Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

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Overview - Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

The Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 and the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 are both chopper/cruiser motorcycles from Harley-Davidson. They have some similarities in terms of engine type, transmission, and rear suspension adjustment. However, there are also notable differences in their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine specifications, the Nightster 2022 has a smaller displacement of 975cc compared to the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018's 1202cc. The Nightster also has a higher engine power of 89 HP compared to the Sportster's 67 HP. However, the Sportster has a higher torque of 96 Nm compared to the Nightster's 95 Nm. Both motorcycles have a V-twin engine configuration.

In terms of cooling, the Nightster 2022 has liquid cooling, while the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 has air cooling. This can affect the overall performance and heat management of the motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

The Nightster 2022 has a steel frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design, while the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The Nightster has a larger rake of 60 degrees compared to the Sportster's 29.6 degrees, which can affect the handling and stability of the motorcycles.

Both motorcycles have single disk front brakes and rear tires with a width of 150mm and a diameter of 16 inches. However, the Nightster has a front tire width of 100mm and a diameter of 19 inches, while the Sportster has a front tire width of 130mm and a diameter of 16 inches. The Nightster has a longer wheelbase of 1545mm compared to the Sportster's 1495mm.

In terms of seat height, the Nightster 2022 has a lower seat height of 705mm compared to the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018's 710mm. The Nightster also has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 11.7 liters compared to the Sportster's 7.9 liters. This means that the Nightster may have a longer range before refueling.

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

When it comes to strengths, the Nightster 2022 boasts easy handling, comfort on long distances, and extensive equipment with riding modes, traction control, and an anti-hopping clutch. It also has a chic and modern Sportster look. On the other hand, the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 has a very successful appearance, available in four paint finishes, a cool peanut tank, and an authentic appearance with characterful features.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Nightster 2022 has a relatively small fuel tank, and its keyless system is only for ignition and not for the handlebar lock and fuel tank. The rear suspension of the Nightster may not be very comfortable on rough road surfaces. The Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 has a little lean angle clearance, hard shifting, a very short range due to the small tank, and an unconventional indicator operation.

In conclusion, the Nightster 2022 and the Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 have their own unique features and specifications. The Nightster offers easy handling, comfort, and modern equipment, while the Sportster has a successful appearance and characterful features. However, they also have their weaknesses, such as the Nightster's small fuel tank and the Sportster's short range. Ultimately, the choice between these two motorcycles would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeV
BoreBore79 mmBore88.9 mm
StrokeStroke66 mmStroke96.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power89 HPEngine power67 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpm
TorqueTorque95 NmTorque96 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque5,750 rpmRpm at Torque3,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio10
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionBeltTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears5
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHV
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement975 ccmDisplacement1,202 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter49 mm

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake60 degreeRake29.6 degree
TrailTrail137 mmTrail132 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width100 mmFront tyre width130 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter16 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter16 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,250 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth840 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight705 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,545 mmWheelbase1,495 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height705 mmSeat Height710 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)221 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)255 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity11.7 lFuel Tank Capacity7.9 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022

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

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018

If you look up the word bobber in the dictionary, a picture of the Harley-Davidson 48 is likely to come up. In our comparison, thanks to the long Sportster history and clever marketing, it is probably the most authentic bike of the four test motorbikes. And it's the only one that doesn't have the term "bobber" in its name - because it doesn't need it. Nothing about it has been softened to make comfort-consumed customers happy. When stationary, the motorbike vibrates and the gearbox makes a loud "clunk" with every gear change. The Harley-Davidson 48 is raw, uncompromising and simply oldschool - and cool. Unthinkable with other manufacturers, normal with Harley-Davidson - thanks to clever marketing! Nevertheless, the Forty-Eight rides like a relatively modern motorbike. The V2 has powerful pressure, which the brakes can easily handle. Even though the chassis is designed for comfort, we were surprised at how sportily the Sportster can be moved through curvy terrain.

Very successful appearance, available in four paint finishes

Cool peanut tank

Authentic appearance

Characterful features

Little lean angle clearance

Hard shifting

Very short range due to small tank

Unconventional indicator operation

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Nightster vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

There are a few key differences between a Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 and a Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. A Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 experiences a loss of 2,660 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 560 GBP for a Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018. Compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2018 there are more Harley-Davidson Nightster 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 13 compared to 9. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Nightster with 110 days compared to 124 days for a Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 5 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Nightster and 4 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight since model year 2011. The first review for the Harley-Davidson Nightster was published on 12/04/2022 and now has more than 51,900 views. This compares to more than 16,000 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight published on 24/01/2010.

Price Harley-Davidson Nightster

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

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