Hey guys, I'm a new member but definitely not new to the site, in fact I look at it pretty much every day, enjoy reading the posts. Ever since I first saw the Nightster I fell in love with the bike. I've been wanting to buy one for a few years now but with the economy in the ****ter I'm afraid to drop 10K on a new bike incase I would lose my job. What I've been thinking about doing this spring is finding an older 1200 sportster and making the bike more like the Nightster. I don't think this would be very hard to do but wanted to see if you guys have any thoughts or maybe somebody else has already done this? I'm thinking powder coat the engine and rims black, chop the front and rear fenders, solo seat, drag bars, and black everything else out, lower the suspension. Is there anything else I'm missing? Let me know what you guys think, is this worth it or will I end up with more money and more trouble that just forking over the extra cash to begin with for the Nightster? Is there any chance of this turning out or will I end up with a ****ty looking wannabe Nightster bike? These are the things I keep asking myself. I'll keep you posted if I actually go through with this...

 

Well, on one hand, if you did what you are talking about, you would have a bike that was more "yours", you would have the styling cues that you like from the nightster, maybe plus some. I however, would probably not go that route. I don't know how old your wanting to start with, but if you love the nightster, I would just keep my eyes peeled for a used one, I mean, 07 models are two years old now, so you should be able to find one for a decent price. I gave 6500 for my 06 1200C this time last year, when it was about 2 years old.

Just my .02

 

Shop around and find what you want. There's lots of great deals out there... especially right now. Here's my wifes 92 1200 we did along the same lines as you're talking about. We raked the neck for some stretch and to lower it down without shortening the fork travel. It's all powder coated expect for the few chrome pieces.

 

Check out some bikes on ebay and trader mags. I've seen a lot of Nightster's going around 10k. If you're lookin for the Nightster look then you gotta get one. I was on thinkin about getting a 1200C when I got my Nightster and I def made the right choice. But that's me. Good luck and post some pics when you find the right bike for you!

 

For 10K? Hell, you can buy a new one at Rochester HD for 9900

 

The beauty of a Sportster is you can turn it into anything from a chopper to a bagger, get what you can afford and make it yours one piece at a time.

 

do you want a nightster or do you want a custom? the choice is yours.

 

Thanks guys for the advice. I think I'm going to keep lookin around for a used Nightster since that's what I really want, don't think I'll be happy with anything else when it comes down to it. The local stealer wants $9,800 for a brand new one, what I can't figure out is most of the used ones I'm finding aren't priced much lower than that. I know some guys add a bunch of stuff but I'm even seeing completely stock 07's with 2-8K miles for $8,500, I don't get it.

 

We have 2 Nightsters with endless accessories on it. One had a brawler seat and pipes, one has pipes and a heavy breather, both have seats and tons of chrome. Both under 6k miles and both under 8k with Priority Maint.