Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster XL1200N, 2009
The Nightster takes the Sportster legend in a dark direction with dead-on, rat-rod styling. Black finishes cover wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebar, hand and foot controls. Old school style fork gaiters and a bullet-hole belt guard emphasize the original look. A low suspension puts the rider at seat height of just 25.3 inches. The new smaller front and rear fenders show more of the black laced steel wheels. The soulful 1200 Evolution engine growls through a Chrome Slash-Cut Staggered exhaust.
The evolution of the Harley-Davidson hot rod continues for 2009, as most Sportster models roll into the new year on retuned suspension. Five Sportster models retain the raw, soulful styling that represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Responsive handling, the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine, and classic styling cues make Harley-Davidson Sportster a motorcycle that just keeps getting better.
When it debuted in 1957, the original Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. That spirit lingers in every new Sportster model, from the retro-bobber Nightster to the glittering chrome of the long 1200 Custom.
Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a flat torque curve for responsive performance. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat, smooth clutch effort, and a durable carbon fiber reinforced final drive belt.
New on Sportster for 2009
Enhanced Suspension: The suspension is upgraded on the 883 Custom, 1200 Low and 1200 Custom. Springs and dampening rates have been recalibrated and new damping devices were installed to provide superior ride quality.
New Front Fenders: All Sportster models get a new low-profile front fender that hugs the tire for a streamlined, custom look.
New Rear Wheel on Custom models: The 883 Custom and 1200 Custom models receive new rear wheels that weigh four pounds less while maintaining stiffness and durability. The lighter wheel improves ride quality by reducing unsprung weight. The 1200 Custom has a new chrome cast aluminum slotted disc rear wheel, while the 883 Custom rear is a Silver cast aluminum solid disc.
Nightster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine
Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
Black laced steel wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
New low profile front fender
Black low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Slash Cut Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Black mid-mount foot controls
Lowest-Profile rear shocks
Lowest-Profile front forks
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Black front forks with gaiters
Bullet hole belt guard and front fender supports
Side-mount license plate holder
Combination rear brake/tail/turn lights
Lowered front and rear suspension
Optional Smart Security System
The Dimensions
Length 85.80 in. (2179.32 mm)
Overall Width 36.40 in. (924.56 mm)
Overall Height 43.60 in. (1107.44 mm)
Seat Height:
• Laden2: 25.30 in. (642.62 mm)
• Unladen: 26.30 in. (668.02 mm)
Ground Clearance 3.90 in. (99.06 mm)
Rake (steering head) 29.6°
Fork Angle 29.6°
Trail 4.60 in. (116.84 mm)
Wheelbase 60 in. (1524 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):
• Front – D401F 100/90-19 57H
• Rear – D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal. (12.49 L) (warning light at approximately 0.80 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.80 qts. (2.65 L)
Transmission Capacity 1 qts. (0.95 L)
The Weight:
• As Shipped 545 lbs. (247.21 kg)
• In Running Order 562 lbs. (254.92 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1000 lbs. (453.59 kg)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating
• Front 335 lbs. (151.95 kg)
• Rear 665 lbs. (301.64 kg)
The Engine
Engine3 Air-cooled, Evolution
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.50 in. x 3.812 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement3 73.40 cu. in. (1200 cu. cm)
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System9 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump
The Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch 9-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed Gear Ratios (overall): U.S. HDI JPN
• 1st 9.315 9.004 9.004
• 2nd 6.653 6.432 6.432
• 3rd 4.948 4.783 4.783
• 4th 4.102 3.965 3.965
• 5th 3.517 3.400 3.400
The Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 35 mm
Rear Shocks Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels4: Black, Laced Steel
• Front 19 in. x 2.50 in. (482.60 mm x 63.50 mm)
• Rear 16 in. x 3 in. (406.40 mm x 76.20 mm)
The Brakes:
• Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Rotor Type Patented, uniform expansion rotors
(diameter x width):
• Front 11.50 in. x .20 in. (292.10 mm x 5.08 mm)
• Rear 11.50 in. x .23 in. (292.10 mm x 5.84 mm)
The Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel
• Rear Wheel
3.62 in. (91.95 mm)
1.63 in. (41.40 mm)
The Performance
Engine Torque5 (per SAE J1349):
• North America 79 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (107.12 NM @ 4000 rpm)
• World 72.26 ft. lbs. @ 3200 rpm (97.98 NM @ 3200 rpm)
• Japan 66.19 ft. lbs. @ 3250 rpm (89.75 NM @ 3250 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAE J1168):
• Right 29°
• Left 30°
Fuel Economy7
(EPA urban/highway test) 42/57 mpg (5.60/4.13 L/100 km)
The Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
• Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W per lamp
• Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
• Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system6 (optional)
The evolution of the Harley-Davidson hot rod continues for 2009, as most Sportster models roll into the new year on retuned suspension. Five Sportster models retain the raw, soulful styling that represents the uninhibited essence of motorcycling. Responsive handling, the flat torque delivery and distinctive sound of an American V-Twin engine, and classic styling cues make Harley-Davidson Sportster a motorcycle that just keeps getting better.
When it debuted in 1957, the original Sportster projected a tough and rebellious attitude that was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of that era. That spirit lingers in every new Sportster model, from the retro-bobber Nightster to the glittering chrome of the long 1200 Custom.
Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a flat torque curve for responsive performance. Among the most-affordable Harley-Davidson models, Sportster motorcycles offer a low, comfortable seat, smooth clutch effort, and a durable carbon fiber reinforced final drive belt.
New on Sportster for 2009
Enhanced Suspension: The suspension is upgraded on the 883 Custom, 1200 Low and 1200 Custom. Springs and dampening rates have been recalibrated and new damping devices were installed to provide superior ride quality.
New Front Fenders: All Sportster models get a new low-profile front fender that hugs the tire for a streamlined, custom look.
New Rear Wheel on Custom models: The 883 Custom and 1200 Custom models receive new rear wheels that weigh four pounds less while maintaining stiffness and durability. The lighter wheel improves ride quality by reducing unsprung weight. The 1200 Custom has a new chrome cast aluminum slotted disc rear wheel, while the 883 Custom rear is a Silver cast aluminum solid disc.
Nightster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc engine
Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
Black laced steel wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
New low profile front fender
Black low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Slash Cut Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Black mid-mount foot controls
Lowest-Profile rear shocks
Lowest-Profile front forks
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Black front forks with gaiters
Bullet hole belt guard and front fender supports
Side-mount license plate holder
Combination rear brake/tail/turn lights
Lowered front and rear suspension
Optional Smart Security System
The Dimensions
Length 85.80 in. (2179.32 mm)
Overall Width 36.40 in. (924.56 mm)
Overall Height 43.60 in. (1107.44 mm)
Seat Height:
• Laden2: 25.30 in. (642.62 mm)
• Unladen: 26.30 in. (668.02 mm)
Ground Clearance 3.90 in. (99.06 mm)
Rake (steering head) 29.6°
Fork Angle 29.6°
Trail 4.60 in. (116.84 mm)
Wheelbase 60 in. (1524 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, blackwall):
• Front – D401F 100/90-19 57H
• Rear – D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal. (12.49 L) (warning light at approximately 0.80 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.80 qts. (2.65 L)
Transmission Capacity 1 qts. (0.95 L)
The Weight:
• As Shipped 545 lbs. (247.21 kg)
• In Running Order 562 lbs. (254.92 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1000 lbs. (453.59 kg)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating
• Front 335 lbs. (151.95 kg)
• Rear 665 lbs. (301.64 kg)
The Engine
Engine3 Air-cooled, Evolution
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.50 in. x 3.812 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement3 73.40 cu. in. (1200 cu. cm)
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System9 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump
The Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch 9-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed Gear Ratios (overall): U.S. HDI JPN
• 1st 9.315 9.004 9.004
• 2nd 6.653 6.432 6.432
• 3rd 4.948 4.783 4.783
• 4th 4.102 3.965 3.965
• 5th 3.517 3.400 3.400
The Chassis
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 35 mm
Rear Shocks Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels4: Black, Laced Steel
• Front 19 in. x 2.50 in. (482.60 mm x 63.50 mm)
• Rear 16 in. x 3 in. (406.40 mm x 76.20 mm)
The Brakes:
• Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Rotor Type Patented, uniform expansion rotors
(diameter x width):
• Front 11.50 in. x .20 in. (292.10 mm x 5.08 mm)
• Rear 11.50 in. x .23 in. (292.10 mm x 5.84 mm)
The Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel
• Rear Wheel
3.62 in. (91.95 mm)
1.63 in. (41.40 mm)
The Performance
Engine Torque5 (per SAE J1349):
• North America 79 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (107.12 NM @ 4000 rpm)
• World 72.26 ft. lbs. @ 3200 rpm (97.98 NM @ 3200 rpm)
• Japan 66.19 ft. lbs. @ 3250 rpm (89.75 NM @ 3250 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAE J1168):
• Right 29°
• Left 30°
Fuel Economy7
(EPA urban/highway test) 42/57 mpg (5.60/4.13 L/100 km)
The Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
• Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W per lamp
• Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
• Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system6 (optional)
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