43,680 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Cruisers

2016Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special

Rate this bike
Click to vote

39 fields on record

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special appeals to riders seeking a muscle cruiser with modern performance. Known for its aggressive styling, liquid-cooled V-Rod engine, and responsive handling, it combines classic cruiser aesthetics with contemporary technology and braking capabilities. Best suited for experienced riders who value both visual impact and dynamic riding experience.

Capacity
1252.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
289.0 kg
Seat height
675 mm
Power
120.7 HP (88.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2016 2017

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 67Agility 39Comfort 62Off-road 5Touring 45Road manners 75
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering35%
City riding45%
Daily riding55%
Touring45%
Two-up60%
Track25%
Best for
Built as a power cruiser for strong straight-line acceleration, boulevard presence, and short blasts rather than outright cornering agility.
Built for
A muscular, aggressive-looking V-twin cruiser that rewards riders who want big torque, a chest-thumping exhaust note, and drag-strip style attitude over nimble handling.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking off-road capability, long-distance touring comfort, or flickable agility through tight, technical corners.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 675mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1252.0 ccm
Power
120.7 HP (88.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM
CO2 Emissions
158 CO2 g/km
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
6.71 L/100km (35.1 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
4.4 CO g/km
Torque
111.0 Nm (11.3 kgf-m) @ 7250 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption
6.40 litres/100 km (15.6 km/l)
Power/weight ratio
0.4176 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
105.0 x 72.0 mm
Compression
11.5:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Belt
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1705 mm
Overall length
2440 mm
Seat height
675 mm
Dry weight
289.0 kg
Wet weight
302.1 kg
Fuel capacity
18.90 litres
Ground clearance
115 mm
Oil capacity
4.70 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front suspension
Inverted fork
Rake (fork angle)
34.0°
Trail
142 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc. ABS. 4-piston
Rear brakes
Single disc. ABS. 4-piston
ABS
Yes
Front tyre
120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre
240/40-R18
Other
Color options
Olive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Charcoal Denim, Vivid Black
Fuel Tank Material
Plastic

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 20162017
Capacity 1252 cc 1252 cc
Dry weight 289 kg 289 kg
Seat height 675 mm 675 mm
Fuel capacity 18.9 L 18.9 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Capacity of 1252.0 ccm (76.40 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Power of 120.7 HP (88.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM.

How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Torque of 111.0 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 7250 RPM.

How much does the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special weigh?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Dry weight of 289.0 kg (637.1 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More Harley-Davidson Motorcycles