2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Futuristic bodywork makes the small Vitpilen easy on the eyes.

Futuristic bodywork makes the small Vitpilen easy on the eyes. (Husqvarna/)

Ups

  • Easy Shift for clutchless up/downshifting
  • Lightweight and compact for easy handling
  • Great brakes

Downs

  • Ergonomics not as comfortable as Svartpilen’s
  • Seat is also uncomfortable
  • Illegible dash

Verdict

The Vitpilen 401 brings the same exciting small-displacement spirit as Husky’s Svartpilen, but clip-ons and street-focused Metzeler M5s give it a cafe racer vibe. What it may lack in riding comfort it makes up for in handling.

Overview

Husqvarna does a great job at bringing its concepts to life, and the Vitilen is a perfect example. First introduced alongside the Svartpilen 401 concept at the 2014 EICMA show, the Vitpilen went into production just three years later.

Now in its fifth year in production, the Vitpilen 401 continues to strut its stuff as the brand’s small-displacement, cafe racer-styled model. This motorcycle goes with road-focused tires, clip-on-style handlebars, and vibrant white paint compared to its dark, rugged Svart sibling. A 373cc single-cylinder engine, WP Apex suspension, and steel trellis chassis give it nimble, street-shredding capability.

The Vitpilen 401 has seen a significant drop in price over the years. Priced at $6,299 early on, the bike now sells for $5,399. It is more wallet-friendly than ever.

The Vitpilen 401 has seen a significant drop in price over the years. Priced at $6,299 early on, the bike now sells for $5,399. It is more wallet-friendly than ever. (Husqvarna/)

Updates for 2022

The Vitpilen sees cosmetic changes to its bodywork, including the new white finish, anodized rims, and some changes to the detailing on the side panels.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 shares the same $5,399 MSRP as the Svartpilen.

Competition

Husqvarna sees competition not only in its own backyard, with the Svartpilen 401 and KTM 390 Duke, but also from the Kawasaki Z400, Yamaha MT-03, and Honda CB300R.

The ’Pilens’ cafe and scrambler styles balance each other; if the Svartpilen is the yin, then the Vitpilen is the yang.

The ’Pilens’ cafe and scrambler styles balance each other; if the Svartpilen is the yin, then the Vitpilen is the yang. (Husqvarna/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 373cc single-cylinder engine is a punchy, exceptionally entertaining powerplant. Twist the ride-by-wire throttle and let the low-end torque and 40 ponies carry you down the straightaway or around tight bends. The quick-revving thumper has no issue getting up to and maintaining highway speeds either.

Its peppy engine is paired with a slipper-clutch-equipped six-speed gearbox. The slick-shifting gearbox is also connected to Husky’s Easy Shift sensor, which allows for clutchless up- and downshifting.

On our dyno, the 401 produced 41.4 hp at 8,740 rpm and 26.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,880 rpm. As you can read in our test coverage, Husky says that it is tuned more for urban riding, with its power lower in the rev range compared to its more purely athletic cousin, the RC 390.

The steel trellis frame and single-cylinder engine are a compact pairing.

The steel trellis frame and single-cylinder engine are a compact pairing. (Husqvarna/)

Handling

Weighing in at just 340 pounds on the Cycle World scales, the Vitpilen is extraordinarily light. This minimal weight combined with a compact steel trellis frame and admirable WP suspension means the bike is easy to flick through quick transitions and extremely maneuverable at low speeds, despite cafe-style handlebars that provide less leverage than a wide, upright bar.

The 43mm WP Apex fork and monoshock are nicely balanced, soft enough to absorb smaller chop yet firm enough to limit jostling on harsh patches. If riders find that some fine-tuning is needed due to weight or riding style, the fork can be adjusted for compression and rebound. The shock is preload adjustable as well.

Brakes

The ByBre brakes provide strong but not intimidating stopping power. A radial-mount four-piston caliper and 320m disc up front and single-piston floating caliper and 230mm disc at the rear deliver great performance overall. ABS is standard front and rear. The rear system can be turned off with the Supermoto mode.

The Vitpilen has a small 2.5-gallon tank but can make roughly 50 mpg.

The Vitpilen has a small 2.5-gallon tank but can make roughly 50 mpg. (Husqvarna/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While we do not have fuel economy figures available, the similar 390 Duke made about 52 mpg, so we can guesstimate that the Vit will have similar fuel economy.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Ergonomics will be somewhat less comfortable than the Svartpilen for many riders due to the clip-on handlebars. Its aggressive rider triangle puts more weight on the rider’s wrists. The younger crowd may not mind, but the forward-canted riding position may convince others to opt for something with a more upright riding position.

The seat height is a tallish 32.9 inches, so short riders will need to balance on one leg or stretch to get two feet down. It’s a naked bike, and therefore not designed for treks across the country, but the Vitpilen’s thin, firm seat is not the most comfortable for that sort of ride anyway.

Electronics

In addition to ABS and Supermoto ride mode, the Vitpilen has a round LCD gauge and LED lighting throughout. The main complaint with the dash is that it is difficult to read; its small black letters and numbers disappear almost completely in the sunlight.

A premium feature is the Easy Shift function, which allows clutchless up/downshifting. This quickshift system is most commonly seen on bikes double the price, so it’s great to have this as standard on a $5,399 bike.

Clip-ons contribute to an aggressive rider triangle.

Clip-ons contribute to an aggressive rider triangle. (Husqvarna/)

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Vit’s warranty is 24 months from date of purchase or 24,000 miles, and is transferable.

Quality

The Vitpilen 401′s fit and finish is nearly as pristine as its bright white colorway. Everything is tidy, and the only complaints are that the dash and seat need to be improved, just as they also do on the Svartpilen 401.

2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Claimed Specifications

MSRP: $5,399
Engine: 373cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 89.0 x 60.0mm
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower: 41.41 hp @ 8,740 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque: 26.40 lb.-ft. @ 6,880 rpm
Fuel Delivery: Bosch EFI w/ 46mm throttle body, ride-by-wire
Clutch: Wet, multiplate slipper; cable actuated
Engine Management/Ignition: Bosch EMS
Frame: Steel trellis
Front Suspension: 43mm WP Apex fork, rebound and compression damping adjustable; 5.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension: WP Apex monoshock, preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake: ByBre 4-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake: ByBre 1-piston floating caliper, 230mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked w/ aluminum rims; 17 x 3 in. / 17 x 4 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Metzeler M5; 110/70-17 / 150/60-17
Rake/Trail: 25.0°/3.7 in.
Wheelbase: 53.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.7 in.
Seat Height: 32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gal. (0.4 gal. in reserve)
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight: 340 lb.
Contact: husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Simon Crafar: “Anything can happen from here”

“He said his bike was fantastic, he said it about three times that the bike was just wonderful, especially through the last fast left, he was carrying more speed than everyone and he said that’s why he could get so close for the chicane overtake, because he carried so much speed through that last fast left. But the bike can’t take all the credit, Aleix is really doing the job and he’s amazed me all year, but that one was awesome because like I said, he was faster than everyone.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

AndreaSaveri11 & adriaan_26 grab pole positions for Round 2

After a thrilling season opener held at the spectacular Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello during the Italian Grand Prix, round two is a Virtual Round. In another change for this year, there will be a different points-scoring system for these Virtual Rounds. The winner of a race will score 12.5 points, the runner up 10, with third place scoring 8.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Quartararo’s 16,749 owners left disappointed in Assen

In fact, the World Championship leader was transferred in by 1336 Fantasy players. That meant a total of 16,749 players would have been left disappointed when Quartararo crashed twice during a dramatic Dutch TT. To add to some players’ misery, El Diablo was the most turbo-boosted rider at the Motul TT Assen – a day to forget, then, for some.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Yamaha MT-09 SP Review

Yamaha finally offers a premium middleweight naked bike in the form of its MT-09 SP.

Yamaha finally offers a premium middleweight naked bike in the form of its MT-09 SP. (Joseph Agustin/)

Yamaha has done something special for naked bike riders in the form of its 2021 MT-09 SP ($10,999). Based on the MT-09, which was fully overhauled for the ‘21 model year, it’s positioned as a special-edition up-spec’d middleweight naked bike.

Editor’s note: We reviewed the ‘21 MT-09 with our 2021 Yamaha MT-09 MC Commute Review and Yamaha Builds A Better Triumph – 2021 MT-09 articles and videos. Take a peek at the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 First Look Preview to get up to speed on the technical improvements.

The SP specification is priced $1,600 higher than the standard MT-09. For that, you get higher-end four-way-adjustable KYB front suspension and an Öhlins gas-charged shock absorber with a clever remote preload adjuster allowing for easy rear ride height adjustment based on rider preference. The SP also gets nice styling details, including the black handlebar, black control levers, and a tinted master cylinder reservoir.

A YZF-R1M-esque polished swingarm and polished stripe on the fuel tank set it apart from the standard MT-09. There’s also a custom-looking suedelike seat and cruise control.

So this bike looks awesome. But how does it ride?

We’re big fans of the Tuning Fork’s redesigned 890cc inline-triple. It’s clear Yamaha studied Triumph’s 675/765cc powerplant when putting this engine together; it has a very similar sound and character with less engine vibration.

This triple puts out right around 107 ponies at the business end of the 180-series Bridgestone Battlax S22 tire, meaning it definitely gets up and goes. We also appreciate how its bidirectional electronic quickshifter keeps the rear tire hooked up when leaned over in corners and grabbing downshifts.

Added agility is another clear benefit of the SP package. You might not think that fitting a four-way-adjustable fork and Öhlins rear suspension would be that big of a deal, but handling has gone from very good to exquisite; the SP handles bumps well and delivers a nice, cozy ride.

When you lean on this suspension through a twisty stretch of tarmac it performs with the support and the feel that make bikes like this tons of fun to whale on. Equally as pleasing is how easy this bike is to turn in from side to side. Overall, its handling is noticeably sharper than the base MT-09′s. We also value the four-way adjustability and separate high- and low-speed compression damping adjusters, which allow riders to fine-tune the dynamic of the fork to their liking.

As on the standard model, the SP includes traction control, slide control, and wheelie control. All these features work well, but the LCD user interface used to select them could be larger. The menu system, while simple, doesn’t offer enough adjustability. Another strike is the switch gear; the multifunction wheel may have been really nice on the original 2015 YZF-R1, but seven years later it’s gotten downright old and its tactile function is poor. Yamaha really needs to upgrade this switch gear and spec a bigger display.

Fixed always-on ABS augments the function of the triple disc brakes. The fronts can get a tad hot when riding on track or your favorite road. We’d also like to request that Yamaha Motor kindly allow rear ABS to be manually disabled. There are two electronically adjustable braking modes: brake control 1, the least restrictive setting, and brake control 2. There’s also cornering ABS; Yamaha doesn’t call it “cornering ABS” as such, but this bike includes it in the less aggressive brake control setting (Level 2). Keep it in mind when you’re riding on the street: Brake Control Level 1, although it’s less aggressive (in terms of ABS intervention), doesn’t have cornering ABS.

Yamaha seems to have really nailed the ergonomics on the SP. The seat height is Goldilocks for most riders, neither too low nor too high. The riding position is sporty without being too aggressive. The handlebar isn’t quite wide enough for our liking, but it’s not bad at all. This motorcycle is comfortable as a daily rider, which is fortunate, as it does a really good job of slicing through traffic; if you work long days, the smallish headlight even does a nice job of illuminating the road after dark. It’s the kind of bike that can be ridden all day and then some without getting beaten up, yet still has plenty enough sporting aptitude to be fun.

Even though this is a sport naked bike, you could absolutely ride this motorcycle at a trackday. So we did, taking it to an open-session SoCal Trackdays event with the OE-fitted Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires. It doesn’t quite have the same level of handling capability as Yamaha’s YZFs; it was still a whole lot of fun.

If you’re looking for a motorcycle with a high degree of comfort on the road, one that can do a lot of street and a little bit of track, you would do pretty well with the up-spec’d MT-09 SP. It’s an extremely capable, likable motorcycle, and a quality piece of equipment as well; it’ll run 4,000 miles between oil changes and a whopping 26,600 miles between valve inspections, and for what it’s worth, this bike is still built in Japan. It’s well worth considering for those in the market for a liter-class naked bike.

And again, Yamaha did well with the MT-09 SP’s look, giving it subtle styling cues that set it apart from the standard model. Factor in its more agile handling, and you have serious justification for spending an extra $1,600 over the already very good standard bike.

Gear Box

Helmet: Arai Signet-X

Jacket: Alpinestars Venture XT

Gloves: Alpinestars Chrome

Pant: Alpinestars AS-DSL Shiro

Boots: Alpinestars Faster-3

2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP Technical Specifications And Price

Price: $10,999
Engine: 890cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline-three; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection w/ YCC-T
Clutch: Wet, multiplate assist and slipper clutch w/ Quick Shift System
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Frame: Die-cast aluminum Deltabox frame
Front Suspension: 41mm KYB inverted fork, spring preload, high/low-speed compression, and rebound damping adjustable, 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Ohlins shock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable, 4.8 in. travel
Front Brakes: NIssin master cylinder, dual 298mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake: 245mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Spin-forged, 10-spoke aluminum
Tires, Front/Rear: Bridgestone Battlax S22; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail: 25.0°/4.3 in.
Wheelbase: 56.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight: 419 lb.
Warranty: 1-year limited
Available: January 2021
Contact: yamahamotorsports.com

The 2021 MT-09 SP ($10,999) features blacked-out styling details to make it stand apart from the standard model.

The 2021 MT-09 SP ($10,999) features blacked-out styling details to make it stand apart from the standard model. (Joseph Agustin/)

The SP variation gets a suedelike covered one-piece saddle.

The SP variation gets a suedelike covered one-piece saddle. (Joseph Agustin/)

Increased agility and overall handling performance are clear benefits of the SP variation.

Increased agility and overall handling performance are clear benefits of the SP variation. (Joseph Agustin/)

A polished YZF-R1M-esque swingarm graces the MT-09 SP.

A polished YZF-R1M-esque swingarm graces the MT-09 SP. (Joseph Agustin/)

The MT-09 SP is adorned with a KYB fork adjustable for high- and low-speed compression damping.

The MT-09 SP is adorned with a KYB fork adjustable for high- and low-speed compression damping. (Joseph Agustin/)

With its upright ergonomics, and refined suspension, the MT-09 SP delivers pleasing ride quality in a straight line.

With its upright ergonomics, and refined suspension, the MT-09 SP delivers pleasing ride quality in a straight line. (Joseph Agustin/)

Yamaha nailed it in terms of ergonomics. We also appreciate the blacked-out controls and fuel tank striping that set it apart from other models.

Yamaha nailed it in terms of ergonomics. We also appreciate the blacked-out controls and fuel tank striping that set it apart from other models. (Joseph Agustin/)

Although it looks tiny, the MT’s LED headlamp throws off a nice spread of light for night rides.

Although it looks tiny, the MT’s LED headlamp throws off a nice spread of light for night rides. (Joseph Agustin/)

Even though the SP variation weighs 2 pounds more than the standard MT, the SP offers sharper steering, which we love.

Even though the SP variation weighs 2 pounds more than the standard MT, the SP offers sharper steering, which we love. (Joseph Agustin/)

It’s obvious that Yamaha benchmarked Triumph’s inline-three when engineering its 890cc triple. The Tuning Fork brand’s powertrain is superior in every way.

It’s obvious that Yamaha benchmarked Triumph’s inline-three when engineering its 890cc triple. The Tuning Fork brand’s powertrain is superior in every way. (Joseph Agustin/)

Yamaha’s MT-09 SP is a capable trackday bike, but the front brakes can be prone to fade.

Yamaha’s MT-09 SP is a capable trackday bike, but the front brakes can be prone to fade. (Joseph Agustin/)

A hydraulic preload adjuster allows the rider to tweak rear ride height based on handling preference or vehicle load.

A hydraulic preload adjuster allows the rider to tweak rear ride height based on handling preference or vehicle load. (Joseph Agustin/)

With its sharper handling and styling improvements, not to mention cruise control, the MT-09 is worth its extra $1,600 cost.

With its sharper handling and styling improvements, not to mention cruise control, the MT-09 is worth its extra $1,600 cost. (Joseph Agustin/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Track guide for Global Series Round 2: Assen!

The circuit gradually decreased in length, with the current incarnation coming in 2006. Despite being shorter in length than before, it still carries the features that has made it a rider favourite across the board. Few slithers of tarmac test a rider’s bravery – and a bike’s design – than the infamous sector four that includes Hoge Heide and Ramshoek, two of the fastest, scariest corners on the calendar.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

New BMW M3 Touring Safety Car debuts at Goodwood

This newest member of the safety car fleet is based on the first-ever BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.1 l/100km correspond to WLTP, CO2 emissions, combined: 235 – 229 g/km correspond to WLTP)*, which also celebrated its global debut at Goodwood. It combines the high level of technological capability, performance and know-how of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 family with the practical nature of a five-door touring model.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Americade Announces New Dates for 2023

Americade

Americade, the largest touring rally in the U.S., was held June 7-11 in Lake George, New York. (You can read our 2021 Americade Rally Report here.) The event was a huge success, with tens of thousands of attendees, demo rides from eight major motorcycle manufacturers, an enormous vendor expo, guided and self-guided rides, and entertainment. The organizers are already planning for next year’s rally, and they recently issued the following press release announcing new dates.


Americade 2023 will take place one week earlier than normal, May 30-June 3, starting the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Americade 2023 will celebrate a historic milestone, its 40th event, featuring a number of special additional live music, entertainment, and motorcycle attractions.

“Laconia will be celebrating a big milestone too, their 100th, next year,” said Christian Dutcher, Americade’s Director, “and having two major events overlapping during special years doesn’t make any sense. So, we’re going to slide Americade earlier to give each event a little elbow room.”

Americade 2022 featured the most factory demos of any event in the U.S. and in 2023 Americade will likely feature even more. Kim Knupp, National Events Manager for Yamaha said, “This is exciting news. It’s a great move for Americade and will increase attendance. It opens up opportunities for those who want to go to both events but currently can’t.”

Additionally, national brand vendors fully support the move as well. “I support it 100%,” says Melissa Auclair, of Mustang Motorcycle Seats. “Not only will it benefit the vendors, but it will also benefit the customers.”

Americade 2023 kicks-off in full May 30 (May 29 pre-registered attendees).

Details:
Americade
Lake George, NY
Americade.com
facebook.com/americade
518-798-7888

The post Americade Announces New Dates for 2023 first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster | First Ride Review

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
The all new Harley-Davidson Nightster connects past to present with classic Sportster styling elements and the modern, modular Revolution Max engine platform. Photos by Kevin Wing and Brian J. Nelson.

Reinventing an icon is never easy, and the Sportster is about as iconic as a motorcycle can get. Introduced in 1957, the Sportster is old enough to qualify for Medicare, and it’s the longest-running model family in the 119-year history of Harley-Davidson.

When the Motor Company introduced the Sportster S for 2021, its name was the only thing it had in common with previous Sportsters. Its model designation was RH instead of XL. It was liquid-cooled instead of air-cooled. And it was lighter, more powerful, and more modern than the Forty-Eight, the only 1,200cc Evo-powered XL still in Harley’s lineup. With its upswept pipes, mash-up of colors and finishes, and Fat Bob-inspired headlight and chunky tires, the Sportster S was intended to be a radical departure from the past.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster

The new Nightster, on the other hand, has classic Sportster styling elements. It has an airbox cover that’s shaped like a peanut tank, a round air cleaner cover on the right side of the engine, and dual exposed rear shocks. It has a solo seat and chopped fenders like the Iron 883, a small speed screen like the Iron 1200, and a side cover over the underseat fuel tank that’s reminiscent of a Sportster oil tank. It also takes its name from the Nightster XL1200N, a blacked-out, Evo-powered Sportster built from 2007 to 2012 that was part of Harley’s Dark Custom lineup.

Check out Rider‘s 2022 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
Packing 90 horses in a solid chassis and weighing just 481 lb, Harley’s latest RevMax-based Sportster is a serious corner carver. We used all 32 degrees of available lean angle over and over. The small speed screen looks cool and helps smooth airflow. Mid-mount controls can create a cramped cockpit for taller riders.

Rev to the Max

The Nightster’s name and styling serve as a bridge to the past. But like the Sportster S and Pan America adventure bike, it’s built on the modular Revolution Max platform that represents Harley-Davidson’s future. Its liquid-cooled, 60-degree RevMax V-Twin has DOHC with four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, and forged aluminum pistons with machined crowns to deliver a 12:1 compression ratio. The RevMax serves as a central, structural element of the chassis, with the trellis front frame, mid frame, and tailsection bolted directly to the engine.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster

GEAR UP
Helmet: Fly Racing Sentinel
Jacket: Fly Racing Coolpro
Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler
Pants: Fly Racing Resistance Jeans
Boots: Fly Racing Journeyman

Harley-Davidson has long had 1,200cc and 883cc versions of XL Sportsters in its lineup. Likewise, there are two versions of the RH Sportsters, with the Sportster S displacing 1,252cc (105 x 72mm) and the Nightster displacing 975cc (97 x 66mm). Compared to the Sportster S, the Nightster’s RevMax not only has a smaller bore and a shorter stroke, it uses a single spark plug per cylinder rather than two, and variable valve timing is used only on the intake cam rather than on both the intake and exhaust cams. Claimed output on the Nightster is 90 hp at 7,500 rpm and 70 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, whereas the Sportster S makes 121 hp and 94 lb-ft.

Although the Nightster has a 60-degree vee angle between its cylinders, its two crankshaft connecting rod journals are offset by 30 degrees. This gives the RevMax a firing order and pulse feel like a 90-degree V-Twin. The engine has roller-finger valve actuation, which reduces valve noise, and hydraulic lash adjusters, which eliminate the need for valve adjustments. The variable valve timing advances or retards intake camshaft timing over 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation, which broadens the powerband, improves combustion efficiency, and reduces emissions compared to fixed cam timing.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
The single gauge includes an analog speedometer and a multifunction digital display. Exposed wires and bulbous switchpods detract from the lean-and-mean look.

Located between the cylinders are a pair of 50mm down-draft throttle bodies, and fuel delivery is optimized for each cylinder. Above the engine is a 6.5-liter airbox with tuned velocity stacks that pack air into the combustion chambers for more power, and the airbox has internal ribs that eliminate unwanted resonance and intake noise. The RevMax’s dual counterbalancers reduce primary and secondary vibration as well as rocking couple, but they are tuned to allow enough vibration to deliver a visceral riding experience.

The Nightster is equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements electronics suite, which includes ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control. There is no IMU or lean-angle sensors, so ABS and TC are not lean-angle-adaptive. There are three ride modes (Road, Sport, and Rain) that adjust throttle response, engine braking, ABS, and TC settings.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
The round air cleaner connects the Nightster with Evo Sportsters. The trellis front frame, mid frame, and subframe are bolted directly to the RevMax engine.

Take a Seat

“Form follows function, and both report to motion,” declared Harley-Davidson’s VP of Design, Brad Richards, at the Nightster’s press launch. Motorcycles are intended to be ridden, and their design should serve that purpose. But we all know that compromises are made in the name of style. And when it comes to cruisers, many buyers are more concerned with how they look than how they go.

The Nightster, however, balances the scales between curb appeal and riding appeal. The design team went to great lengths to give it a classic Sportster profile, with a 19-inch front wheel paired with a 16-incher out back. Even though it is built on a different platform, the Nightster’s rider triangle is similar to that of other Sportsters, with a low 27.8-inch seat, midmount controls, and a low-rise handlebar. (For those who prefer forward controls, they are available as a $599.95 accessory.) A nice bonus is that both hand levers are adjustable for reach.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster

With 3 inches of travel for the emulsion-technology shocks and 4.5 inches of travel for the 41mm Showa dual-bending-valve fork, the Nightster’s well-damped suspension provides a comfortable, responsive ride. The only adjustability is rear preload, and a spanner is included under the seat. And with 32 degrees of cornering clearance on either side, a fair amount of lean is possible before chamfering one’s boot soles. Single-disc brakes front and rear with Brembo calipers and steel-braided lines provide plenty of stopping power.

The RevMax is a rev-happy engine – redline is 9,500 rpm – and the 975cc version in the Nightster feels lively and engaging. Giving it the whip through a fast set of curves feels like the right thing to do. How else does one do justice to such a responsive engine and solid chassis? But the Nightster is still a cruiser, just as happy to chug down Main Street at a chill pace.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
A single 320mm front disc is paired with a Brembo 4-piston caliper, and ABS is standard. Cast wheels are shod with Dunlop D401 tires.

Details, Details

There’s a good reason we love air-cooled engines. They are elemental, pure, and elegant in their simplicity. Cooling fins look cool, and the lack of a radiator and associated plumbing keeps the engine bay clean and tidy. The performance and emissions advantages of a liquid-cooled engine are undeniable, but let’s face it, not many of them are pleasing to the eye.

The surfaces and finishes on the RevMax make it look muscular and solid, but also somewhat robotic. On the Nightster’s pipe side, everything on the powertrain has its proper place, but the plastic shrouds covering the radiator and oil cooler look like an afterthought. On the kickstand side, there are unsightly wires and hoses between the engine and radiator that even the discontinued Street 750 managed to avoid. Harley-Davidson is known for its attention to detail, and on its Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight it went to great pains to hide the evidence of liquid cooling. As good as the RevMax engine is, aesthetic appeal is its biggest challenge.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
The Nightster is a true performance cruiser, blending strong power, good handling, and aggressive styling.

There’s also unattractive exposed wiring around the handlebar, and the switchpods next to both grips are bulbous with cheap-looking buttons. Perhaps it is because Harley-Davidson has previously set such high benchmarks for fit and finish that these deviations stick out like sore thumbs.

Otherwise, the Nightster looks sharp. Like the original XL1200N Nightster, bright work is minimized, with the only chrome found on the fork stanchions. The seven-spoke wheels are finished in Satin Black, and the 2-in-1 exhaust is matte black. The black speed screen is both stylish and functional, and the single round instrument gauge is handsome and user-friendly. All the lighting is LED, and the rear turnsignals double as brake lights.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
There’s a sharp contrast between the clean, tidy pipe side of the Nightster and its unfinished-looking kickstand side. It’s often called the “B” side for a reason.

In its early days, the Sportster developed a reputation as a hot rod because it offered more horsepower and less weight than most of its competitors. Over the years, however, that reputation faded, and the Sportster came to be regarded as a venerable member of the old guard rather than the vanguard.

Thanks to the RevMax platform, the Sportster S and Nightster have reclaimed a reputation for performance. The Sportster S is more powerful, more radically styled, and has higher-spec components and electronics, while the Nightster is more familiar, more accessible, and has stronger links to the long history of Sportsters. Both are taking Harley-Davidson in a bold new direction.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster Specs

Base Price: $13,499 (Vivid Black)
Price as Tested: $13,899 (Redline Red)
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: Harley-Davidson.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 975cc
Bore x Stroke: 97 x 66mm
Horsepower: 90 @ 7,500 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: 70 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Belt
Wheelbase: 61.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/5.4 in.
Seat Height: 27.8 in.
Wet Weight: 481 lb
Fuel Capacity: 3.1 gals.


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The post 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster | First Ride Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Viñales rejuvenised: 12 months on at The Cathedral

The reaction to the mechanical issue at the Sachsenring, while Viñales was sat in fourth stalking teammate Aleix Espargaro in third, painted an important picture. A first podium with his new team was there for the taking, and through no fault of his own, a rostrum went astray. But when pulling into pitlane, Viñales gave his RS-GP a couple of gentle pats, fist-bumped his whole team and calmly sat back down in the garage. Those few seconds demonstrated to everyone that we were witnessing a new, happy Viñales.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here