Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles get a burst of adrenalin with the launch of the new XL 1200N Nightster. With a wicked combination of exceptional performance, unique design and a low seat height, the Nightster has a gritty, urban feel offering a sharp ride for the street. The new Sportster model was announced today at the Harley-Davidson Winter Dealer Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Blending a low seat height and mid-mount controls with the powerful torque of the rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engine, the XL 1200N Nightster adds another exciting option to the Sportster family.

"The XL 1200N Nightster is a blacked-out street bike that continues a half century of Sportster tradition of innovative, fun and versatile motorcycles," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Director of Motorcycle Product Development. "With loads of truly select features and components, the Nightster takes all the enhancements made to the Sportster family in recent years to an entirely different level."

The distinctive look and feel of the XL 1200N Nightster centers on a low seat height of 25.3 inches that makes it comparable to the XL Sportster 883 Low, an inch lower than the XL Sportster 1200 Low and among the lowest riding of all Harley-Davidson models. Besides enjoying the lower seat height, the Nightster rider goes solo with a one-piece, Sportster classic seat.

The mood gets drastically darker on this new Sportster, as the Nightster features a host of black components. Black wheel rims and hubs contrast with chrome spokes, while the front forks and clamp, headlight cover, handlebar, levers, turn signals and air cleaner insert are all finished in black.

The rear belt guard and front fender clamps are also black, but are opened up with a bullet hole pattern. The rear fender is cut back to show more of the rear tire. The back of the Nightster rides without a separate tail light, as that feature is integrated with the rear turn signals.

Taking the latest Sportster design for a ride into the past, the Nightster features a side-mounted license plate holder and front fork gaiters. While the side-mount license plate is a street design cue, the fork gaiters are a retro component that can help protect the fork seals from dirt and debris.

The Nightster rides smoothly with a 1200cc Evolution engine, which features a new Medium Gray finish with polished and black treatments. The transmission and airbox cover also sport the new finish. The Evolution engine provides a responsive throttle and high performance, while the integrated transmission has quietly meshing helical cut gears and lightweight dog rings that reduce shift effort.

Like all 2007 Sportsters, the Nightster has Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), reduced clutch lever effort, redesigned gauges, high performance carbon fiber belts and improved front brake lever effort.

As part of the original Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle family, the Nightster has a design refined from the racetrack to the street that is primed for customized creativity.

The Nightster is available in Vivid Black, as well as four two-tone paint schemes with a unique Harley-Davidson fuel tank graphic. The fuel cap, headlamp trim ring and oil dipstick cover are coated in a new Silver Satin finish. The Nightster is offered only in North American markets.

Source: Harley-Davidson Motor Company