2008 Harley Davidson Sportster Reviews
What a popular motorcycle the Sportster 1200 Nightster is turning out to be among women. It was introduced in January 2007 an early release 2008 model and the women riders who took a chance on the new blacked out retro-bobber Sportster have not been disappointed. I get emails all the time from "satisfied customers" and every time I see a woman on a Nightster, I ask if she likes it. I even like it, and Im not a fan of the Sportster line.
What impresses me about the Nightster is that we finally have a Sportster thats low enough and agile enough for confident beginners, yet has tons of attitude, style and power –- qualities often sacrificed in an entry level motorcycle. And thats a reason to hold on to the Nightster long after you feel youve outgrown it.
While it has the same 25.3-inch seat height as the other lowest Sportster in the family, the 883 Low, the Nightster delivers more power thats quite noticeable. Not only is the engine displaced 1200 cubic centimeters instead of 883cc, the Nightster is about 20 pounds lighter. More power, lighter great combination to have in a motorcycle. Also, the retro styling and blacked out components set it apart from the rest of the Sportster line. Thats why I like this bike.
Whats New for 2009?
Nothing was changed on the Nightster for 2009 other than adding new paint options. For 2009, all the other Sportsters now sport the low profile front fender that hugs the tire that was introduced first on the Nightster in 2008. The Nightster, though, still retains the chopped rear fender exposing more of the tire in the back. That, and the solo seat give the Nightster that retro bobber look.
Pretty much every component that is chromed on the other Sportsters including the handlebars, swing arm, engine guard and wheel rims is painted black on the Nightster. Whats not black is power coated with a gray finish. The Nightster is the first of the "dark" motorcycles for Harley, which now include the Cross Bones and Night Rod Special.
Zipping Around
Thats what it feels like riding around on the Nightster, zipping around. I have never felt that much power and agility riding a Sportster before. Thats because this is one light bike that sits low and feels low. The Sportster 1200 Low, by comparison, has a seat height thats a noticeable 1-inch higher. At 5 feet 6.5 inches with a 30-inch inseam, I almost feel too big for the Nightster. While I look like I fit just fine on the Nightster judging by the picture, the motorcycle feels small for my size.
Zipping around the corners, the bike goes right where you point it thanks to a stiffer frame that was introduced several years ago. The Nightster has a sportbike feel to it, if I can dare say that of a cruiser. Hey, the Sportster 1200 platform is the bike of choice among champions racing flat track. Flicking through the fives gears to get up to speed is effortless and before you know it youre cruising at 70 mph. Unlike the big twin Harleys with their 6-speed transmission I just love that 6th gear overdrive the Sportster XL power plant has five speeds which is fine. The engine is fuel injected as it is on all the Sportsters. No more choking and sputtering when hitting drastic climate and altitude changes. The bike starts right up wherever you are.
The ergonomic triangle on the Nightster how the handlebars are positioned in relation to the seat; how the seat is positioned in relation to the foot pegs; and how the footpegs are positioned in relation to the handlebars -– is ideal. Theres a little bit of leaning in to the bars putting the rider in a more active riding position versus a laid back one, but its quite comfortable and smaller framed riders should have no problem handling this bike. If there was ever a Harley designed for smaller people this is it. The grips are a 1/4 inch smaller than the rest of the Harleys and the clutch pull is easy, unlike Harley clutches from years ago.
If I were to own a Nightster, I would add highway pegs so I could stretch out my legs. Being on the taller side, my legs felt cramped after about 50 miles of riding in that 90-degree neutral position. Add a windshield and some saddlebags (aftermarket accessories pictured below) and this motorcycle can have you going all day keeping up with the rest of the pack oh, except for one thing. You might have to stop for gas more often as this 1200cc has the smaller Sportster fuel tank, the peanut style as its called, holding 3.3 gallons instead of the larger 4.5 gallons. In spite of that, the peanut style is part of why this bike looks so cool.
Specs at a Glance: 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster
Displacement: 1200cc
Seat Height: 25.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
Weight: 562 pounds
Price: $9,695
WRN Recommendation
Ive met several beginning women fresh out of rider training choosing this bike. Ive also heard their stories of how theyve dropped the bike. Remember, its a 1200cc motorcycle, not a 250, so it has a lot of power and might. If youre a confident beginner, the Nightster makes a great choice if you want to buy into the Harley family right away. If not, I advise learning and making those beginner mistakes on a smaller engine motorcycle. Veteran riders will love the Nightster for all the qualities I described above.
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2008 Harley Davidson Sportster Reviews
Source: https://womenridersnow.com/motorcycle-review-harley-davidson-sportster-nightster/
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