Ive been lurking around these forums for about a year now and I want to add my review on the nightster. Ive been riding dirtbikes since I was 11 and I bought a 2009 nightster when I left the army because I had so much money saved up . First off I did not have my license so I could not test drive it. Second I am 5'11. for a rider as tall as me anything over 50 mph is uncomfortable on this bike. the wind drag is horrible. At highway speeds the slightest bump almost throws me off of this bike. I have learned my lessen now. I am to big for this machine. It is a nice machine but im way to big for it at 5'11 180 pounds. This is my first harley and I love the torque and quality of these bikes and I want another harley. Im looking for comfort at 80mph and a nice city bike also. Im thinking maybe a street bob. If anyone has a street bob let me know how that rides at highway speeds.

 

I wouldn't say you're to big because my buddy is 6'2" and 230. he love his nightster and he is very comfortable on it. He did change out the shocks, fork springs, handle bars and seat. I do not own a street bob but i have ridden several hundred miles on one and the ride it self was great but the wind drag was there. As for the comfort of the street bob its the same as my 1200 custom. no different! Have you made any mods on your nightster? you could change a few things and make it a more enjoyable ride Unless you are just in for a bigger bike.

 

6'1", 240 here. Put some forward controls, or highway bars on the li'l beastie.

Wind drag? Any bike w/o windshield/fairing will have wind drag.

 

Im 6'2" 245lbs and love mine. I have forward controls but otherwise stock.

 

i'm 5'10"/190 and my C fits me like a glove...maybe you just need to try one w/forwards

 

6' and 200 lbs. Mine is stock for now but I'm loving it.

 

The Street Bob will be more comfortable over the bumps but is still no touring bike. As far as wind drag, it will be worse than the Nightster as your arms are up in the air. I've owned 2 sportsters and a Street Bob so I know what I'm talking about. Also, the Street Bob is just as cramped as the Sportster as far as leg room goes. You need forward controls on either bike to have your legs comfortable.

 

Forward controls man...I put forwards on my 883L (basically the same bike as the Nightster) and changed the seat. I'm more comfortable and stretched out on my sporty than some of the STOCK Dynas I have test ridden.

Wind drag and bumps are another issue that can be resolved with new shocks and a windshield.

If you like the bike you need to customize it to fit you. That's one of the things I love about Harley. Any bike in thier line-up can be made to fit any rider.

 

5' 11"....? common little guy you'll be ok

 

Yeah my bike is bone stock right now and I wanted to put on all my performance mods first like exhaust etc but it looks like I need forward controls instead of financing for a new bike. does anyone know where I can get forwards cheaper than harleys $400 set?