A Closer Look At The 2022 Nightster™

After months of anticipation, the 2022 Nightster™ was officially unveiled on April 12, 2022. And as a lifelong Sportster fan, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing. I’m that guy that believes strongly that the Sporty is an iconic motorcycle that exemplifies old school cool... and the purist in me doesn’t really want it to change. 

But truth be told... I was more than pleasantly surprised when the first images started popping up on-line. Harley-Davidson did it! They somehow managed to maintain the classic look and vibe of the Sportster while giving it a complete makeover that ushers in a whole new generation of modern performance! Let’s take a closer look:

GOTTA MAINTAIN THAT CLASSIC LOOK: My biggest worry with this bike was that it might somehow lose it’s heritage in a completely new visual. Not a problem! The most obvious resemblance to its Sportster® lineage is the shape of the airbox cover, which shares its profile with the classic Sportster® model fuel tank. The stance, windscreen, seat, rear fender and exposed dual rear shocks all provide the critical (in my mind) Sportster vibe. One look and you instantly recognize this bike is a Sportster.

BUT THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDADS SPORTSTER: But that’s where the similarities end. Make no mistake... this is an all new Sportster. The Revolution® Max 975T engine is a liquid-cooled V-Twin tuned to make tremendous torque at low RPM, delivering strong acceleration from the start with robust power through the mid-range. And the new motor is used as a stressed member of the frame resulting in reduced overall weight and a very stiff chassis. Everything about this bike is designed to be compact, strong, and lightweight.

Of course, none of that matters if the rider experience is not good. But trust me, it’s not a problem! I’ve ridden a lot of Sportsters in my lifetime and there is no doubt, this is the best performing version ever produced. It’s exhilarating, performs like a beast, and is flat out FUN TO RIDE! Here’s just a few reasons why.

RIDER SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS: Nightster™ comes equipped with a collection of technologies that are designed to increase a rider’s confidence during unexpected situations or while riding through adverse road conditions. Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to adjust and match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: Using light-weight materials and shifting components to new places has helped reduce overall weight. Centralizing the mass of the engine and fuel cell location low in the chassis makes the bike feel very light, enhancing performance and improving rider confidence when mounting the bike, maneuvering at low speeds, carving through corners and when resting at a stop.

RIDE MODES: Selectable Ride Modes electronically control the motorcycle’s performance to better match the road conditions, or the experience you want. You can select from Road Mode, Rain Mode or Sport Mode. The system works by adjusting power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings to each specific mode.

I’ve never been more proud to be a part of the Harley-Davidson family. The Motorco is at the top of their game right now and the 2022 Nightster™ is tangible proof. This bike honors the Sportster legacy while taking a giant leap forward in performance and design!

Click on a Boswell’s location below to find out more about the 2022 Nightster™ from Harley-Davidson.

®2022 BOSWELL’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON