Cruisers
2026Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
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The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special is a lightweight, agile middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking modern performance in a classic package. Its 91-horsepower Revolution Max engine, responsive handling, and compact 483-pound frame make it ideal for both experienced riders and those new to Harley-Davidson. Known for accessible power delivery and nimble maneuverability, it excels in urban riding and everyday commuting.
- Capacity
- 975.1 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 210.9 kg
- Seat height
- 688 mm
- Power
- 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM
What’s new for the 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
vs the 2025| Spec | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 41mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps. | 41mm (1.6 in) SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps. |
| Front brakes | Single disc. ABS. Axially mounted, 4-piston caliper | Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for stylish, engaging around-town and weekend riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A modern, muscular take on the classic cruiser with sharp styling, a punchy air/oil-cooled V-twin, and enough chassis composure to enjoy backroads.
- Not ideal for
- Not well suited for off-road adventures, heavy touring with a passenger, or riders seeking top-tier highway sport performance.
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 published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate 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
- 975.1 ccm
- Power
- 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 128 CO2 g/km
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 5.45 L/100km (43.2 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.2 CO g/km
- Torque
- 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m) @ 5750 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4267 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 97.0 x 66.0 mm
- Compression
- 12.0:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1544 mm
- Overall length
- 2266 mm
- Overall width
- 861 mm
- Seat height
- 688 mm
- Dry weight
- 210.9 kg
- Wet weight
- 219.1 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 11.70 litres
- Ground clearance
- 119 mm
- Oil capacity
- 4.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- 41 mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps.
- Rear suspension
- Rear suspension is dual outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment.
- Rake (fork angle)
- 30.0°
- Trail
- 137 mm
- Rake
- 30
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake). ABS. Floating, single piston caliper
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 100/90-19 57H
- Rear tyre
- 150/80B16 77H
Other
- Fuel Tank Material
- Plastic
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 975 cc | 975 cc | 975 cc | 975 cc |
| Dry weight | 211 kg | 211 kg | 211 kg | 211 kg |
| Seat height | 688 mm | 688 mm | 688 mm | 688 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 11.7 L | 11.7 L | 11.7 L | 11.7 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 Nightster Special?
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a Capacity of 975.1 ccm (59.50 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special have?
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a Power of 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special have?
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special?
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a Torque of 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.0 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special weigh?
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special has a Dry weight of 210.9 kg (465.0 pounds).
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