Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017 vs. Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017 vs Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017 compared to Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	V
Bore	Bore	88.9 mm	Bore	79 mm
Stroke	Stroke	96.8 mm	Stroke	66 mm
Engine power	Engine power	67 HP	Engine power	89 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	96 Nm	Torque	95 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	4,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	5,750 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10	Compression Ratio	12
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Belt
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	5	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves	Valves	OHV	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	Air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,202 ccm	Displacement	975 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	49 mm	Diameter	41 mm

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine
Rake	Rake	28.9 degree	Rake	60 degree
Trail	Trail	140 mm	Trail	137 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Single disk
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	100 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	80 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	18 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,185 mm	Length	2,250 mm
Width	Width	820 mm	Width	840 mm
Height	Height	1,065 mm	Height	705 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,505 mm	Wheelbase	1,545 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	785 mm	Seat Height	705 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	259 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	221 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	12.5 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.7 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster 2017

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Comfort on long rides, a lot of fun on winding roads and easy handling: I felt at home on the new Harley-Davidson Nightster right from the start. It's a bike that can be ridden fast around the bends or cruised in a relaxed way - with an engine that is powerful but not intimidating. On the modern Sportster version, I appreciate the presence of traction control, anti-hopping clutch and different riding modes. The Nightster gives me a real Harley feeling, just a little more unexcited compared to its predecessors. For my California trip, it was exactly the right choice.

easy handling

comfort on long distances

extensive equipment with riding modes, traction control, anti-hopping clutch and more

chic & modern Sportster look.

Relatively small fuel tank

Keyless system only for ignition, not for handlebar lock and fuel tank

Rear suspension not very comfortable on rough road surfaces