2026 Harley-Davidson® Nightster® Special Base

Current Harley-Davidson® Sport Nightster® Special

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Year 2026
Make Harley-Davidson®
Model Nightster® Special
Engine Revolution® Max 975T

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Product Details Specifications Photos

Year 2026
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson®
Model Name RH975S Nightster® Special
Trim Name Base
Generic Type (Primary) Cruiser
Engine Revolution® Max 975T
Valve train Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake VVT; four valves per cylinder
Bore 97 mm (3.82 in.)
Stroke 66 mm (2.6 in.)
Displacement 975 cc (59.5 cu in)
Compression Ratio 12:01
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Downdraft intake, tuned velocity stacks, washable filter media
Exhaust 2-into-1; catalyst in header
Lubrication Semi-Dry Sump

2026 Harley-Davidson® Nightster® Special

Introducing the New Classic

Don’t let the 483 lb. frame fool you. The 2026 Nightster Special is tuned to rip with a high-revving liquid-cooled 975T Revolution Max® motor, ABS, and full SHOWA suspension. Traction control, a blacked-out powertrain, and modern precision meet throwback attitude to redefine what a classic can be when it’s built for now.

Features may include:

Vintage-Inspired Styling

A flat tank-to-fender line and peanut-shaped air cover pull from classic Sportster® DNA, topped with a ’70s-inspired tank graphic.

West Coast Mini-Fairing + LED Lighting

Born from West Coast club style, the headlight mini-fairing adds wind-cutting function to the Nightster® Special’s aggressive, “tough guy” silhouette, while full LED lighting keeps that stance lit and visible long after the sun’s down.

Versatile Passenger-Ready Setup

Standard pillion pad and footpegs let you bring someone along, or strip it back for a solo stance.

Two-Into-One Exhaust Built to Pull

One of the most efficient ways to get performance out of a V-Twin, the Nightster Special’s two-into-one system is tuned for smooth flow, strong acceleration, and a sharper, more aggressive exhaust note

Full-Color 4” (102 mm) TFT Display Packed with Info

Glove-friendly, Bluetooth®-enabled display keeps navigation, bike data, and media right where you need them.

Selectable Ride Modes + Safety Enhancements

Road, Rain, Sport, or two custom modes the Nightster Special adapts instantly to how and where you ride. ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, TPMS, and standard cruise control add confidence and comfort, whether you’re stretching the bike’s legs across an open highway or watching the sun drop behind the backroads.

Engine

Engine Revolution® Max 975T

Valve train Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake VVT; four valves per cylinder

Bore 97 mm (3.82 in.)

Stroke 66 mm (2.6 in.)

Displacement 975 cc (59.5 cu in)

Compression Ratio 12:01

Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Air Cleaner Downdraft intake, tuned velocity stacks, washable filter media

Exhaust 2-into-1; catalyst in header

Lubrication Semi-Dry Sump

Dimensions

Length 2,265 mm (89.2 in.)

Overall Width 860 mm (33.9 in.)

Overall Height 1,185 mm (46.7 in.)

Seat Height, Unladen 715 mm (28.1 in.)

Ground Clearance Static: 120 mm (4.7 in.)

Rake (steering head) (deg) 30

Fork Angle: 28

Trail 137 mm (5.4 in.)

Wheelbase 1,545 mm (60.8 in.)

Front Tire Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall

Rear Tire Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall

Front Tires / Model D401F

Tires, Front Specification 100/90-19 57H

Rear Tires / Model D401T

Tires, Rear Specification 150/80B16 77H

Fuel Capacity 11.7 l (3.1 gal.)

Fuel Reserve 3 l (0.8 gal.)

Oil Capacity (w/filter) 4.5 l (4.75 qt.)

Cooling 2.1 l (2.22 qt.)

Weight, As Shipped 211 kg (465 lb.)

Weight, In Running Order 219 kg (483 lb.)

GVWR 418 kg (922 lb.)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Front 160 kg (353 lb.)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear 270 kg (595 lb.)

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method J1349

Engine Torque 97 Nm (72 ft-lb)

Engine Torque (rpm) 5,750 rpm

Engine Power 91 HP / 68 kW @ 7500 rpm

Lean Angle, Right (deg.) Testing Method: J1168 | 32 deg

Lean Angle, Left (deg.) Testing Method: J1168 | 32 deg

Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy Testing Method: EU 134/2014 | 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg)

Emissions CO2: 130 g/km CO2 | CO2 Testing Method: EU 134/2014

Drivetrain

Primary Drive Gear, 49/89 ratio

Final Drive Belt, 34/80 ratio

Clutch Mechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090N

Transmission 6-speed

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 12.21

Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 9.022

Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 6.994

Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 5.641

Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 4.731

Gear Ratios (overall) 6th 4.131

Chassis

Frame Type Stressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structure

Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped x-member; MIG welded

Front Fork 41mm (1.6 in) SHOWA® Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps.

Rear Shocks Rear suspension is dual outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment.

Wheel Type, Front Aluminum cast, silver

Front Wheel Diameter: 19 in. (483 mm) | Width: 2.5 in. (64 mm)

Wheels Type, Rear Aluminum cast, silver

Rear Wheel Diameter: 16 in. (406 mm) | Width: 4.25 in. (108 mm)

Brakes, Caliper Type Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper

Brake System Type Rotors: Front: single rotor, floating, hub - mounted; Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor

Brake Disc Diameter, Front 320 mm (12.6 in.)

Front braking system Thickness: 5.8 mm (0.23 in.)

Brake Disc Diameter, Rear 260 mm (10.2 in.)

Rear braking system Thickness: 5 mm (0.2 in.)

ABS Option Standard

Front Travel (in./cm.) 114 mm (4.5 in.)

Rear Travel (in./cm.) 76.2 mm (3 in.)

Electric

Battery Sealed, maintenance-free, absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, 12V, 12Ah, 225 CCA at 0°F

Battery Charger Type Three-phase, 45 Amp system (300 Watts @13 Volts, 1200 rpm, 585 Watts max power @ 13 Volts, 2250 rpm)

Starter 0.9 kW electric with direct drive starter motor engagement

Lighting Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting | Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting | Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal Lights: LED Bullet Turn Signals | Lights, Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals

Gauges 4-inch (102 mm) viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable - phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)

Features

Features Screen Size: 4 in (102 mm) | Type: Color TFT | Headset Specifications (if equipped): Bluetooth