The 2007–2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200N Nightster) is a cruiser motorcycle introduced by Harley-Davidson as part of its iconic Sportster lineup. Produced for the 2007 to 2012 model years, the Nightster was a prominent member of the company’s “Dark Custom” series, characterized by its minimalist, blacked-out, bobber-inspired styling. It combined the traditional Sportster platform with a raw, factory-custom aesthetic that appealed to a new generation of riders seeking a more understated and aggressive look.
History and Development
The Nightster was developed in response to a growing trend in the custom motorcycle scene for stripped-down, “bobbed” bikes that favored attitude and a raw mechanical aesthetic over chrome and accessories. Harley-Davidson identified this market and created the Dark Custom line to offer this style directly from the factory. The XL1200N Nightster was one of the flagship models of this initiative, debuting for the 2007 model year.
Its introduction marked a significant moment for the Sportster family. While Sportsters had always been a popular platform for customization, the Nightster was one of the first models to so thoroughly embrace a dark, minimalist theme from the assembly line. This approach proved highly successful, influencing subsequent popular models like the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight, and solidifying the Dark Custom series as a core part of Harley-Davidson’s brand identity for several years.
A key technical advancement for the entire Sportster line in 2007, including the new Nightster, was the transition from carburetors to Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). This change was driven by stricter emissions regulations and offered riders improved throttle response, better cold-start performance, and increased reliability compared to the carbureted Evolution engines of previous years. The Nightster also benefited from the rubber-mounted engine, a feature introduced to the Sportster line in 2004, which significantly reduced vibration transmitted to the rider.
Design Features of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200N Nightster)
The styling of the Nightster was its defining characteristic. It eschewed the bright chrome prevalent on many other Harley-Davidson models in favor of a darker, more menacing appearance. Key design elements included:
Blacked-Out Components: The 1200cc Evolution engine was finished in a gray powder coat with polished accents, and many other parts, including the air cleaner cover, oil tank, and handlebar clamps, were finished in black.
Bobber-Inspired Fenders: The bike featured a chopped, or “bobbed,” rear fender and a minimalist front fender, exposing more of the tires for a classic custom look.
Low-Profile Suspension: The Nightster was equipped with low front and rear suspension, resulting in a slammed stance and a very low solo seat height of approximately 25.7 inches (653 mm). This made the bike accessible to a wide range of riders but also contributed to a firmer ride with limited suspension travel.
Unique Lighting and License Plate Mount: A distinctive feature was the side-mounted license plate bracket, which cleaned up the look of the rear fender. It also incorporated unique integrated stop/turn/tail lights, another element that contributed to its minimalist rear end.
* Vintage Styling Cues: Classic fork gaiters on the front forks and traditional laced (spoke) wheels with black rims reinforced its retro-inspired, garage-built aesthetic. The low-rise handlebars and mid-mount foot controls provided a classic, slightly aggressive riding position.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the XL1200N Nightster was the air-cooled, 1200cc Evolution V-twin engine. Known for its strong low-end torque, the rubber-mounted “Evo” provided the classic Harley-Davidson sound and feel while minimizing harsh vibrations for a smoother ride. Paired with a five-speed transmission and a clean, low-maintenance belt final drive, the powertrain was reliable and well-suited for city cruising and backroad riding. The fuel-injected engine produced approximately 73 ft-lb of torque, delivering responsive acceleration that made the relatively lightweight Sportster feel nimble and powerful.
The chassis was standard Sportster fare, with a steel double-cradle frame. Brakes consisted of a single disc on both the front and rear wheel, providing adequate stopping power for a motorcycle of its size and intended use. The low suspension, while central to its visual appeal, limited cornering clearance and could be harsh over rough pavement, a common trade-off for the custom-slammed look.
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| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Sportster |
| Model Class | XL1200N Nightster |
| Model Year | 2007–2012 |
| Type | Cruiser / Bobber |
| Maximum mass (GVWR) | 1000 lb. (454 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 1 (2 with optional passenger seat) |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | ~67 Hp (50 Kw) / 6000 RPM |
| Max. torque | 73 ft-lb (99 N•m) / 3500 RPM |
| Top designed speed | ~110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 85.7 in. (2177 mm) |
| Width | 32.7 in. (831 mm) |
| Height | 44.9 in. (1140 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 59.9 in. (1521 mm) |
| Seat height (laden) | 25.3 in. (643 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 3.9 in. (99 mm) |
| Curb weight | 562 lb. (255 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Air-cooled, 45° V-Twin, Four Stroke |
| Displacement | 1200 cc (73.3 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.5 in. × 3.81 in. (88.9 mm × 96.8 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7 : 1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Lubricating system | Dry-sump |
| Oil capacity | 2.8 qt (2.6 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc, manual |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: 100/90-19 57H; Rear: 150/80B16 71H |
| Rim size |
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