Harley-Davidson Night Train was first launched in 1998, as part of the Softail lineup. These Softail motorcycles had suspension springs located in the rear, out of the direct line of sight, to make them look like hardtail motorbikes. Over the years, other brands too, have adopted the term Softail, for their hidden suspension motorcycles and even bicycles. The Harley Night Train has its shock absorbers tucked away, underneath the transmission. It looks like a hard frame bike but retains the comfort of the rear suspension design. With its pitch black power train, black trims, and all black fuel tank, it looks sinister. Night Train was discontinued in 2009. According to TopSpeed, '07 Night Train is very comfortable and efficient.
Harley-Davidson says the Night Train is lean, mean, and built to ride hard. It is one of the best Harley motorcycles worth every dollar! Specially built for Europe, it sits low and looks good from almost all the angles. The balanced black and chrome color scheme gives it that feisty underdog look. While it does lack a few things here and there to flaunt that HD signature style look, it does have the bells and whistles at all the right places. Straight from the factory drag bars and the six-inch risers further oomph the looks. Some loyalists love it for the classy looks or the luxurious ride it offers, some do it for that bass sound, while some said on the hdforums that it's not the fastest or most comfortable motorcycle either.
Although it sure looks clean and classy, how does the Softail Night Train hold up to today's standards? Is it worth buying a new or used Harley Davidson Softail, nowadays?
Comfort
Since Softail was claimed to be built, to compensate for comfort, let’s talk about that first.
Though the stock seat looks cool, it is slightly painful on long rides (which is why one would buy a Softail - long windy rides). However, a Mustang seat can easily fix the problem. Some find the bike better adapts to tall drivers, as you need longer legs and longer arms to steer tightly or reach the front pegs. On the other hand, some drivers think it is a bit difficult to find the required legroom and space for taller drivers. Although, nothing that some extended forward control extensions and heel rest or floorboards can't solve. The bike might be a bit tough on shorter drivers on long drives. With the controls and footpegs mounted way up and the seat so low, it makes the ride a tad bit uncomfortable. Add to that a stripped, padding-less seat and you would understand the plight of a short driver. Not only are the bumps pretty unforgiving but they directly hit your posterior.
Engine, Power, & Handling
Night Train comes with a four-stroke air-cooled V twin engine. Originally, the model had a 1338 cc engine with a five-speed transmission, which does not fare well on all surfaces. Starting from 2000, it was revised to 1450 cc. A fuel injection system was added in 2002. The major modification came in 2006 though, when the engine was amped up to twin cam 96 vibration isolation - mounted valves, 1584 cc engine with six-speed, cruise drive transmission, and a compression ratio of 9.2:1. The rear tires were expanded too, to 200 mm in 2005. '07 or '09 model is one of the best Harley - Davidson bikes ever made!
It handles very well on open straight roads, but, turns and bends are not easy. Trying to manhandle on the bends, or, corners can be tricky with those super long front forks, long frame, and low seating.
Night Train is sheer joy if you ride with a cruiser attitude and enjoy it with wafts of fresh air caressing and ruffling your face.
How It Holds Up Today
While handling is good, it does not drive well on rough terrain or hills. But, it definitely holds its own on open roads, even with uphill, downhill, or slight inclines. Night Train is fuel-efficient, so there's that! About 20-25 mpg on the highways. Lower speeds translate to better fuel economy and less tiredness than higher speeds. For those drivers who are looking for a laid back cruiser (probably 60-80 mph), Night Train is one of the best options, but, those looking for a daily commuter or something agile and high speed, this simply won’t fly in today’s world. Having said all of that, it pretty much retains its value. A used Night Train in good shape would easily sell on upwards of $10,000. Night Train is good if you have the skills and the patience to drive one. Not to mention, an insane obsession of Harley, which loyalists do have, goes a long way too!