Cruisers
2017Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special
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The 2017 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is a muscle cruiser built for riders seeking aggressive styling and street performance. Known for its blacked-out aesthetic, powerful V-Rod engine, and responsive handling, it delivers a thrilling ride with modern braking technology and comprehensive instrumentation. Best suited for experienced riders who value raw power and distinctive custom appearance over comfort.
- 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
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased 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.
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
- 5.2 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
- 302.0 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
- Corona Yellow Pearl, Velocity Red Sunglo, Crushed Ice Pearl, Black Denim, Crushed Ice Denim
- 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 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special?
The 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special?
The 2017 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 2017 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special has a Dry weight of 289.0 kg (637.1 pounds).
Shop this bike
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
2015 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special
1250 cc · 289 kg · 675 mm
2017 Travertson V-Rex
1250 cc · 304 kg · 660 mm
2016 Travertson V-Rex
1250 cc · 304 kg · 660 mm
2017 Neander Kraftrad
1340 cc · 295 kg · 650 mm
2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special
1250 cc · 289 kg · 650 mm
2016 Neander Turbo-Diesel
1340 cc · 295 kg · 650 mm
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