Strange how a brand brings you back. After a disastrously expensive spell owning a Harley superglide t-sport, which seemed to break down at every opportunity, it was with uncertainty that I handed over the cash to take ownership of a Nightster. My last bike was a Triumph t-bird Sport - a great bike - but I wanted something a little more relaxed and am pleased to say that I've found it with the nightster. And before you ask, I'm 35 - not 75! (no offence to mature bikers out there).
Before I went ahead, I had to try and fit on it! I'm 6'3" tall and 15 1/2 stone, so the standard pegs and uncomfortable single seat were replaced with forward pegs and a pillion friendly seat. This was done by hard bartering with the dealer and under the RRP.
I am genuinley surprised people write sportsters off - the engine is really smooth and torque laden - cruising at 30 mph in 5th is no effort. Although the power is on paper moderate (55 bhp), because the bike is so torquey the power is delivered just in the right area - particularly straight line acceleration which is brisk. It is also one hell of a cool motorcycle to look at and I think offers great value. Plus it doesn't need as much cleaning as other harleys!
However, it is off course a Harley so get used to weedy brakes and unsuitable suspension for a pillion heavier than 7 stone! New harleys are also reliable - famous last words now maybe!?
So overall - other bikers may not take you seriously (particularly the sports bike brigade), but so what? If you love old fashioned back to the basics motorcycles that are cool and work, then get one of these!
Over and out,
Jim
