Harley-Davidson Nightster Special Is a Step in the Right Direction, but Where’s the 1200?
New 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special packs a balance of old-school aesthetic and new-school tech, but it might have dropped the displacement ball.
Harley-Davidson revived the Nightster after years of slumber with a familiar noir aesthetic. However, instead of laced wire wheels, an Evolution 1200cc V-Twin, and a simple design, the new Nightster showcased cast wheels, a lighter curb weight, chain drive, and a liquid-cooled Revolution® Max 975T. However, did the MoCo drop the ball by not offering the new Nightster Special with a Revolution® Max 1250T?
Better Redesign, AMF Wheels
The new Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a well-executed revised design, complete with AMF-style badging and aluminum cast wheels.
The first things onlookers will likely see when they take in the new Nightster Special are the 19-inch front and 16-inch rear aluminum cast wheels. The wheels are a welcome addition to the new Nighty Special, taking the place of the standard Nightster’s satin black seven-spoke look. The new wheels are busier but in the very best way. The satin-aluminum finish provides a sporty focal point on a Vivid Black 2023 Nightster Special.
The bike itself looks similar to the standard Nightster, with a few key differences. For instance, the new Special wears a set of classically-styled badges reminiscent of Harley-Davidson’s AMF years. It’s a refreshing ornament compared to aggressive graphics. Moreover, the new middle-weight bike packs the familiar minimalist faring and the stock 2-1 exhaust system.
Harley-Davidson bills the bike as something of a turn-key mount for riders who want to put a passenger on the back and hit the road. As a result, the MoCo outfitted the 2023 Harley Davidson Nightster Special with rear pegs and a back seat. Of course, at 483 lbs wet, the bike is light and small compared to the Softail and Touring flavors of Harley-Davidson, so fans who plan on doing a lot of team travel should consider a bigger bike.
Max 975T vs 1250T
A Revolution® Max 975T powers the Nightster Special, but some fans might want the added power of the Sportster S’ 1250T. The Nightster and Nightster Special have a lot more poke than the previous bike of the same namesake. Let’s face it, my old 545-lb 2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster only produced around 72 lb-ft of torque; not exactly a rocket. However, the new 975T-powered Nightsters produce 70 lb-ft of torque and 90 horsepower from a snappier, smaller-displacement, liquid-cooled heart. As a result, the Nightster Special is a quick ride (pause for qualification) for a Harley.
However, the Sportster S, with its 1250T mill, is fast. Certainly not Buell Hammerhead 1190 swift, but with 121 horsepower, it’s no slouch. One has to wonder if the MoCo missed an opportunity for speed-happy shoppers by not offering the Nightster Special with the Sportster S’ powerplant.
2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special: A Scalpel-Sharp In Comparison
The new Harley-Davidson Nightster Special will lean all the way over to 32 degrees, around two to three degrees further than the older, heavier bike. Pair that freedom to lean with a 60 lb difference and a rigid inclusion of the engine as a central member of the chassis, and the Nightster handles unlike any Evolution Sportster. 
Moreover, the Nighty has adjustable riding modes like Rain, Road, and Sport to help riders get the most out of the new bike. Also, with standard Brembo brakes, the Nightster Special is much more stop-happy than the older Evolution Nightsters.
If you can get through the hipster-attracting appeal of the bike’s balancing act, the 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special is a welcome addition to the MoCo’s “Sport” category.
Photos: Harley-Davidson