New Nightster ‘Special’ Expected in 2023
Hard Evidence Comes From Australia of Enhanced Version of Liquid-Cooled Model
So you’re thinking about buying one of Harley Davidson’s 2022 Nightster 975 motorcycles powered by the new Revolution Max engine, but aren’t totally sold on the looks?
You might consider waiting a bit because it appears certain the Motor Company is coming out with a Nightster “Special” for 2023 that might appeal more to your style.
Harley has a whole line of “S” models that usually denote enhanced versions of the standard model. This new Nightster “S” will differ from the standard version due to its different paint, cool, new decals and silver spoke-like alloy wheels.
Thanks, Aussies
We can thank our Aussie friends for this bit of news, since certification documents and a couple of pictures leaked out from there and some observant motorcycle news outlets from the US picked up on it.
Sportster lovers should not get too excited, however, because apparently the new Nightster S won’t be any more souped up mechanically than the standard Nightster.
This is a little disappointing because “S” models often get a power upgrade from Harley Davidson.
Wanted: More Power
For example, the 2017 Fat Boy S got the High Output Twin Cam 110 motor instead of the 103 version of the same engine.
The 2022 Road King Special received the Milwaukee Eight 114 powerplant compared to the standard’s 107.
No such power upgrade for the 2023 Nightster, though a pillion seat and footrest have also been added, according to the Australian filings.
Lighter than Older, Air-Cooled Sportsters
Maybe Harley executives feel the new Revolution Max engine is already enough of a power upgrade. The new-to-Harley, liquid-cooled engine, designated the RH975 on the standard Nightster, sports 90 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 70 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
The same engine will power the new bike, which will weigh a bit more than the regular, liquid-cooled Nightster due to the added accessories.
Motorcycle.com estimates the curb weight of the new bike will be around 492 pounds. The current Nightster weighs 481 pounds, still much lighter than the older, air-cooled models.
Sticker Shock?
What about the sticker price on this new Nightster S? Well, the current model’s MSRP is $13,499. The Nightster S will undoubtedly be more and the current MSRP will probably get an upward bump, too.
The new model will mark the third Harley Davidson motorcycle to get the new engine, and as an added inducement, Harley recently announced its offer of an extended 4-year warranty on all models powered by the new Revolution Max engine.
The drawback? The offer extends only through the end of this month, until December 31.
Rampant Speculation
Harley is due to announce its new 2023 lineup Jan. 18, which is also scheduled to be the start of its 120th anniversary celebrations.
The new Nightster S may or may not be revealed at that time; the company usually reserves separate dates for unveiling its “Special” models.
As usual, there is rampant speculation about new models. Along with the expected anniversary editions of current models, many long-time observers feel a smaller version of the company’s popular, off-road Pan America 1250 will be unlimbered, based on the 975.
Photos: Harley Davidson
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