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2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster Review

With a gritty, no-nonsense look, its Sportster® performance with a dark, aggressive attitude not normally found on such a nimble bike.

Ever since its introduction in 2007, the Nightster® model has prowled the streets with a deep, menacing growl. Low, dark and aggressive, it brought a styling attitude to the Sportster® family that had not been seen before – a raw, Dark Custom™ bike that delivers a 1200cc knockout punch.

Chopped front and rear fenders. Side-mounted license plate. Combined stop/turn/tail lights. Low 25.3-inch seat height. Old-school front fork gaiters. Raw-boned graphics and a unique finish on its V-Twin Evolution® engine. And just for good measure, black throughout. With its gritty, no-nonsense look, the Nightster® model is the motorcycle for those who want Sportster® performance coupled with an attitude you don’t normally find on such a nimble machine.

BLACKED-OUT LOOK

The Nightster® model is decked in black and gray from front to back with a defiant attitude that embraces the pure essence of riding. Medium gray 1200cc engine with polished rocker covers. Black belt guard with lightning holes. Black front forks with gators add an old-school look. Black headlamp body and visor. And black cast aluminum wheels that shoot the Nightster into the modern rebel culture and keeps the rebellious fire burning with plenty of freedom for customization.
DRAG-STYLE HANDLEBAR

The black drag-style handlebar with a slight rise and black finish hand controls add to the stripped down, minimal look of the Nightster® model. Born at the drag strip, the drag-style handlebar is an old school garage feature that puts you in a forward, aggressive riding position.
CLASSIC PEANUT FUEL TANK

As one of the defining features of the Harley-Davidson® Sportster® models for decades, the classic 3.3 gallon tapered peanut fuel tank still holds strong today with its traditional styling and modern attitude. Following the line of the bike from front to back, the peanut tank angles down just right into the solo Sportster seat. Attitude and looks all balled up into one.
PREMIUM PAINT

Up to two times thicker than the competition, custom quality paint comes standard on all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Clearcoat layering up to five mils deep. Bigger metal flakes. Unique effects in the pearl colors. Skimping simply is not in our vocabulary.
HAND FINISHED FUEL TANK

All Harley-Davidson® fuel tanks are finished by hand—thats what makes them stand out from the competition. Their seamless design and unmatched style are unique among all motorcycles on the road. The tanks are one of the first and last things people notice when they lay their eyes on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle—so we make it worth their time.
EVOLUTION® ENGINE HERITAGE

The Evolution® engine—known in certain crowds as the Blockhead—was first bolted to the frame of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1984.Born from legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution® engine broke new ground in displacement innovation while maintaining the hunger for power, durability and proven reliability that The Motor Company was built on.
EVOLUTION® ENGINE INNOVATION

Air-cooled and durable as hell, the 1200cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.
PURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON STYLING

Feast your eyes on the 1200cc Evolution® engine and theres no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you wont find from any other motorcycle company. Medium gray engine with black powder-coated cylinders and cylinder heads are topped off with polished rocker covers. Its a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power.From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the 1200c Evolution® engine makes an ironclad statement to holding on to whats right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.

ARTFULLY HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY

Harley-Davidson leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. Its just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.
INTUITIVE CONTROLS

Hand controls on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle are incredibly intuitive. The turn signals are self-canceling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on. Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on basking in the freedom of the ride.
H-D® SMART SECURITY SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)

The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work. Its this attention to details and security that make Harley-Davidson® motorcycles unique.
LOW SEAT & SLAMMED SUSPENSION

The combination of a lowered front and rear suspension together with a low solo seat—just 25.7 inches high—provides confidence for riders of all sizes and experience. A responsive ride for whipping through town or busting out onto the interstate.
TUNED TO BE RIDDEN

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different from any other bike out on the road. Theres a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—its all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson® model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Lets face it, we didnt get to where we are by being like everyone else.
MICHELIN® SCORCHER™ TIRES

New Michelin® Scorcher™ Tires provide the superior performance, sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling expected on a race-bred bike. The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance and durability is also enhanced by the tires rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of Michelin synthetic polymers. Under the rear rubber, aramid belts are used to stabilize your ride, which helps inspire confidence in handling.
MID-MOUNTED CONTROLS

Let your boots fall where they may, naturally to the mid-mounted controls and rider foot pegs on the Nightster® model. An easy reach and tight rider triangle is confidence-inspiring for new riders eager to set off on their journey and riders whose legs run slightly shorter than others.

2012 Sportster® Models: Personalization and Power

The six 2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® models range from the affordable Dark CustomTM roadster-inspired Iron 883TM motorcycle to the track-inspired performance of the XR1200XTM bike. Each Sportster® model offers the heartbeat of an authentic American V-Twin engine and pace-setting style and performance.

Back for its first full year of production is the Sportster® 1200 Custom bike, the motorcycle that introduced the Web-based H-D1TM Bike Builder factory customization process. Using Bike Builder, Customers can personalize their 1200 Custom motorcycle with the seat, handlebar, foot control, wheel, security, paint, and engine finish options of their choice, which are then installed right at the Factory. Even more Retailer-installed accessories can be added, and viewed, on the Bike Builder site. The Customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson® Retailer where they can review the motorcycle with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the Retailer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson® Retailer.

All 2012 Sportster® models will have Michelin® ScorcherTM tires with a tread pattern designed, tested and styled specifically for the Sportster® motorcycle to provide an ideal grip, an even wear and a longer life. Fifteen Sportster® paint options include seven new colour choices for 2012. Side covers will be finished in either Gloss Black or Denim Black to match the finish on other bodywork. The Forty-EightTM model will have a new tank graphic.

2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Models

" SuperLowTM
" Iron 883TM
" Sportster® 1200 Custom
" NightsterTM
" Forty-EightTM
" XR1200XTM

2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster Model Highlights

NEW Black side covers to match bodywork finish
NEW Michelin® Scorcher® “31” front and rear tires
NEW Paint color options
- Medium-gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
- Chrome exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
- Low front and rear suspension
- Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
- Black, Laced Steel wheels with chrome spokes and black hubs
- Chopped front fender with black brackets and lightening holes
- Chopped rear fender with black supports
- Belt guard with lightening holes
- Black fork sliders and black fork gaiters
- Sportster® Classic solo seat
- Black hand and foot controls
- Side-mounted license plate
- Combination stop/turn/tail lights
- Black headlamp body with black visor and satin trim ring
- Black low-rise handlebar and black riser

2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster Features and Benefits

- Evolution® V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
- Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
- 5-speed transmission
- Dual staggered exhaust
- Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
- Disc brakes
- Mid-mounted foot controls
- Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
- Optional Original Equipment Custom Color paint program

USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: Vivid Black $9,999, Solids $10,299, Two-Tones $10,509 USD

Dimensions
Length 85.8 in. (2179 mm)
Overall Width 36.4 in. (925 mm)
Overall Height 43.6 in. (1107 mm)
Seat Height:
- Laden2 25.7 in. (653 mm)
- Unladen 26.9 in. (683 mm)
Ground Clearance 3.9 in. (99 mm)
Rake (steering head) 30.5°
Fork Angle 30.5°
Trail 4.6 in. (117 mm)

Wheelbase 59.8 in. (1519 mm)
Tires (Michelin® Scorcher® “31” front and rear):
- Front – Scorcher® “31” 100/90B19 57H
- Rear – Scorcher® “31” 150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal. (12.5 L) (warning light at approximately 0.8 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.8 qts. (2.6 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)

Weight:
- As Shipped 545 lbs. (247.2 kg)
- In Running Order 562 lbs. (254.9 kg)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1000 lbs. (453.6 kg)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating
- Front 335 lbs. (152.0 kg)
- Rear 665 lbs. (301.6 kg)

Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution®
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.5 in. x 3.812 in. (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Displacement 73.3 cu. in. (1200 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
- 1st 9.315
- 2nd 6.653
- 3rd 4.948
- 4th 4.102
- 5th 3.517

Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 39 mm
Rear Shocks Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels4: Black Steel Laced
- Front 19 in. x 2.5 in. (483 mm x 64 mm)
- Rear 16 in. x 3 in. (406 mm x 76 mm)

Brakes:
- Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
- Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors
- Front 11.5 in. x .2 in. (292.1 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Rear 10.24 in. x .28 in. (260.1 mm x 7.1 mm)

Suspension Travel:
- Front Wheel 3.62 in. (92 mm)
- Rear Wheel 1.63 in. (41 mm)

Performance
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
- North America 79 ft. lbs. @ 4000 RPM (107 Nm @ 4000 RPM)
Lean Angle (per J1168):
- Right 29°
- Left 30°

Fuel Economy6
(EPA urban/highway test) 48 mpg (4.9 L/100 km)

Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
- Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
- Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
- Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lights 8W/28W per lamp
- Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security
system7 (optional)

Warranty
Warranty8 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval9 First 1000 miles (1600 km), every 5000 miles (8000 km) thereafter


2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster - Press Release 1

MORE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MODELS WITH TWIN CAM 103™ POWER IN 2012

V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition and Dyna® Switchback Bagger Join the Model Line

MILWAUKEE (July 20, 2011) – Harley-Davidson offers more Big Twin performance for 2012 as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain is standard equipment on Softail® and Touring motorcycle models and most Dyna® motorcycle models. Harley-Davidson will offer two new models for 2012. The V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of power-cruiser performance, while the new Dyna® Switchback is a convertible custom-touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. In addition, the Night Rod Special has significant updates for 2012 with refreshed bodywork and optimized rider ergonomics. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM rolls out the gleaming new CVO Road Glide® Custom, a limited-production, high-performance touring masterpiece.

Harley-Davidson believes every motorcycle it sells can be a custom of one. Harley-Davidson H-D1™ is a comprehensive offering of customization tools for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. H-D1 tools include Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories listings in print and on-line catalogs, Fit Shop and consultation services at Harley-Davidson dealerships, and factory customization and Bike Builder tools on www.harley-davidson.com. H-D1 offers almost unlimited opportunities to optimize fit, function, style and performance and turn a Harley into a motorcycle that is truly personalized to its owner.

Harley- Davidson heads into 2012 with 32 models, each born of experience that spans generations and a passion for riding that will never diminish.

Highlights of the 2012 Harley-Davidson line include:

The Twin Cam 103™ engine powers all 2012 Dyna®, Softail® and Touring models with the exception of the Dyna Street Bob® and Dyna Super Glide® Custom. This engine produces up to 100 ft lbs. peak torque, an increase of approximately 6 percent over the Twin Cam 96 engine it replaces as standard power for many of these models. The Twin Cam 103 is equipped with automatic compression release. It features identifying badges on the derby cover, timer cover and air cleaner trim ring.

A Security Package that pairs Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob is available for all 2012 V-Rod®, Dyna®, Softail®, Touring and CVO™ models. The Security Package is standard equipment on CVO™ models and on the Road Glide® Ultra, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, and the Road King® Classic. The Security Package is a factory-installed option for all other models.

The Night Rod® Special is updated with new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, an inverted front fork and improved ergonomics. Harley-Davidson celebrates a decade of power cruising with the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition motorcycle, finished in Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork that evokes the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod model that introduced the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine in 2002. All V-Rod models will carry V-Rod 10th Anniversary badges.

The new Dyna Switchback combines hard saddlebags and a windshield with the eager handling and Twin Cam 103 performance of the Dyna chassis. Its a custom-touring bike ready for a long weekend trip, until the detachable bags and windshield are removed. Then in seconds the Switchback becomes a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. This convertible concept makes the versatile Switchback two motorcycles in one.

All Harley-Davidson Softail models get the performance boost of the Twin Cam 103 engine for 2012. The Fat Boy and Fat Boy Lo have a new reduced-reach handlebar for more-comfortable ergonomics. A lower, narrower seat shape places the Fat Boy rider in a new "in the bike" position. The Softail Deluxe and Heritage Softail Classic will be available with a new optional "tubeless" Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair.

The Twin Cam 103 powertrain gives all Harley-Davidson Touring models assertive power for passing. On Touring models, the Twin Cam 103 is equipped with an oil cooler. All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new "tubeless" Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster® line appeals to a broad range of riders with six 2012 models ranging from the race-inspired XR1200X™ to the accessible SuperLow® to Dark Custom roadsters like the Iron 883™, Nightster® and Forty-Eight®. The Sportster® 1200 Custom can be personalized for fit, function and style with H-D1 factory customization, a process that allows customers to use the Bike Builder tool on harley-davidson.com to build the motorcycle from a selection of options that are installed as the bike is assembled by Harley-Davidson Motor Company or are installed by a dealer after the motorcycle is delivered. New 1200 Custom color options have been added to Bike Builder for 2012.

The new CVO Road Glide Custom is one of four limited-production 2012 models from Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM, each turned out with bold paint, gleaming chrome, and the most-powerful V-Twin engines offered in production Harley-Davidson motorcycles. CVO Road Glide Custom is a hot-rod bagger with a frame-mounted fairing topped with a smoked Wind Splitter windshield, a high-output, amplified Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio system, and a color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console.



2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster - Press Release 2

2012 Sportster® Models: Personalization and Power

The six 2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® models range from the affordable Dark CustomTM roadster-inspired Iron 883TM motorcycle to the track-inspired performance of the XR1200XTM bike. Each Sportster® model offers the heartbeat of an authentic American V-Twin engine and pace-setting style and performance.

Back for its first full year of production is the Sportster® 1200 Custom bike, the motorcycle that introduced the Web-based H-D1TM Bike Builder factory customization process. Using Bike Builder, Customers can personalize their 1200 Custom motorcycle with the seat, handlebar, foot control, wheel, security, paint, and engine finish options of their choice, which are then installed right at the Factory. Even more Retailer-installed accessories can be added, and viewed, on the Bike Builder site. The Customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson® Retailer where they can review the motorcycle with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the Retailer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson® Retailer.

All 2012 Sportster® models will have Michelin® ScorcherTM tires with a tread pattern designed, tested and styled specifically for the Sportster® motorcycle to provide an ideal grip, an even wear and a longer life. Fifteen Sportster® paint options include seven new colour choices for 2012. Side covers will be finished in either Gloss Black or Denim Black to match the finish on other bodywork. The Forty-EightTM model will have a new tank graphic.

2012 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Models

" SuperLowTM
" Iron 883TM
" Sportster® 1200 Custom
" NightsterTM
" Forty-EightTM
" XR1200XTM

2012 Touring Models: The Legend Rolls On

For 2012, all eight Harley-Davidson® Touring models are powered by a Twin Cam 103TM engine with Automatic Compression Release and an integrated oil cooler. Producing 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 103TM engine provides an outstanding performance around town and on the open road. All Touring models also feature the 6-Speed Cruise DriveTM transmission, 41.3 mm telescopic front forks, air-adjustable rear shocks and Isolated Drive System for smooth power delivery. The Harley-Davidson® Touring chassis has a single-spar, rigid-backbone frame and two-piece swingarm designed to deliver responsive manoeuvrability and long-haul durability. Chassis geometry and suspension are calibrated to deliver confident handling and comfort.

All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new "tubeless" Chrome Lace Aluminium Wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair. Six new colours or colour combinations are among the 12 paint options offered within the 2012 Touring model line.

2012 Harley-Davidson® Touring Models

" Road King®
" Road King® Classic
" Electra Glide® Classic
" Ultra Classic® Electra Glide®
" Electra Glide® Ultra Limited
" Street Glide®
" Road Glide® Custom
" Road Glide® Ultra

2012 Trike Models: Three Wheelin

The 2012 Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment, based on chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. With a deluxe Tour-Pak® carrier and integrated trunk, a four-speaker/80-watt Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, electronic cruise control and electric reverse drive, the Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle inspires confidence, passion and independence in any riding situation. The Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle will be available in three colour combinations: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl/Vivid Black or Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo.