The new 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special looks to be a model for the masses, with more friendly ergonomics and passenger accommodations. We tested the Harley-Davidson Nightster on its debut, so let’s now take a look at what makes the Special version different from the standard Nightster, and remind ourselves what is carried over.
- The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special gets the same Revolution Max 975T powerplant as the standard Nightster. It’s a liquid-cooled V-twin with plenty of torque, making it a fun motorcycle to ride around town and in the local twisties. There are three preset ride modes, and the rider can create custom modes to taste. Cruise control is standard.
- The Nightster Special has ergonomics that will allow for longer rides. Thanks to a new five-inch handlebar riser and a new handlebar, the Nightster Special’s grips are moved two inches higher and an inch closer to the rider. The result is a more upright seating position for the rider.
- There’s a separate seat and footpegs for the passenger.
- The Harley-Davidson Dunlop tires are mounted on cast aluminum wheels. A tire pressure monitoring system makes sure you know what the psi is.
- ABS, traction control, and electronic engine braking control are standard.
- The round four-inch TFT dash can be paired via Bluetooth to your smartphone. When used with the Harley-Davidson App for Android or iOS, the dash displays either a moving map or turn-by-turn instructions—rider’s choice. When hooked up to a helmet communications device, the system allows the rider to listen to music, as well as place or receive phone calls, all with voice commands. A powered USB port makes sure your smartphone is always ready to go.
- Brembo braking is employed, front and rear. The 320mm disc is grasped by a four-piston caliper (sorry, not radially mounted), while the rear 260mm disc is modulated by a floating single-piston caliper.
- All the lighting is LED.
- You have four color choices: Black Denim, Vivid Black, Bright Billiard Blue, and Industrial Yellow. The tank also gets AMF-inspired striping. Prices start at $14,999.
Location photography by Aaron Brimhall and Ben Christensen