2012 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
The Harley-Davidson Sportster has been a staple in The Motor Company’s lineup since it’s introduction in 1952, the smaller Harley always catering to the entry-level rider.
The Sportster received many upgrades throughout the years, from the introduction of the Evolution engine in 1986 to the rubber-mounted motor mounts in 2004. But in 2007, Harley developed an all-new Sportster model, the XL1200N Nightster.
The Nightster was designed to be low, dark and aggressive, with the typical power of the Evolution V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). Harley continues to offer the Nightster for 2012, with minimal upgrades over the previous-year’s model.
New for the 2012 XL1200N black side covers to match bodywork finish, Michelin Scorcher “31” front and rear tires and new paint options.
Everything else is typical of the Nighster – chopped front and rear fenders. Side-mounted license plate. Combined stop/turn/tail lights. Low 25.3-inch seat height. Old-school front fork gaiters. Raw-boned graphics and a unique finish on its V-Twin Evolution engine. And just for good measure, black throughout.
Harley says: “With its gritty, no-nonsense look, the Nightster model is the motorcycle for those who want Sportster performance coupled with an attitude you don’t normally find on such a nimble machine.”
Following are the highlights, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Nightster.
2012 Harley Sportster Nightster XL1200N Highlights:
- NEW Black side covers to match bodywork finish
- NEW Michelin Scorcher “31” front and
- rear tires
- NEW Paint color options
- Evolution V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
- Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
- 5-speed transmission
- Dual staggered exhaust
- Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer
- Disc brakes
- Mid-mounted foot controls
- Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
- Optional Original Equipment Custom Color paint program
- Medium-gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
- Chrome exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
- Low front and rear suspension
- Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
- Black, Laced Steel wheels with chrome spokes and black hubs
- Chopped front fender with black brackets and lightening holes
- Chopped rear fender with black supports
- Belt guard with lightening holes
- Black fork sliders and black fork gaiters
- Sportster Classic solo seat
- Black hand and foot controls
- Side-mounted license plate
- Combination stop/turn/tail lights
- Black headlamp body with black visor and satin trim ring
- Black low-rise handlebar and black riser
2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster XL1200N Specs:
Engine:
- Air-cooled, Evolution
- Displacement (in./cc): 73.3/1200
- Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Miles Per Gallon: 48 MPG combined City/Hwy
- Fuel Capacity (U.S. gals/liters): 3.3/12.5
- Power: 79 ft. lbs. torque @ 4000 RPM
Dimensions:
- Length (in./mm): 85.8/2179
- Seat Height (laden) (in./mm): 25.7/653
- Wheelbase (in./mm): 59.8/1519
Tires:
- Michelin Scorcher “31” front and rear
- Front: Scorcher “31” 100/90B19 57H
- Rear: Scorcher “31” 150/80B16 77H
Wheels:
- Front: Black Laced Steel 19 in. x 2.5 in. (482.6 mm x 63.5 mm)
- Rear: Black Laced Steel 16 in. x 3 in. (406.4 mm x 76.2 mm)
Weight as Shipped (lbs./kg):
- 545/247.2
2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster XL1200N Color Options/MSRP:
- Vivid Black / $9,999
- Black Denim, $10,299
- Midnight Pearl/ Cool Blue Pearl / $10,509
- Midnight Pearl/ Brilliant Silver Pearl / $10,509