Nightster Vibrations..?

[memphis]

Good Morning all..

Potential newbie here after a little advice 1st!

I after reviewing the sportster range I am considering purchasing a Nightster for weekend and evening use ( assuming that we are going to get some sunshine this year ! ) The only concern I have at them moment is the amount of vibration, given that I managed to break my neck 10 years ago I'm rather sensitive to excessive vibration. I'm used to and comfortable with riding bandits / CBR etc which are pretty smooth - just give the agricultural nature (sorry!!) of the beast I thoughts I'd see if anyone here has any experience or comments first..

Many thanks in advance..

(oh I'm Bedford -hence posting here!!)

[Andy in Beds]

Having ridden both a solid engine mounted Sportster and the newer rubber mounted variant (thanks Tim), I don't think the Nightster would be too much of an issue as far as vibration goes.

The older Sporter was rough at speeds over eighty but the newer models seem fine.
A.

[memphis]

Thanks Andy, aprishated.

Do you know anyone who has a Nightster?

[BaZa ®]

Hello Potential.....

Moved you to here mate 'cause you will get more views/answers.

Regional is just for the regions gossip etc.

General questions go to the relevant sections to get more views and answers.

Good luck hope you get one and we meet up. Keep us informed..Go for a test ride they are all rubber mounted now.

[Tim]

Phone Silverstone Harley davidson in Towcester, not a million miles from you and ask for a test ride.

[Urrell]

Don't buy without a test ride on all types of road surface.
The Nightster is the lowest and the model most people complain about with harsh suspension due to the small amount of suspension travel. Not a very good ride for someone with back or neck problems. The other thing you mention vibration is no longer a problem as since 2004 all Sportsters have rubber mounted engines that shake a bit at idle but smooth out when on the move up to about 85 mph.

[Hobbit]

Originally Posted by Urrell

Don't buy without a test ride on all types of road surface.
The Nightster is the lowest and the model most people complain about with harsh suspension due to the small amount of suspension travel. Not a very good ride for someone with back or neck problems. The other thing you mention vibration is no longer a problem as since 2004 all Sportsters have rubber mounted engines that shake a bit at idle but smooth out when on the move up to about 85 mph.

not to ruin a good piece of advise the Euro Nightster is not the lowest sportster in the line up as the rear suspension is the same length as the R models which means its on stilts compared to the C and Low models.
UK nightster see the air gap between the fender and the rear wheel yep loads do not think tho it means the shocks are any good they are as Urrell says very harsh and you will feel a big bump more than say a Bandit

[Hobbit]

and just for comparison so you can see the difference in the ride height a UK 1200C
this is the ride height that the US nightsters run at and i can imagine that the suspension would be very stiff as it was on my custom


i miss my 1200C should have never sold it you can also see the difference in shock length.
The UK and US nighsters both have the Low/Custom front forks which means they are lowest Sportster at the Front and HD have ot revalved or uprated the springs and it is really easy until you get used to the bike to Bottom the front forks, As Urrell says go test ride them on all surfaces so you can see for yourself were the agricultural bit comes from - the Suspension and Brakes, the motors have now become very refined and civilised in comparison to a 2003 bike which would have had your fillings out after 50miles not only dd the motor shake and suffer vibes the suspension was just as bad, but thats the joy of the sportsters and HD in General

[Brigger]

My 07' 1200C had the worst ride ever, felt every bump in the road. Changed the shocks to Progressive 412's, 11 1/2" the improvement was instantaneous, Got Lyndon at Grizzley's to change front fork springs for stiffer ones, denser fork oil and I added a screaming eagle fork brace. The ride is terrific handles too good now, starting grind out my footpegs....

Brigger

[memphis]

Hello..

Thanks for all the heads up, I'm only planning on using the bike at the weekend and nice sunny days :-) Looked in to hiring for a long weekend so that I could go for a decent ride on roads that I know but also managed to also find a dealership with one in stock at the right price ...so hopefully should it should be dropped off in 2 weeks time

Fingers crossed for nice sunny days.... will keep ya all posted!