8 Common Harley-Davidson Nightster Problems (Explained)

The Harley-Davidson Nightster is one of the newest additions to the popular Sportster lineup.

The latest Nightster stocks the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine, boasting a classic and minimalist look with a low seat height, a chopped rear fender, and a retro-style tank.

It is celebrated for its smooth and linear power delivery, with plenty of torque available in the mid-range.

But the Nightster also has some issues to be aware of – this article covers the most common ones.

1. Rusts and Corrodes Easily

One reported owner complaint with the Nightster is that its metallic parts develop rust or corrosion faster than other makes and models, particularly on the older model packages with chrome engine cases and pipes.

This chemical reaction weakens the metal and can lead to structural damage if left untreated.

The chrome and grey parts are particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in humid or salty environments.

This can affect the bike’s appearance and accelerate wear on the affected regions.

“Harley 2008 Nightster corrosion–Quick question does anyone know how to fix corrosion right above the derby cover? I think it’s supposed to be some kind of aluminum, it’s originally got a gray color, but now because of corrosion, it’s turning a bleach white.”

To prevent and solve this problem, it’s essential to keep the bike clean and dry.

Regularly cleaning and applying Harley-recommended anti-corrosion products can help protect your Nightster’s metallic parts and prolong their lifespan.

2. Engine Vibration; Loose Parts

One of the more commonly reported problems from Nightster owners is excessive engine vibrations. In some cases, owners say their Nightster’s powerful engine vibrates so much it loosens hardware, rattles their mirrors and foot pegs, or causes fatigue.

Loose or vibrating parts on the Nightster can pose a comfort and safety concern for riders.

In addition to the engine vibrations, poor factory or dealership quality control may have contributed to this issue in some cases.

“I had a slight vibration, so I replaced my front motor mount. I Couldn’t jack the engine up high enough to get the old mount out, so I loosened the bolts to the front mount plate. The old mount was torn completely in two. I loosened one bolt on the adjuster where it mounts to the frame but did not turn the adjuster. I put it back together with a new mount and torqued all the bolts to spec. When I started the engine, it had a terrible vibration.”

To address this problem, regular maintenance is essential.

It is important to check and tighten bolts and nuts associated with the handlebars, foot pegs, mirrors, and other parts.

Apply thread locker or use rubber washers where appropriate to help prevent loosening due to vibrations.

Additionally, we advise inspecting these components periodically to ensure they remain secure during rides.

These preventive measures will not only enhance your comfort but also contribute to the overall safety of you and your Nightster.

3. Faulty Welds in the Handlebars

This next problem was common enough to result in a recall. The recall affected the American market due to a welding defect in the handlebars. The recall affects bikes manufactured between 6 December 2021 and 9 September 2022.

The recall was prompted by a customer’s bike in the US, where the left handlebar broke.

Upon investigation, Harley-Davidson discovered a weld quality issue that caused the separation of the inner and outer sections of the handlebar.

The faulty welds in the handlebars pose a significant safety concern as they can lead to handlebar failure while riding.

To address this issue, owners of affected Nightster models are urged to contact their nearest Harley-Davidson dealership to have their handlebars inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary.

If you suspect your handlebar welds are faulty, we suggest running your serial number asap to see if your model has been recalled.

It’s crucial to have this corrective action taken promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the affected bikes.

4. Intermittent High Idle

Another problem sometimes reported by older Harley-Davidson Nightster owners is intermittent high idle.

Factors such as a faulty idle speed control valve, poor fuel mapping, or improper jetting can all cause the Nightster’s engine to idle too high.

Some signs your engine is idling too high are increased fuel consumption, reduced engine performance, loud noise, and potential engine damage.

Unlike other Sportster year models, the Nightsters Revolution Max 975T engine is fuel-injected.

It’s vital to check and maintain your Nightster’s fuel system regularly, especially if you’re riding in different climates or altitudes.

Adjust the jetting or use a tuner or a SERT as needed.

We also advise you to avoid riding in extreme heat or traffic conditions.

Some riders explore the option of spraying carb cleaner into the throttle body to clean the idle speed control valve.

One of the users on the Harley Davidson Forums shared their experience with their Nightster’s high idle:

“I have a 2009 Sportster Nightster. Have V&H Short Shots exhaust and Kuryakin Breather. The bike runs fine until it gets up to operating temperature. After about 5-10 minutes of riding, the idle goes very high. I can coast at 35 mph. Revs are very high when stopped at a light; then, when I start to take off, the idle will drop to normal until I pull the clutch in again. So annoying. I think it may be a vacuum leak or the map sensor O-ring problem. I have checked all the hoses, and all are good. It may be a gasket on the throttle body. Dropped codes from the speedometer and got P0505.”

Another user on the same forum suggested this possible solution:

“P505 is loss of idle speed control. Your IAC motor is sticking. If it’s under warranty, have the dealer replace the IAC motor. If not, and you can try this first, remove the air cleaner, then just inside the throttle body at the top is a hole maybe 1/4 inch…spray carb cleaner up that hole.”

Keep in mind that fuel-injected Harley Davidson will idle higher than most bikes.

An old Nightster will idle exceptionally high after adjusting the screw.

Don’t take this as a sign to re-adjust the screws, as Harleys tend to idle higher so that their engines will warm up faster.

That said, if your idle speed is too high or erratic, you may need to investigate and fix an underlying issue to ensure the safety and reliability of your HD Nightster.

Related: Is a Harley a Good Beginner Bike? (15 Important Facts)

5. Hard Starting; Nightster Won’t Turn Over

Some Harley-Davidson Nightster owners report that they having problems starting their bike.

Nightster’s can be hard to turn over due to low or no spark from fouled spark plugs or faulty fuses.

Spark and fuel delivery issues also affect the bike’s reliability and performance and may require more frequent inspecting, cleaning, or replacement of ignition system components.

One owner expressed their concerns, stating,

“I’ve owned the bike for six months, and sometimes the bike won’t start. I have to pull the main fuse and count to twenty, then reinsert the fuse, and only then the bike will start. This problem happens at least once a day. The factory says they are working feverishly on the problem to repair it. Meanwhile, I’m 68 years old, and I traded a perfectly working 2002 Sportster for this brand new ‘works when it wants’ Nightster. I hope the factory fixes this soon.”

Experiencing starting issues with a new bike can be frustrating, significantly impacting the enjoyment of riding.

While waiting for a permanent resolution from the factory, there are a few steps that can be taken to mitigate the problem:

• Maintain Battery Health: Ensure the battery is in good condition and adequately charged. Regularly check and clean the battery terminals to maintain optimal electrical connections.
• Check Wiring and Connections: Inspect the wiring harness and electrical connections for any loose or damaged components. Tighten any loose connections and address any issues found.
• Consult Authorized Service Center: Reach out to an authorized Harley-Davidson service center for assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or recommendations to address the starting issue.

Regardless of the cause of your Nightster’s starting problem, we suggest communicating with the Harley dealership if the problem persists.

Providing feedback and staying in touch can help raise awareness and prompt a solution from the factory.

6. Hard Front and Rear Brakes

One of the more commonly reported problems from Nightster and Nightster Special owners is hard brakes. In some cases, owners say their Nightster’s front and rear brakes need more force than usual to provide adequate stopping power.

Requiring excessive rider input to stop Nightster while it’s in motion can affect the braking performance and feel.

This braking issue may be less of a problem and more of a matter of taste you need to get used to.

Still, it can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

Furthermore, it’s essential to learn the feeling to know if your Nightster’s braking quality has changed due to a problem.

One potential cause of hard front and rear brakes on the Harley-Davidson Nightster could be improper brake pad wear or contamination.

Over time, brake pads can wear unevenly or become contaminated with debris, reducing their effectiveness and requiring more force to achieve the desired braking power.

Regular brake pad inspection and maintenance can help prevent this issue.

Another factor contributing to hard brakes is air trapped in the brake lines, which can result in a spongy or unresponsive brake feel.

Bleeding the brake system and ensuring proper fluid levels can help alleviate this problem.

7. No Stock Passenger Seat

Another problem that discouraged owners of the HD Nightster model is the need for a pillion seat.

The Nightster is a stripped-down, minimalist motorcycle.

As such, it doesn’t come stock with a passenger pillion seat.

So, if you want to ride with a passenger, you must buy one separately.

This can be an added expense and hassle, especially if you want a seat that matches the style and comfort of your bike.

8. Small Fuel Tank and Lack of Storage

Another notable drawback frequently reported by Nightster and Nightster Special owners is the small fuel tank capacity.

With only a 3.1-gallon tank, this motorcycle requires its riders to search for fuel stations more frequently, particularly when attempting to exceed distances of 85-90 miles on a single ride.

This limitation can become a source of annoyance and inconvenience, particularly for those who enjoy long-distance rides or find themselves exploring remote areas.

Nightster riders need to be proactive, factor in the limited range when planning journeys, and consider alternative fueling options to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted riding experience.

Additionally, another concern associated with the Nightster is its limited storage capacity.

With minimal storage options available, riders may need a plan for carrying essential items such as personal belongings, tools, or rain gear.

The lack of storage options may require riders to invest in additional accessories or make compromises in their packing, potentially affecting their overall riding experience.

Considering alternative storage solutions or planning accordingly can help mitigate this limitation and ensure a more comfortable and convenient journey.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Harley-Davidson Nightster?

Pros

• Sleek variation of the classic Harley Sportster
• Wide torque range
• Lightweight
• Compact Chassis
• Low Center of Gravity
• 90 Horsepower/70 ft-lbs. of torque
• Inverted Front Fork suspension.
• Agile Handling

Cons

• Uncomfortable ergonomics for long distances
• No Cornering ABS
• Lack of Features
• Premature wear
• Frequent Corrosion

What Do the Reviews Say?

“The Nightster is an absolute joy to ride in the hills. It drops into corners with little more than a shift of the hips and slight pressure on the handlebars and stays there without protest. The chassis is stiff and responsive, inspiring confidence as you flow from right turn to left turn. It was here that the Nightster truly felt at home.” (Source: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-nightster-first-ride-review-2022/)

“The Nightster feels remarkably light and agile and handles well at speed despite its conventional forks lacking any adjustment and its twin shocks only allowing the preload to be altered.” (Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/harley-davidson/nightster-975/2022/)

“The engine has a smooth and linear power delivery, with plenty of torque available in the mid-range. The engine also revs up to 9,500 rpm, giving the Nightster a sporty character.” (Source: https://ridermagazine.com/2022/06/29/2022-harley-davidson-nightster-first-ride-review/)

“It’s a machine defined by its backward-looking silhouette, but also developed with strict performance requirements. This bike performs at a level far exceeding any Evo Sportster, but it’s a different motorcycle with a new look, sound, and feel.” (Source: https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/motorcycles/a40117602/2022-harley-davidson-nightster-review/)

“Things we like in Nightster: Classy design; Wide range of torque. Things we don’t like in Nightster: Slightly uncomfortable ergonomics for long distances; Could have had more features.” (Source: https://www.zigwheels.my/new-motorcycles/harley-davidson/nightster/faq/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-harley-davidson-nightster)

What Are Some Alternative Models to the Harley-Davidson Nightster?

Related: Indian Scout: 7 Most Common Problems (Explained)

What’s the Resale Value of a Harley-Davidson Nightster?

SOURCES:

(1) Harley-Davidson NIGHTSTER Motorcycles for Sale – Cycle Trader.

(2) Used Harley-Davidson NIGHTSTER Motorcycles for Sale.

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-nightster-first-ride-review-2022/)

https://ridermagazine.com/2022/06/29/2022-harley-davidson-nightster-first-ride-review/)

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/HARLEY-DAVIDSON/NIGHTSTER#recalls