Harley Nightster

[mjacks]

I don't think anyone has posted this yet.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/30january07_nightster.htm

Not bad but it still doesn't make me want to run out and buy one. A nice look though.

[10-95]

I REALLY don't like HD, but that is one cool looking m/c. If they'd stretch that frame, so I didn't look like a monkey doing unnatural things with a football, and keep the rake and trail, I might be interested in that. Kind of looks like the one they unveiled for Europe only production.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/nightstertop.jpg

[dukey33]

I was just looking at that too over on motorcycle-usa.com
I like it. Looks pretty neat. As an H-D, it prolly won't sell well enough for them to carry it very long. Not enough chrome for the diehards and too much stigma attached to the brand name to convert Euro and non-cruiser metric riders.

Of late, the Motor Co has been releasing some models that I'd might consider owning but it would be a while before they work their way up my list to where I'd buy one. Just can't afford 'em.

[Chirpy]

It's generating lot's of talk on the CycleWorld board, haven't checked the XL forum. Classic Harley, in that it's essentially a 1200L with jiggled cosmetics. And a higher price tag ;-)

I think what's more significant is that with the Street Bob last year and the Nightster this year, Harley is testing the factory bobber waters. Does this mean they see the chopper craze as fading? Hopefully.

I think it's neat, but I'm still hoping for the XR. It actually had different engine cases, and I think that's why they could mount proper rear set pegs on it.

As to sales, Sportster sales have increased to about the 70,000 unit mark and stayed there since the rubber-mounting in 2004. The only new hard parts on this unit are the belt guard and fenders, so it's cheap to keep it around. I'd say if this model outsells the 1200R, you'll see a Dyna bobber in much the same guise in the not too distant future.

And if they sell enough, the bobbed metrics won't be too far behind. Maybe then we'll start seeing bobber shows on Discovery :shrug:

[quickerNu]

I think it will probably sink the 1200R. We can't get ahold of any 1200Ns until early march.

[Tourmeister]

I like it. It is the absence of all the chrome in particular that I like. Gotta do something about that cable sticking way out from the left handle bar though :brainsnap

[1TallTXn]

not a bad looking bike at all. the seating position looks insanely uncomfortable, but it may just be the pic.

I'm with Scott, that cables gotta go. makes it look cheap or maybe like and old Jap standard :nono:

[Chirpy]

It's a Harley...for about $600 you can buy handlebars that hide all that. :-)

I don't understand the current low seat height craze. I want to build up the seat on my 1200R already, and they've scooped more out of it. Is everybody 4' 11" now? What feels good in a 30 second showroom "sit" doesn't always feel the same after 4 or 5 hours on the road...

It's almost a factory rat bike...gotta love that.

[Hairsmith]

I don't understand the current low seat height craze.

+1

And get the darn foot pegs under the seat where they belong and so you can take some weight off your back.

[kurt]

I like it, but still prefer the Dyna FDX.

[Squidward]

And if they sell enough, the bobbed metrics won't be too far behind. Maybe then we'll start seeing bobber shows on Discovery :shrug:
I hope not. If they become too popular my plans to build something similar to this will have to change. Make mine black with minimal chrome.

[Chirpy]

And get the darn foot pegs under the seat where they belong and so you can take some weight off your back.

That's the XR1200. On the 1200R and 1200N the pegs are pretty much under the rearmost pushrod tube.
http://homepage.mac.com/tschoepe/.Pictures/TWT/1200R.jpg
On the XR they appear to be a good 8-10" back from that, where they should be.
http://motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/lg+harley_davidson_xr1200_sportster_prototype+righ t.jpg

I figured my 1200R would be my first and last Harley, but if they bring the XR1200 over I may have to rethink that.

[1TallTXn]

The XR1200 I really like! :thumb:

[NorthOfDallas]

That's the XR1200.
I figured my 1200R would be my first and last Harley, but if they bring the XR1200 over I may have to rethink that.

+1, might even supplant my desire for an FJR (barely enough funds for one...:()

[Stephen Max]

Interesting. I sort of like it, but the stance reminds me of the muscular shoulders and scrawny rear end of a hyena.

And couldn't they come up with a better name than something that sounds like the way middle school kids talked 15 years ago?

[TexasTri]

That is a nice bike, here is the color that really gets me going.
http://www.triumphrat.net/albums/album566/abs.sized.jpg

[kschop]

Gotta do something about that cable sticking way out from the left handle bar though :brainsnap I agree, I would also change the rubber sleeve on the forks. BUT I do like this Harley and the XR1200! Dare I say… they look sport-inspired. I appreciate H-D’s attempt to branch out and I hope to see more of it.

[Chirpy]

Of course with the workers on strike (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=10378) that won't be able to build any of them.

With Buell sales flat last year, despite the Uly, I guess Harley is going to try to reach out with the Sportster line. Buell, Honda and BMW were the only three moto-companies to have year over year sales declines last year, while perennial underdog Kawasaki was up almost 20%! KWack had almost all new models. Honda, none.

It looks like motorcycles might have gone the way of fashion accessories, where only the "NEW" and "IMPROVED" sell to anyone outside of the core enthusiasts.

I know I'd be down at the local dealership quick if the XR really happens. It's been commented many times how ready for production it appears. When was the last time you saw a "show bike" with reflectors? It appears to also carry a different frame than the current sporty, so I have a hard time believing that if they throw the switch that they wouldn't sell them here. It would be a significant investment to build a new frame, Harley doesn't do that often.

[CBAT]

Stand by for another price increase. My LC was half the price of a comparably equipped H-D in 2003. Don't get me wrong, I like the Harleys they are just expensive is my point.

[bluedogok]

I was just looking at that too over on motorcycle-usa.com
I like it. Looks pretty neat. As an H-D, it prolly won't sell well enough for them to carry it very long. Not enough chrome for the diehards and too much stigma attached to the brand name to convert Euro and non-cruiser metric riders.

Of late, the Motor Co has been releasing some models that I'd might consider owning but it would be a while before they work their way up my list to where I'd buy one. Just can't afford 'em.
Actually H-D has a pretty rabid following in Europe and Japan, it is just not as large as it is in the US. They are considered a niche bike in those places just like a V-Strom type is considered a niche bike by the majority (cruiser riders) here. Michael Schumacher owns something like 30 H-D bikes.

My favorite is still the XR750.

[NorthOfDallas]

Of course with the workers on strike (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=10378) that won't be able to build any of them.

With Buell sales flat last year, despite the Uly, I guess Harley is going to try to reach out with the Sportster line. Buell, Honda and BMW were the only three moto-companies to have year over year sales declines last year, while perennial underdog Kawasaki was up almost 20%! KWack had almost all new models. Honda, none.

It looks like motorcycles might have gone the way of fashion accessories, where only the "NEW" and "IMPROVED" sell to anyone outside of the core enthusiasts.

I know I'd be down at the local dealership quick if the XR really happens. It's been commented many times how ready for production it appears. When was the last time you saw a "show bike" with reflectors? It appears to also carry a different frame than the current sporty, so I have a hard time believing that if they throw the switch that they wouldn't sell them here. It would be a significant investment to build a new frame, Harley doesn't do that often.

Interesting, I never noticed the reflectors.

as far as the strike, I firmly believe that Unions are putting fuel on the fire that is burning down the house of manufacturing in the US. **** shame because Honda, Toyota, Sony and other Japan owned US locations all produce very high quality goods with American hands proving that if the workers are managed right, we can stay competitive.

[Chirpy]

Red,

I agree a little, but I also agree with the unions a little.

With something like 20 record quarters in a row, HD management should fork over a little cash to the people that spin the wrenches and paint the tanks.

What unions need to do is stop arguing for contracts "improvements" that never change. Go for profit sharing type arrangements, so when the company is doing well the workers benefit. But by it's nature, profit sharing is self-adjusting so that when a company has a rough quarter compensation costs automajically go down!

Then a companies hands aren't tied to huge payouts when times are hard.

[quickerNu]

Man, I would love a starting position for 18 bucks an hour.... Also, the strike is only at the York, PA plant (Touring and Softails) and will not affect sporty production.


(The proposed contract provided for a four percent wage increase in each of the three contract years. Two percent of the increase was dependent on the union accepting the Company’s salaried health care plan or another plan that would save the Company an equal amount of money. The Company’s union employees in York currently pay no premium for health insurance coverage and minimal out of pocket costs. The proposal would have doubled the Company’s 401(k) contribution match and would have provided a special monthly retirement supplement for certain employees who retire during the contract period. The proposal also would have instituted a second-tier wage and benefit plan for new employees hired after February 2, 2007. For example, under the two-tier structure, new assembly worker hires would have earned $18.25 per hour in the first year of the contract, compared to $20.78 per hour for current assembly workers in the first year of the contract. )

[1TallTXn]

heck, I've got two college degrees and don't make that much! :giveup:

[Jesse H]

I think that's the first Harley I've ever looked at and really liked. Then I realized Yamaha or Kawasaki could paint one of their bikes like that and I'd probably like it too.

[Chirpy]

Well, here's Kawasaki's version
http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/Action/210_VN1600B7FA_40078_L.scale.jpg

Complete with constipated bald guy
http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/Action/210_VN1600B7FA_81533.scale.jpg

Still can't decide about the new Mean Streak...

And for the record, it costs MORE than the Harley, so you can't use that argument.

[kschop]

:ponder: I have only ever thought about riding different types of sport bikes... until now. :drool: apparently I need to broaden my horizons. I would love to see that Kawasaki up close!

[mjacks]

Complete with constipated bald guy
http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/Action/210_VN1600B7FA_81533.scale.jpg



Maybe he needs some of this......

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d46/fz6_50/colonblow.jpg

[STrider]

I would love to see that Kawasaki up close!

s'niiice.

Complete with constipated bald guy
http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/Action/210_VN1600B7FA_81533.scale.jpg

I thought Jon the Buddha was gettin outta bikes?

And I'm with ya on not understanding the current bum-draggin low seat craze.

[dukey33]

And for the record, it costs MORE than the Harley, so you can't use that argument.

Website shows MSRP $11,299. How much they askin' for the Nightster? Can't imagine it's less than that!

As much a fan of Vulcans as I am, I was disappointed with the Mean Streak since its debut. It's underpowered, despite having the best chassis amongst the metric "power cruisers". When I saw this "dark" version at the show, I was initially impressed by the visuals but when I got closer, I was again disappointed. Kawi doesn't do the best job on construction and details. Somehow the anodized look of the frame really shows that off as opposed to the black and chrome version. Would I get one? Not sure. There are aftermarket parts that help bump the power up on the Meanie, but it really should have closer to 100hp off the showroom. It has the look and talks the talk, but it just can't walk the walk.

[TexasTri]

Nightster runs $9.5K - just under $10K depending on the extras you want. Not that I was interested, er, uh, but I did notice it.

[pacman]

Website shows MSRP $11,299. How much they askin' for the Nightster? Can't imagine it's less than that!

IIRC the Nightster MSRP is $9995.

[Chirpy]

Yup, the Nightster (dorky name) has an MSRP of $9,595. Almost two grand less than the big meanie.

Sportster's are pretty competitive pricewise. A 1200R @ $8695 is dead even or less than Honda Shadow 1100s, ditto the 883 against a Shadow 750.

While some Harley pricing is just insane, a Screaming Eagle Ultra Classic runs $30,000 plus, there is generally one in every family that is pretty reasonable, generally equal or within 10% of a metric. You can get a Dyna for $12,395, a little less than the $12,899 MSRP of an VTX1800.

Now you can argue you get more HP with the VTX. No doubt. But the myth of Harley pricing is just that. The metrics have gotten to the point where you're generally paying the same. An 883 Sportster can be had for less than the cheapest Suzuki Boulevard twin. Sure, you can buy a single for less, but I bet they sell as many of those as they do Buell Blasts.

What I don't understand is used Harley pricing. See ads all the time asking 90% or more for 5 year old bikes. I guess they are getting it, or else they really don't want to sell. "Well honey, it's been in the paper for 3 months, what do you want me to do?"

[CBAT]

Things may have changed price wise. When I was shopping my '02 LC1500 was $8500. The comparably equipped Dynas and RKs were over $16000. The sportsters are less. Other than being a v-twin there is little comparison. Totally different style/setup. Just my experience at the time.

[Chirpy]

No, you're right, big differences between Sportys and big twins. Pounds being the biggest.

The biggest thing that's changed on Harley's is production capacity. Few models sell at or over MSRP anymore, at least around here. I also think the weak dollar is also at fault, raising the metric pricing. A Suzi C90 is now $10,499.00. I think that's close to yours? I haven't yet mastered the Boulevard alphabet :-)

I think it's likely that Suzuki would be a candidate for the first metric bobber. With the DRZ-SM they showed a willingness to color waaaay outside the lines, and the M109 shows they they aren't afraid to break out of the metric cruiser mold either.

Can you imagine a stripped, bobbed 109 from the factory? :drool:

[CBAT]

No, you're right, big differences between Sportys and big twins. Pounds being the biggest.

The biggest thing that's changed on Harley's is production capacity. Few models sell at or over MSRP anymore, at least around here. I also think the weak dollar is also at fault, raising the metric pricing. A Suzi C90 is now $10,499.00. I think that's close to yours? I haven't yet mastered the Boulevard alphabet :-)

I think it's likely that Suzuki would be a candidate for the first metric bobber. With the DRZ-SM they showed a willingness to color waaaay outside the lines, and the M109 shows they they aren't afraid to break out of the metric cruiser mold either.

Can you imagine a stripped, bobbed 109 from the factory? :drool:
Yup. The C90 is the renamed LC1500 and the C50 is the old 800. A factory bobbed 109 would be cool. I've heard they are going to do a touring version of the 109 next year. Probably to outdo the Yami Roadliners. It's all the rage over on the Intruder/Boulevard forum.

[RobH]

I'd like a XR1200 with that paint job.