2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster Specs & Review

Harley’s modern middleweight cruiser blends classic silhouette with the liquid‑cooled Revolution Max powertrain. In this Harley-Davidson Nightster review, we break down the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster specs to help riders cross‑shop it against other mid‑displacement cruisers and standards. It’s aimed at enthusiasts who want approachable ergonomics, real-world torque, and contemporary rider aids at an accessible price.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Revolution Max 975T V‑Twin (2 cylinders), ESPFI
• Displacement: 975 cc / 59.5 cu in
• Power: 91 hp / 68 kW @ 7,500 rpm (US spec)
• Torque: 72 ft‑lb @ 5,750 rpm (95 Nm)
• Transmission: 6‑speed; primary drive 49/89
• Weight (running order): 481 lb / 218 kg (US); 221 kg (global)
• Seat height: 27.1 in / 688 mm (laden); 705 mm (unladen)
• Wheelbase: 60.8 in / 1545 mm
• Rake/Trail: 30° / 5.4 in (137 mm)
• MSRP (US) starting price: $9,999

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Nightster sits the Revolution Max 975T V‑Twin, a liquid‑cooled unit with a 97 mm x 66 mm bore and stroke and a 12:1 compression ratio. Output is a healthy 91 hp (68 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 72 ft‑lb (95 Nm) at 5,750 rpm, which translates to lively midrange surge for city slicing and confident highway merges. The relatively short 66 mm stroke helps the engine spin willingly, while the 2‑into‑1 exhaust (with the catalyst in the header) keeps mass centralized and sound tight.

Fueling is managed by Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), and Harley estimates 52 mpg (city/hwy combined) or 5.5 L/100 km, backed by a 3.1 gal (11.7 L) tank—good for realistic commuter range. The 6‑speed gearbox offers flexible gearing (overall ratios from 12.21 in 1st to 4.131 in 6th), giving the Nightster easy launches and relaxed cruising.

Handling, Comfort & Harley-Davidson Nightster Seat Height

Geometry skewed for stability—30° rake, 5.4 in (137 mm) trail, and a 60.8 in (1545 mm) wheelbase—keeps the Nightster planted over rough pavement and at freeway speeds. A 41 mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional fork and dual outboard emulsion shocks (with threaded preload adjuster) provide predictable support in daily riding. Lean angle is 32° left and right, with 4.3 in (110 mm) of ground clearance—respectable for a low-slung cruiser.

The Harley-Davidson Nightster seat height is notably approachable: 27.1 in / 688 mm when laden, or 705 mm unladen. That low perch boosts confidence at stops and during U‑turns, especially for newer riders or those with shorter inseams. The Harley-Davidson Nightster weight comes in at 481 lb / 218 kg (US running order) or 221 kg (global), which feels manageable thanks to the low center of gravity and narrow waist. Taller riders will appreciate the mid‑controls and neutral bar reach, while shorter riders benefit from the easy flat‑foot stance.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is quality and straightforward: a single floating front rotor with an axially mounted 4‑piston Brembo caliper, and a rear solid uniform expansion rotor with a single‑piston floating caliper. Electronic rider aids include ABS, Traction Control (TCS), Drag‑Torque Slip Control (DSCS), and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS), plus three ride modes—Road, Rain, and Sport—to tailor response to conditions.

Lighting is all‑LED (headlamp, tail/stop, and front turn signals) for visibility and durability. The cockpit pairs a 4‑inch analog gauge with a segmented LCD, showing speedometer, trip A/B, gear position, fuel range, 12/24‑hour clock, digital tachometer, segmented fuel level, ride mode indication, and warning/indicator lights (including ABS, TCS, TPMS, and more). Satin‑black aluminum cast wheels are wrapped in Dunlop Harley‑Davidson Series Bias Blackwall tires: 100/90‑19 57H front and 150/80B16 77H rear.

Other useful numbers for the spec‑hungry: length 88.6 in (2250 mm), width 33.0 in (840 mm), and oil capacity 4.75 qt (4.5 L). CO2 emissions are stated at 130 g/km (EU 134/2014).

Who Is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster For?

Riders seeking a modern, manageable cruiser with authentic V‑Twin character will feel at home. Newer riders benefit from the low seat, clear instrumentation, and standard safety aids, while experienced riders will appreciate the responsive 975 cc engine, ride modes, and predictable chassis for urban commutes and weekend backroads. The compact 3.1 gal tank and relaxed geometry emphasize everyday usability over long‑haul touring.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2025 Nightster hits a sweet spot: punchy 91 hp and 72 ft‑lb from the Revolution Max 975T, approachable ergonomics, and a robust electronics suite at a starting price of $9,999. Braking and suspension are spec’d sensibly for the class, with Brembo up front and SHOWA Dual Bending Valve damping offering confidence without complexity.

On the flip side, aggressive riders may wish for more ultimate braking capacity than a single front rotor, while the 3.1 gal tank and 32° lean angle set natural boundaries for extended canyon sessions. Still, judged on its mission, the Nightster is a compelling pick among mid‑size cruisers: accessible, efficient (est. 52 mpg / 5.5 L/100 km), and authentically modern Harley.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster good for beginners?

  • It’s approachable thanks to the low 27.1 in / 688 mm laden seat height, manageable power delivery, and standard aids like ABS, TCS, DSCS, and TPMS. Note the running weight of 481 lb (US) when considering fit and comfort.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster?

  • Seat height is 27.1 in / 688 mm when laden and 705 mm unladen.

• How heavy is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster?

  • Harley-Davidson Nightster weight (in running order) is 481 lb / 218 kg for the US specification and 221 kg globally.

• What engine does the 2025 Nightster use and how much power does it make?

  • It uses the Revolution Max 975T V‑Twin (ESPFI), producing 91 hp / 68 kW at 7,500 rpm (US spec) and 72 ft‑lb (95 Nm) at 5,750 rpm.

• Does the 2025 Nightster have ride modes and ABS?

  • Yes. It includes Road, Rain, and Sport ride modes, plus ABS, Traction Control (TCS), Drag‑Torque Slip Control (DSCS), and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).