots on the forks look more like condoms grandad use to use though.

[Badcat]

start writing professionally Jim.
you're truly talented.
or move to auckland.
then we can drink together.

ken

[Harry33]

That folks, is how to write a review.

What he said :2thumbsup

[deanohit]

Yep, ya did good on that write up mate, had m e in stitches all the way through, and it's bloody all true as well.

[Colapop]

I saw you ride past... It was the grin that I saw first!!

[tri boy]

Those rubber boots on the forks look more like condoms grandad use to use though.

Willy's have shrunk since then.
Grandad was a bit of a stud. Scrambler has them too......:devil2:

[SlashWylde]

That folks, is how to write a review.

It definitely is. Thanks for sharing Jim :niceone:

[xwhatsit]

I understand the Euro version gets longer shocks for increased ground clearance.

What have they got that we haven't? Certainly not any more corners or bumpier roads.

[scumdog]

Still not sure if you approved of the bike.

Or not.

But colourful write-up.:niceone:

[jrandom]

Yes, great writeup, Jim.

:niceone:

The XL1200 certainly doesn't sound like a bike I'd be interested in.

I know where Jim's coming from with the annoyance of a RH indicator button. Indicating while holding the throttle steady is a PITA.

You get used to it after a few hours riding; at least, I did on the K1200RS, but in my view it's an inferior design to a single toggle switch on the LH.

[James Deuce]

Still not sure if you approved of the bike.

Or not.

But colourful write-up.:niceone:

I refuse to be drawn on that. I'm VERY much in two minds about the Nightster.

[Big Dave]

Pretty thing - but the saddle is lower than my kneecap when I stand next to it.

[Hitcher]

Nice work James. Maybe Willie Davidson will give you one now...

[skelstar]

Great read as per usual Jim. Cheers.

[Big Dave]

Y

You get used to it after a few hours riding;

I take 3 hours to get used to the weirdo BMW setup. Harley about half that.

The Yamaha Star with the lever to cycle through odometer read out located where every other bike has a kill switch was the one that bugged me most switchgearwise.

[Hitcher]

The Yamaha Star with the lever to cycle through odometer read out located where every other bike has a kill switch was the one that bugged me most switchgearwise.

And the decidedly odd location of the hazard lights switch on a Concours.

[RantyDave]

My 15 year old Katana 400 felt like a highly developed mega-buck thoroughbred in comparison. I got on, took off and wafted down the road like a maglev train.
Yes, but this is the point of a Harley, is it not? It is the anti-Honda. It is all soul and no engineering. Shit, Isambard Kingdom Brunel made more subtle engines than Harley Davidson, and those were just the ones in the bridges. If you want something that feels like you've stolen it from a hundred years in the future, get a Fireblade ... Harleys are about going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

Hey, I get it now, see?

Dave

[RantyDave]

move to auckland.
then we can drink together.
I'll buy him one on your behalf.

Dave

[jrandom]

If you want something that feels like you've stolen it from a hundred years in the future, get a Fireblade ... Harleys are about going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

That's why I like the MV Agusta F4.

It, also, goes "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!", but by that point you're doing 280kph...

[James Deuce]

Yes, but this is the point of a Harley, is it not? It is the anti-Honda. It is all soul and no engineering. Shit, Isambard Kingdom Brunel made more subtle engines than Harley Davidson, and those were just the ones in the bridges. If you want something that feels like you've stolen it from a hundred years in the future, get a Fireblade ... Harleys are about going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

Hey, I get it now, see?

Dave

Call my Suzuki a Honda again and some part of your anatomy will be going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

The engine isn't the issue, the suspension is. I completely disagree with the comment about engineering too. I would argue that HD put far more thought into their product than Honda do.

[jrandom]

Call my Suzuki a Honda again and some part of your anatomy will be going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

He didn't actually call your bike a Honda, dude. The same thought did cross my mind, and then I carefully reviewed his syntax and concluded that the benefit of the doubt should be applied.

[James Deuce]

He didn't actually call your bike a Honda, dude. The same thought did cross my mind, and then I carefully reviewed his syntax and concluded that the benefit of the doubt should be applied.

I'll just drop chili oil in Dave's Mee Goreng next time we hit a Malaysian restaurant.

Neither Dave nor I let mealy-mouthed concepts like "doubt" or "benefit" get in the way of a good rant.

[James Deuce]

Pretty thing - but the saddle is lower than my kneecap when I stand next to it.

That saddle is very comfortable, and the riding position was quite acceptable. But then I am a Hobbit.

[Bonez]

Yes, but this is the point of a Harley, is it not? It is the anti-Honda.
DaveSince when has a 400 Suzuki been a Honda? OOps I see Jims spotted that.

In the minds of some riders it may be anti-honda but to folks that count its just another ride, to be savoured by the owner in the best way possible-BY RIDING IT!!!

[Shadows]

That's why I like the MV Agusta F4.

It, also, goes "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!", but by that point you're doing 280kph...

That is precisely why Sportys are so much fun.
You can go "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!" on them all day long and still get to keep your license.

[Krayy]

I was checking out one of these on the CC ride. Bloke had only had it a day so it was nice and mint. The matte finish was just fantastic along with the matte black material they use on the tranny and crankcase.

Like a stealth bomber...they only go in straight lines too :jerry:

[carver]

also check this blunt (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=60215) review, i think too many mags review harleys as harleys, not a bike that has to hold its head with others, despite its brand name

[scumdog]

also check this blunt (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=60215) review, i think too many mags review harleys as harleys, not a bike that has to hold its head with others, despite its brand name


I know.

But I still prefer my Harleys.

Partly because of the :Pokey: factor too!!

[carver]

I know.

But I still prefer my Harleys.

Partly because of the :Pokey: factor too!!

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

[scumdog]

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

"Smooth" engine doesn't have to be a factor.

But my 'glide fits most of the above pretty closely....

[carver]

"Smooth" engine doesn't have to be a factor.

But my 'glide fits most of the above pretty closely....

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?
made since 1903 in the usa, and from what i hear Thailand too now, so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!

[RantyDave]

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?
Because they sell like bastards. Despite what it's proponents think, Harley Davidson is a company that exists to make money for it's shareholders. If someone makes the nightster all nice and smooth, drops it in front of a focus group (of 40-somethings with large disposable incomes) and they all prefer the one that goes "buhDAP buhDAP buhDAP" when idling then that's what they'll go with.

And sell them jackets, tassels, chaps, chrome bits and special trailers to put the bike in to take it to a Harley rally.

It's a different experience of biking. I see why people like it. It's not really me though.

Dave

[Tank]

Great review.

I went to have a look at the nightster - loved the look, but it was too low for me. Didnt get the chance to have a ride - sounds like I should have taken the chance when I had it.

[johnnyflash]

Man what a terrific review.. brilliant jim2, must be one of the best writeups ive read anywhere..
only thing I didnt like is the look of the bike, just doesnt spin my wheels, reminds me too much I think of the bygone years models I think.. but Im sure some will love it to bits..

[scumdog]

what i dont get, is why dont harley improve?
made since 1903 in the usa, and from what i hear Thailand too now, so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!

Not being sarcy but how (in your eyes) could they improve?

Without being a clone of 'other' brand bikes out there?

I know my bike is gutless for its size compared to similar sized bikes but it's not a worry 'cos it's adequate.

I know the gearbox feels like one from a Commer truck compared to other brands, - but I don't have to click up and down the gears constantly.

But to me these points are not an issue. (otherwise I would not have bought Harleys.)

[Big Dave]

would you buy one if it was say, as good as a modern bike, smooth with a smooth ride, brakes that worked, but still with character?

Sorry ol' bean - Rubbish.

They are really good road bikes.

Sensible, useable horsepower for riding near the speed limit and not wasting two thirds of the bike lest you lose your licence.

Brakes are fine, engine delightful, and they look beautiful. The latest engines are some of the smoothest V twins.

They stand up to any comparison for quality, reliability and compared to metric cruisers now - price is not too bad either.

They also have an entire range of bikes.
You want the best cornering, buy a Buell, Transcontinental tourer - Ultra Glide Classic, good day ride, Fat Bob, great all rounder - XL1200 is $20k.

Dealer service is outstanding, the quality of the clothes and accessories is excellent.

Quality of folks I've met riding them is also top shelf. Successful people can afford expensive toys.
That means you get some wannabes too, but there are some real class acts on board most of them.

They don't do 280kph. Big fuckin' whoop.

[SVboy]

Nice review. I "get" Haleys less and less the more I ride, but I fully understand why it is what does it for others. In my recent ride to the Nelson Rally,we tagged along with a couple of Harley riders. They were fantastic riders,making a lie of harleys not coping in the corners, or being unhappy at highish speeds...most impressive.

[Bonez]

so in over 100 years, it feels like over the last 40 the R&D dudes have been spending the money on hookers and Jack Daniels!And thats a bad thing?

[carver]

And thats a bad thing?


beauty is in the eye of the beholder



Sorry ol' bean - Rubbish.

They are really good road bikes.

Sensible, useable horsepower for riding near the speed limit and not wasting two thirds of the bike lest you lose your licence.

Brakes are fine, engine delightful, and they look beautiful. The latest engines are some of the smoothest V twins.

They stand up to any comparison for quality, reliability and compared to metric cruisers now - price is not too bad either.

They also have an entire range of bikes.
You want the best cornering, buy a Buell, Transcontinental tourer - Ultra Glide Classic, good day ride, Fat Bob, great all rounder - XL1200 is $20k.

Dealer service is outstanding, the quality of the clothes and accessories is excellent.

Quality of folks I've met riding them is also top shelf. Successful people can afford expensive toys.
That means you get some wannabes too, but there are some real class acts on board most of them.

They don't do 280kph. Big fuckin' whoop.

i disagree.
if your big dave from kiwi rider-didnt' your mag say the brakes on the GT 250 hyosung were good?
they are rubbish.
if a car pulled out in front of the nightster from 20m, at 60 kph, could you stop?
hmmmm....
if you dont want power whats wrong with the ol 883?
thats got even less..hooray, now i can never loose my license!
you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

[scumdog]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

Well I'm surprised about the shock thing, never had trouuble like that - in fact it's more th opposite for me - but them I'm two-up a fair bit of the time.

As for the vibes? - never found them to be THAT bad, even on my iron-head, sure they were there but it's just part of the experience - like the wind blowing around you - nobody ever says 'too bloody draughty!' (or that's my thoughts.

And yes, I HAVE ridden other than Harleys too. l l

[xwhatsit]

Vibes and wind make a proper motorcycling experience.

Not a fan of Harleys myself -- for the same reason I don't like Country & Western -- but I understand why they work as a motorcycle. A simple, crude motorcycle, pared back to the basics; wind, noise, vibration and life. Sensory stimulus.

To put it in terms that our blue and red friends will identify with, the difference between bashing some n00b over the head violently and personally with a police truncheon, or zapping them with a taser.

[Big Dave]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder




i disagree.
if your big dave from kiwi rider-didnt' your mag say the brakes on the GT 250 hyosung were good?
they are rubbish.
if a car pulled out in front of the nightster from 20m, at 60 kph, could you stop?
hmmmm....
if you dont want power whats wrong with the ol 883?
thats got even less..hooray, now i can never loose my license!
you think the V twin is smooth?
both jim and i found it so full of vibes it was uncomfortable!
and the rear shocks might as well have been solid!

with me?

No - not at all.

[deanohit]

To put it in terms that our blue and red friends will identify with, the difference between bashing some n00b over the head violently and personally with a police truncheon, or zapping them with a taser.

Now that is brilliantly put.

I'd take the bash over the head any day! :niceone:

[jrandom]

Not a fan of Harleys myself -- for the same reason I don't like Country & Western...

I remember the Harley catalogue that used to sit in my bedside drawers when I was a kid. I'd stare at the photos and dream of riding the big shiny things, twisting the throttle and hearing the potatoes pouring out the exhaust pipes. Eventually my mum threw it out, because motorcycles are Evil, don'tcha know.

And now all I have to do if I want to ride that FXD I always wanted is pick up the phone at work and call AMPS two blocks away.

Frankly, I have no idea why I haven't done that yet.

Hmmm...

[NZsarge]

Great reveiw Jim. I too like the look of the Nightster. It finishing that does not blind you when the sun comes out and doesn't look like it was thrown out of a disco. A very minimalistic m/c, back to basics. Those rubber boots on the forks look more like condoms grandad use to use though.

Yeah those gaitors would have to go..

[skelstar]

Frankly, I have no idea why I haven't done that yet.

Hmmm...
I know shit about the range of Harleys. Post a pic?

[jrandom]

I know shit about the range of Harleys. Post a pic?

Ah, the first bike I ever truly lusted after, the FXDWG.

<img src="http://www.robinhoodharleydavidson.co.uk/images/myharleys/71/Our%20Harley%20April%202007%20001%20Yes.jpg"/>

[Pwalo]

I still can't believe how they manage to get a lump like that into the Buells!

I'm too short and weedy to get into cruisers, and I prefer 90 deg sports twins, but the new HDs sure look well put together and very pretty.

Hope you were wearing your chaps and tassles Jim.

[James Deuce]

Pwalo mate you'd fit the Nightster perfectly, believe me.

[Shadows]

Ah, the first bike I ever truly lusted after, the FXDWG.

http://www.robinhoodharleydavidson.co.uk/images/myharleys/71/Our%20Harley%20April%202007%20001%20Yes.jpg

Took one of those for a spin the other day. Absolutely beautiful to ride but the scrapy scrapy grindy grindy sparky sparky thing on corners was a bit disconcerting (though it was okay after I slowed down a bit).
I'd love to take one on a long trip though.

[Pwalo]

Pwalo mate you'd fit the Nightster perfectly, believe me.

Come on Jim, I'm not that old yet (contrary to what my boys say). At the moment I still prefer the dark side.

[Softail163]

Call my Suzuki a Honda again and some part of your anatomy will be going "BLAARRRRPRPRPRPRPRP!!!"

The engine isn't the issue, the suspension is. I completely disagree with the comment about engineering too. I would argue that HD put far more thought into their product than Honda do..

Yep and US$1600 maybe a bit over board but look at the result, link below. Add a set of RSD Vintage Mini apes, Race tuned, Hi flow intake, fwd controls and that is one mean contender with a little added clearance. Good review mate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnVLjJ45JHs

[usa-vtwin]

and love it for what it is. Bit like loving your missus but still admiring the faster sexier model when she cruises by.LOL