Harley-Davidson is having a very busy start to 2023. Apart from celebrating its 120th Anniversary with six limited edition models, there are many new exciting additions to the line-up. The 2023 Nightster also gets a unique new addition with the 'Special' model. Harley is giving the new-age Sportster a classic twist.
The Nightster Special gets cool and nostalgic visual features, the most note-worthy is the throwback tank layout. It reminds us vividly of Harley's AMF days. The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special also adds loads of new comfort and technology features. And now, two can tango on the Nightster! Safety features also get a notable bump with more standard features on board.
The classic round instrument cluster is now fully digital with a four-inch TFT display taking connectivity features up a notch. As for performance, there are no tweaks to the bold new Revolution Max engine from the standard Nightster. All of these cool bits do come at a notable premium.
The 2023 Nightster Special will be a major boon for conservative Harley fans with its throwback visual bits. And this 'Special' Harley-Davidson with strong café racer vibes has more drama and edge over the likes of Triumph Bonneville Bobber and Indian Scout Rogue.
2023 Harley Nightster Special Gets Nostalgic With Looks
The 'Special' Harley-Davidson Nightster is offered in four cool shades - Black Denim, Vivid Black, Bright Billiard Blue, and Industrial Yellow. These colors blend well with the laid-back yet sporty visual appeal of the Nightster. But the Special is unique, and Harley takes us on a nostalgic trip with a specific design element on the tank.
There is a distinctive "Harley-Davidson" badging on the tank surrounded by a tri-colored stripe of yellow, orange, and red. This is an ode to Harley-Davidson's AMF-owned time in the 70s. And the 2023 Nightster Special tank vividly reminds us of the cool peanut-shaped tank design used on the 1970s Sportsters and Ironheads.
Another throwback design element is the spoke-styled silver aluminum that is a throwback to the wheels on the original Nightster XL1200N from 2007.
2023 Nightster Special Gets Cool Technology Features
The coolest new technology feature of the 2023 Nightster Special comes in the form of a new round TFT display. The four-inch unit is packed with the latest connectivity features. The dashboard can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth for seamless features on the go.
The display can be used to show a full-sized map or turn-by-turn navigation. And when synced to a communication device for the helmet, the Nightster Special also offers the option to listen to music and take phone calls. All of these features have been integrated into the Harley-Davidson application for Android and iOS.
Keeping the impressive touring capabilities of the Nightster Special in mind, this Harley also gets a USB port to keep your smartphone juiced up on the go. Safety features also get a notable bump with ABS, traction control, and an engine braking system. Leaving no stone unturned on the safety front is a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as well.
The New Harley-Davidson Nightster Special Is More Practical
The new Nightster Special now comes with a comfortable pillion seat and footpegs. This finally enables the two-person touring dreams that many past Nightster owners have been craving. The rider's triangle gets more comfortable as well.
It is due to a new handlebar with a new five-inch riser. This brings the natural resting position of the palm to two inches up and one inch backward to help the rider have a more commanding position. A clever feature of the Nightster Special is the position of the fuel tank.
The 3.1-gallon tank is located just below the already low-slung rider seat. This helps bring the center of gravity of this Harley further lower, which helps improve handling and stability. Adding more confidence is a new set of Brembo brakes.
The Nightster Special gets a single-piston caliper mounted on a 320 mm front rotor and a single-piston caliper on a 260 mm rear rotor. Making the 2023 Nightster Special more special and flexible are ride modes - Road, Sport, Rain, and a custom mode where you are in complete control.
2023 Nightster Special Packs A 975cc Revolution Max Engine
The new Nightster Special continues to be powered by the Revolution Max V-twin that churns out 90 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain remains unchanged from the standard Nightster. This liquid-cooled motor has oodles of torque and makes the Nightster Special a hoot to ride in straights or through curves; day and night!
2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special: Pricing And Availability
The 2023 Nightster Special starts with an MSRP of $14,999, and Vivid Black is the only shade you get at that price. For the other three vibrant colors, a premium of $450 is added to the base price. As compared to the standard 2023 Nightster, the 'Special' is $1,500 pricier; and we reckon it is worth the visual drama and feature bump. Expect the new Nightster Special to reach Harley-Davidson dealerships before March 2023.
Source: Harley-Davidson