Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking customization, classic styling, and a V-twin experience.
Competitors:
Primarily other American V-twin cruisers and some Japanese cruiser offerings in the mid-size displacement class.
Design Philosophy:
Minimalist, bobber-inspired styling with a low seat height and accessible rider triangle.
Distinguishing Features:
Forward-mounted foot controls, drag-style handlebars, blacked-out components, and a distinctive peanut fuel tank.
Engine:
Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, and tuning of the Evolution V-Twin engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 5-speed constant mesh transmission, including clutch and primary drive.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV 40) or Fuel Injection (EFI) system maintenance, troubleshooting, and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, starter, and accessory circuits.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including hydraulic components, caliper, rotors, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork (39mm conventional) and rear shock absorber maintenance, adjustment, and replacement.
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, body panel removal/installation, and associated hardware.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire mounting, balancing, and specifications.
Maintenance:
Routine service tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, and electrical faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and reassembling various motorcycle systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for independent mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-Twin
Displacement:
1200cc (73.4 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.496 in. x 4.125 in. (88.8 mm x 104.8 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for 1200cc Evolution)
Valvetrain:
Overhead valve (OHV), two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated.
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 65-70 HP (at crankshaft)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 70-75 ft-lbs (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Either Keihin CV 40mm Carburetor or Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) depending on specific sub-model/market.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane recommended.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
2.1 US gallons (7.9 liters)
Transmission Type:
5-speed, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Multi-plate, wet, manual operation
Primary Drive:
Enclosed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain drive
Final Drive:
Carbon fiber belt drive
Gear Ratios Typical:
1st: 10.42, 2nd: 7.27, 3rd: 5.35, 4th: 4.39, 5th: 3.71
Length:
Approx. 88.2 inches (2240 mm)
Width:
Approx. 32.1 inches (815 mm)
Height:
Approx. 46.0 inches (1168 mm)
Seat Height Laden:
Approx. 26.0 inches (660 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Dry Weight Estimated:
Approx. 545 lbs (247 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
N/A (Motorcycle)
Payload Capacity:
N/A (Motorcycle)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash testing like automobiles).
Braking System:
Dual-piston front caliper with 292mm disc, Dual-piston rear caliper with 292mm disc.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, amber front and rear turn signals.
Immobilizer:
Optional factory security system with proximity fob.
Audio System:
Typically not equipped with a factory-installed audio system.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer (often mounted on handlebars), odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge (on some models/tank styles), indicator lights.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature for 2008 models.
Bluetooth:
Not equipped with factory Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Primary Chaincase Oil Change:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
Belt Drive Inspection:
Inspect at 5,000 mile intervals for wear and proper tension.
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin Motor Oil 20W50 or equivalent JASO MA approved motorcycle oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3 quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change.
Primary Chaincase Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent Formula+ Transmission Lubricant.
Primary Chaincase Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1 quart (0.95 liters).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Formula+ Transmission Lubricant or equivalent SAE 85W-140 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 24 fl oz (0.71 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, belt tensioner, rear shock absorbers, wheel bearings, fork seals.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be prone to intermittent electrical issues if wiring is stressed or corroded.
Carburetor Tuning:
CV carburetors may require periodic adjustment for optimal performance, especially with modifications.
Manufacturer Origin:
United States
Brand Focus:
Cruiser motorcycles, custom culture, American lifestyle.
Sportster Lineage:
The Sportster platform has been in continuous production since 1957, evolving from overhead valve engines to the Evolution series.
Nightster Introduction:
The Nightster model was introduced in 2007 as a more aggressive, 'bobber' styled variant of the Sportster line.
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Kansas City, Missouri or York, Pennsylvania)
