2022 Nightster: Meet The Liquid-Cooled Sportster

Who wants a cooler Sportster? The entry-level H-D just got an upgrade with a modern, cooler motor. Harley added a new Sportster with the release of the 2022 Nightster. The machine is built around the new liquid-cooled Revolution® Max 975T powertrain. The V-twin pumps out 90HP at 7500 rpm with peak torque of 70 ft. lbs. coming on at 5000 rpm. Harley says the engine is designed to have a flat torque curve while providing a solid mid-range kick in the pants to riders.

“The Nightster is an instrument of expression and exploration, underpinned by performance” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “By building on the 65-year Sportster legacy, the Nightster provides a canvas for creativity and personalization, offering the ultimate platform for customization and expression for new and existing riders.”

Of course that power and agility is combined with the latest electronic rider aids. There is ABS, TCS, and Drag-Torque Slip Control System, or DSCS if you want to stick with acronyms. That's the Rider Safety Enhancements package and its mated with selectable Road, Sport, and Rain riding modes.Each mode features a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS settings.

A 27.5 inch seat height, mid-placed foot controls, and low-rise bars should place riders in a comfortable posture allowing them to easily control the bike in all riding situations and get their feet down flat at a stop.

The engine is part of the chassis which also features an aluminum tail section and rectangular steel swingarm. There are two pre-load adjustable shocks mounted to that swingarm and up front are a  pair of 41mm Showa forks.

The 3.1 gallon plastic fuel tank is below the seat to help centralize mass and what looks like a regular gas tank is actually a steel airbox cover. Harley says the tank placement improves handling and makes the bike easier to lift off the side stand. 

Instruments include a round four-inch analog speedometer combined with an inset multi-function LCD display mounted on the handlebar riser. 

You get all LED lights including a headlight designed for an even spread of light with no hot spots. The US model gets a combination rear brake/tail/signal LED lighting setup on the rear fender.

Now what about looks? 

It's got the traditional Sportster styling cues, such as the exposed twin shocks, the airbox cover that mimics a traditional tank shape plus the round air intake cover, solo seat, chopped fenders, and speed screen. In what looks like the former Sportster oil tank you will find the fuel tank.

The engine is the heart of the design with charcoal-coloured exhaust headers with gloss black inserts. The battery is hidden behind a cover below the radiator to make the rad seem less prominent. 

Dark is the theme with a bike called Nightster as you would expect. The wheels are satin black, and you can purchase your bike in Vivid Black, Gunship Grey, or Redline Red. The grey and red colour options will be applied only to the airbox cover; the front and rear fenders and speed screen are always finished in Vivid Black.

The Nightster model arrives at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally beginning this month. MSRP is CA$16,499 (Vivid Black) and CA$16,999 (colour options).