Harley Davidson began manufacturing its Sportster line of motorcycles in 1957. In 2007, Harley introduced the XL 1200N, or Nightster. This model featured a V-twin engine, low seat height, chopped front and rear fenders and more hues of black and gray than chrome, which gave these motorcycles an aggressive, gritty appearance. The 2011 models ranged in starting price from $9,999 to $10,669.
Drivetrain
The Nightster draws power from an air-cooled 1,202 cc four-stroke V-twin engine. This engine's bore and stroke measure 3.5-by-3.812 inches and it has a compression ratio of 9.7-to-1. It uses electronic sequential port fuel injection and has a 2.8-quart dry-sump lubrication system. This engine generates 79 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Harley equips the Nightster with a five-speed manual transmission and a multi-plate wet clutch. The primary drive is chain and the final drive is belt. This engine delivers an estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg in the city and 57 mpg on the highway.
Dimensions
Harley's 2011 Nightster spans 85.8 inches in length with a 59.8-inch wheelbase. This model stands 43.6 inches in height, with an unladen seat-height of 26.9 inches (25.7 inches laden) and an overall width of 36.4 inches. The Nightster has a rake of 30.4 degrees, fork angle of 30.4 degrees and a trail of 4.6 inches. Its tubular steel frame sits low, giving the Nightster a 3.9-inch ground clearance. This motorcycle has a dry weight of 545 lbs. Harley equips each with a 3.3-gallon fuel tank.
Handling
The 2011 Nightster sports a 19-inch front wheel that takes a 100/90-19 57H tire and a 16-inch rear wheel with a 150/80B16 71H tire. It uses dual-piston 11.5-inch diameter front and single-piston 10.24-inch diameter rear hydraulic disc brakes. The Nightster's suspension consists of a 39 mm front fork that gives 3.62 inches of travel and coil-cover rear shocks that yield 1.63 inches of travel.
Appearance
Harley Davidson sells the 2011 Nightster in solid, two-tone and custom color options. Buyers can choose from Vivid Black and Cool Blue Pearl solid colors, select Scarlet Red or Vivid Black in two-tone, or opt for a custom blend of Psychedelic Purple or Apple Green with Vivid Black. All models feature a pair of chrome exhaust pipes, a matte finish, medium-gray powder-coated engine, a black seat, black handlebars and black-colored hand and foot controls, fork sliders, fork gaiters and a black headlamp mount. The Nightster sports steel wheels with chrome spokes and black hubs. The Nightster's instrument panel consists of an odometer, trip odometer, low fuel, battery and oil pressure lights, a trip meter and indicators for high beam, engine diagnostics and turn signals.
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