View Full Version : Does anyone here ride/own a Harley Nightster 1200?
griebel303
05-23-2013, 14:26
I am on the market for a Cruiser from my Sport Bike and have been looking at the Nightster 1200s. I was hoping to see if anyone here rides one and get there general feedback on it, as well as thoughts of riding 2 up.
I am trying to stay right around the $8k mark so if I don't go with the Nightster I will probably look into Honda Shadow Phantom or Star Bolt R-Spec
Thanks for any input!
How tall are you? Taller riders will feel a little cramped. I'd go dyna but a bit more money.
griebel303
05-23-2013, 14:47
I'm kind of a shorter guy. Like 5'7. Dynas and soft tails are sweet for sure, but they do cost a couple grand more like you mentioned
griebel303
05-23-2013, 14:48
You're off the team! :D
Haha don't hate bro! I will blame it on my old man back
I know quite a few chicks/lady's that ride those gurly bikes.
griebel303
05-23-2013, 14:52
I knew that comment was coming mtn. man. I saw some lady last night at the Bike Night at Quaker Steak and lube pulll up on one and partially deflated my excitement. I also saw a few chicks pull up on fat bobs and dynas. Some chicks are just tough haha
RCCrawler
05-23-2013, 15:02
If you wanna build a bobber, a nightster is a great start. I'd ride the piss out of any of these, all of which were once nightsters.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DCVegas/FILE0032.jpg
http://uncrate.com/p/2012/06/shaw-harley-nightster.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2o9cBiEDRxY/TXKqUNo3yII/AAAAAAAABII/_1JupyGrsnU/s1600/DeusSpecialNightster7.jpg
I knew that comment was coming mtn. man. I saw some lady last night at the Bike Night at Quaker Steak and lube pulll up on one and partially deflated my excitement. I also saw a few chicks pull up on fat bobs and dynas. Some chicks are just tough haha
Hey buy our 05'1200 Rat Chopper in the sale section. It is a 4 cam badd ass bike. And you will still have some cash left.
PM sent on Kawasaki Nomad I have for sale...
I've owned a couple of sportsters. Probably some of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ridden. I'm only 5'9" and it was too cramped for me and the ride was too rough for my taste. My wife rides one but she is tougher than me I guess.
If its for looks and shorter distances, I say go for it.
If you really want to rack up the miles and enjoy the ride, I'd look elsewhere.
I know it's slightly put of your budget, but a brand new Dyna Street Bob is only about $12,500 brand new. I've seen plenty of used ones in your price range.
Oh, and unless your significant other is built like a 12 year old girl, riding two up probably won't be much fun for either of you.
griebel303
05-23-2013, 15:26
I've owned a couple of sportsters. Probably some of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ridden. I'm only 5'9" and it was too cramped for me and the ride was too rough for my taste. My wife rides one but she is tougher than me I guess.
If its for looks and shorter distances, I say go for it.
If you really want to rack up the miles and enjoy the ride, I'd look elsewhere.
I know it's slightly put of your budget, but a brand new Dyna Street Bob is only about $12,500 brand new. I've seen plenty of used ones in your price range.
Oh, and unless your significant other is built like a 12 year old girl, riding two up probably won't be much fun for either of you.
Thanks for the feedback Ray. I think I will pass on the Nightster for now and keep looking for something that fits my need a little bit better
griebel303
05-23-2013, 15:27
28387
28389
That bike is sweet!!! I don't think the wife would like riding on the chain/fender though
wctriumph
05-23-2013, 16:52
The Sportster is a girls bike. Come on up to the shop and try on a Triumph before you pull the trigger.
1303 SW Frontage Rd
Ft. Collins 80524
970/679/1600
The Sportster is a girls bike. Come on up to the shop and try on a Triumph before you pull the trigger.
1303 SW Frontage Rd
Ft. Collins 80524
970/679/1600
http://www.musicswapshoppe.com/images/House_triumph.jpg
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm155/DCVegas/FILE0032.jpg
Very cool looking. I like the low key paint.
The Sportster is a girls bike. Come on up to the shop and try on a Triumph before you pull the trigger.
Get a Tiger or a GSA... Who needs pavement.
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac105/puebloshooter/DSC02843.jpg (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/puebloshooter/media/DSC02843.jpg.html)
The Triumphs are cool too. I haven't been around the new ones but the old ones are nice bikes. Google and take a look at some Triumph bobbers and cafe racers.
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 17:27
Want a HD and the shortster is too small, look at one of the vagina glides.
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4746974972412991&pid=15.1
http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4595001865275089&pid=15.1
riding a sporty is going to be more comfortable than a sportbike. at least in my opinion.
I guess I should have been a little more clear in my earlier post. HBAR is correct. As uncomfortable as a Sportster is to ride, it probably feels like a Cadillac compared to a sport bike.
This one was one of the worst riding bikes I owned.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/100_0735.jpg
This one rode nicer but even with the higher bars and the forward controls I still felt really cramped.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/newbars.jpg
My wife loves hers but I still find it pretty uncomfortable.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/DSCF1249.jpg
Goodburbon
05-23-2013, 17:42
Get a Tiger or a GSA... Who needs pavement.
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac105/puebloshooter/DSC02843.jpg (http://s890.photobucket.com/user/puebloshooter/media/DSC02843.jpg.html)
X2. There's something to be said for being comfortable while riding, and having the capability to explore a bit. Also, being able to carry a few tools, rain gear, water, maps, plug in your phone, GPS, and a 200mile+ range is a good thing IMHO.
The star bolt looks interesting, but looks like the pegs might be cramped to close.
The sportster is a sportster. Take care of it and its good to go. Just remember, riding comfortable means you can ride longer, and a cruiser puts all rear wheel impacts straight into your back. I can ride 300+miles in one day with no ill effects, and actually enjoy it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Ray I prefer riding this bike though.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3db35b3127ccef34857d9621c00000030O03AbuGLdk3aA9 vPgQ/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400072718720130515024929537.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Nice. I love the springer front end. I just ride a (almost) stock Road King.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/rjs1970/utf-8BSU1HLTIwMTIwMzExLTAwMjMyLmpwZw.jpg
UncleDave
05-23-2013, 18:43
one of my old sportys
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd07b3127ccefce006eadfad00000050O03AbuGLdk3aA9 vPgQ/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400072718720110326164441365.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
That looks a lot like my first bike, a 1973 Ironhead at 17. It was a death trap, and I loved it.
RonMexico
05-23-2013, 18:57
The Sportster is a girls bike. Come on up to the shop and try on a Triumph before you pull the trigger.
1303 SW Frontage Rd
Ft. Collins 80524
970/679/1600
^^^ I hear this bullshit all the time.
Here is a photo of my 48 sportster. It's like a nighater but has a 2.1 galloon peanut tank and a fatboy style front end. Btw I am 511/ 6th in riding boots, it not too bad of a ride but the rear shocks only have 2" of travel on my bike and the 2.1 gallon tank only gets me 92 miles to a tank( but I have some mods done). Overall it's a great bike to cruise and zip around town at 80/90 but at 105 it turns into a fun ride.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/tlsdiablo/94008E35-54F9-4EAD-A7A5-E584BBAD6E0C-4045-000004DD5ECD36B1_zpsab477c54.jpg
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:01
^^^ I hear this bullshit all the time.
Here is a photo of my 48 sportster. It's like a nighater but has a 2.1 galloon peanut tank and a fatboy style front end. Btw I am 511/ 6th in riding boots, it not too bad of a ride but the rear shocks only have 2" of travel on my bike and the 2.1 gallon tank only gets me 92 miles to a tank( but I have some mods done). Overall it's a great bike to cruise and zip around town at 80/90 but at 105 it turns into a fun ride.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/tlsdiablo/94008E35-54F9-4EAD-A7A5-E584BBAD6E0C-4045-000004DD5ECD36B1_zpsab477c54.jpg
MMMMMMMMMMMM sportys were not around in 48. 57 was the first year K sporty. . You pic is showing an evo / late model sporty. Then again i could be wrong, cause i'm no "expert"[LOL]
when I realized I was getting to old to ride my gsxr anymore, I went with a v-rod it has power and comfort. ( I still kept the gsxr for those midlife crisis moments)
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/rruusseell1/101_0725.jpg (http://s223.photobucket.com/user/rruusseell1/media/101_0725.jpg.html)
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:15
Ok i'll play.
My Buell Basher got a little light @ 123
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/more%20pics/HPIM0085.jpg
This road slide was a happy medium between my R1100RT and HD
Front end was a real handler in the twisties. it really excelled coming out of a curve and powering up.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/005-1.jpg
This one's been posted here a few times. As pictured shows a seat and p-pad i just dropped on. The ol lady sat on the fender and i used a pillow. 19 and still healthy.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/gun%20pic%20place/12-17-2011080929PM2.jpg
Built this one for a goof and rode it down from the 2nd floor apt we crashed in.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/gun%20pic%20place/12-17-2011080929PM4.jpg
This was the first one with real suspension f&r. Another apt build. had to put the fenders and exhaust on after coming down the stairs.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/gun%20pic%20place/91708148-4c42-41e3-b9c2-2caa8866bc16_zps70588b3c.jpg
Some where i have pics of my beemers.
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:19
http://1321059.r.msn.com/?ld=6vdEyIzy28lkRXECqpyOEATzVUCUzEfDGIIdbgFyzTSSTD 29qeupgEmUooU247CAcnQJy10_VIiDWZo6AAHjdL4I6Mn8Xgtd yqGENraI6Lhcx1cp2tLspgT_6eu9FAfvtUGorNPQ&u=http%3a%2f%2f18.xg4ken.com%2fmedia%2fredir.php%3 fprof%3d330%26camp%3d29830%26affcode%3dkw7895%26ci d%3d1896591827%26mType%3de%26queryStr%3dharley%252 048%26url%5b%5d%3dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.harley-davidson.com%252Fen_US%252FMotorcycles%252Fforty-eight.html%253Flocale%253Den_US%2526bmLocale%253De n_US%2526source_cd%253DSEM_Retention_Forty-Eight%2526_cr%253Dppc%257Cbing%257CInt_Retention_S portster%257C%7bharley%25252B48%7d%2526version%253 Ddesktop%26defurl%3dhttp%3a%2f%2f18.xg4ken.com%2fm edia%2fredir.php%3fprof%3d330%26camp%3d29830%26aff code%3dcr19749%26cid%3d1896591827%7c587613%7charle y+48%26mType%3de%26queryStr%3dharley%252048%26url% 5b%5d%3dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.harley-davidson.com%252Fen_US%252FMotorcycles%252Fforty-eight.html
I see 48 and think year not Model. At one time there were baggers, bobbers and sporties. This new fangled "designer" name tags. Oh well the RUBs have to brag about something;)
RonMexico
05-23-2013, 19:44
I see 48 and think year not Model. At one time there were baggers, bobbers and sporties. This new fangled "designer" name tags. Oh well the RUBs have to brag about something;)
Rub
I've been riding for over 11 years now and I am 20 years younger than the average Harley owners
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:48
Rub
I've been riding for over 11 years now and I am 30 years younger than the average Harley owners
Alright joey calm down and go massage phoebe. I have more miles on 2 wheels backing up[ROFL2]
AND remember when motorcycles were dangerous and SEX was safe
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:50
i like the "45" with the girder.
48 Indian with a 74" bonneville motor [ milled heads] from the factory giving it a higher compression ratio, then the irrigation pumps they were producing till 53.
You cant see it in that pic but there is a shock [Monroe! ] and coil spring for that added level of 'comfort"
here's a "full frontal" shot.
I was hooking it up (for a 3spd flathead) one day and watched the horn do this funky twisting and turning THEN....... fuker broke off and slammed in to my forehead, below the helmet and above the glasses.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/51jim/gun%20pic%20place/12-17-2011080929PM3.jpg
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 19:55
o shit now that I look at the motor I see its not a 45. o well. cant win them all.
Makes us even. You have the sporty when i was working greeley?
RonMexico
05-23-2013, 19:58
Alright joey calm down and go massage phoebe. I have more miles on 2 wheels backing up[ROFL2]
AND remember when motorcycles were dangerous and SEX was safe
But let's get one thing straight; Monica and Racheal are my type.
How many miles have you put on the past two years? I am slowly catching you old sport
[Beer]
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 20:01
But let's get one thing straight; Monica and Racheal are my type.
How many miles have you put on the past two years? I am slowly catching you old sport
[Beer]
None i have a Dr.s note What's the longest distance you've done in 1 day?
AM NOT
ARE TOO
AM NOT.
i knew i'd get you going. HEY how u doin
griebel303
05-23-2013, 22:11
I appreciate all the feedback. There are some nice bikes here on the forum. I ride currently everyday to work so I think taking the time to find something comfortable will be worth it in the long run. I am going to hold off on the nightster and do some more looking for a good deal on a dyna or softtail. I also hadn't thought of triumph so I may have to take the trip up north to check them out. I will make sure to post up pictures once I settle on a new ride.
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 22:19
You want comfort, speed, handling and low maintenance? Buy a BMW RT series
You want speed and some comfort HD sport looks with a lower price tag look at the Star series from yamaha
http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/682/0/home.aspx
IMHO:
There are a lot of nice sporty mc offerings from Honda, yamaha, and HD. The only difference between mc's today. HD's hold a better resale value. The down side of HD's. All the wanna be clowns wearing "costumes" wanting to look the bad ass w/out the back bone to step up.
Yamaha RoadStar, damn good bikes.
griebel303
05-23-2013, 22:24
Thanks for the input Jim. I am going to also check out the honda shadow phantom and yamaha star bolt. They have similar styling to the nightster /Sportster and might be a decent option.
Phantom
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/24/enyvu9e5.jpg
Bolt r spec
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/24/e8y6yva7.jpg
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 22:38
Thanks for the input Jim. I am going to also check out the honda shadow phantom and yamaha star bolt. They have similar styling to the nightster /Sportster and might be a decent option.
The bolt is a hot scooter and good bang for the buck. There are guys [ vinnies chop shop] if he's still around that were doing some hot TT choppers off Honda and Yammie 6 & 750's. real sharp rides. Their Choppa's were clean units too. Lots of old school styling using hi performance low maintenance power plants.
https://plus.google.com/photos/110710813654375675000/albums/5373372072912232481?banner=pwa
USAFGopherMike
05-23-2013, 22:53
+1 for the Road King. For the OP, if you want comfort, reliability, and utility at that price, a used BMW or newer Japanese bike is the best bet. I love my Harley, but they're frickin expensive to own (the bike is the cheap part). I converted from sport bikes (still have one and shopping for another) and love my HD. I'm partial to my bike because it's so comfortable. I can ride all day and not hurt. If your woman is anything like mine, you want her to be comfortable or she'll bitch all day and night and not want to ride (which negates the necessity of having bought a bike suitable for 2-up riding). Shop around and ride a few different models and you'll figure out what best suits your needs.
Nice bikes Jim... I figured you for an old school iron guy. Next time I visit, I'll ride over.
Great-Kazoo
05-23-2013, 23:30
+1 for the Road King. For the OP, if you want comfort, reliability, and utility at that price, a used BMW or newer Japanese bike is the best bet. I love my Harley, but they're frickin expensive to own (the bike is the cheap part). I converted from sport bikes (still have one and shopping for another) and love my HD. I'm partial to my bike because it's so comfortable. I can ride all day and not hurt. If your woman is anything like mine, you want her to be comfortable or she'll bitch all day and night and not want to ride (which negates the necessity of having bought a bike suitable for 2-up riding). Shop around and ride a few different models and you'll figure out what best suits your needs.
Nice bikes Jim... I figured you for an old school iron guy. Next time I visit, I'll ride over.
Naw. last time i kicked a bike was 85. after that it's the old START button
Goodburbon
05-23-2013, 23:40
Fun, Comfort, speed, low maintenance, handling, 2 up power and room, 50mpg + that unmatched 45* v-twin rumble.
Buell XB12X
Unfortunately they stopped making them in 2009.
Easy to get into a 2008 or 2009 for under 7k.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
ghettodub
05-24-2013, 09:28
I've riddin a nightster, and it was an ok bike; almost picked one up a few months back.
I've since decided to change my focus a bit though. I've recently gotten the bug in wanting a sport tourer, so I'm looking at either a Yamaha FJR1300 or a Kawasaki Concours 1400 because I want to do longer rides, and I just love the way sport bikes perform.
http://www.motorcycle.com/images/content/Review/1con1029.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/10MS_FJR1300A_sil_S1_46906b10.jpg
I do want to pick up a little sporty to bob out though.
I love my VFR. It's pretty comfy for distance and some risers will put you more upright.
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee511/jmetz9/3688ADB6-09F3-4C65-8778-960CABDC3C80-24406-00001066FDCE776E.jpg
Great-Kazoo
05-24-2013, 11:17
I've riddin a nightster, and it was an ok bike; almost picked one up a few months back.
I've since decided to change my focus a bit though. I've recently gotten the bug in wanting a sport tourer, so I'm looking at either a Yamaha FJR1300 or a Kawasaki Concours 1400 because I want to do longer rides, and I just love the way sport bikes perform.
http://www.motorcycle.com/images/content/Review/1con1029.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/10MS_FJR1300A_sil_S1_46906b10.jpg
I do want to pick up a little sporty to bob out though.
The FJ are great S/T rides. The early FJ1200's had some heat dispersion issues.
You've gotten lots of recommendation for some good bikes. I'll just toss my two cents in there...
If you are wanting a Harley and settle for a metric cruiser because it "looks" like a Harley, you will probably be disappointed in the long run. They may look the part but they don't sound the part. Not a whole lot of aftermarket goodies for them either (except the Road Stars). And, as someone mentioned earlier, be prepared to take a huge depreciation I you buy new.
I was always a metric bike rider until I bought my first Harley. Now, there's no way I'd switch back.
Nice analogy.
Don't buy a DPMS and think you just bought a Noveske. If you want a Noveske, buy a Noveske.
griebel303
05-24-2013, 18:42
Well that is a pretty damn good analogy. Both non sport bikes I have riden were harleys, fat bob and a 1200. I am going to go check out some different models of harleys this week and figure it out from there. I appreciate everyone chiming in
Nice analogy.
Don't buy a DPMS and think you just bought a Noveske. If you want a Noveske, buy a Noveske.
^this ^ don't buy a jap bike and think by giving it the full jc whitney package that it going to increase its value either, because when you sell it you did it all for free, on a hd you will get a majority of your accessory money back at sale time.
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