Harley-Davidson has launched the new Nightster in India at a starting price of Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned below the Sportster S, Harley-Davidson categorises the Nightster under the brand's “sport” category. It is powered by the company’s new Revolution Max 975T v-twin engine which makes 88.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 95 Nm of peak torque at 5,750 rpm. The Nightster is being imported as a CBU with the company saying that customers can book the model at all Harley-Davidson showrooms across the country.
Additionally, Hero MotoCorp, which now handles Harley-Davidson’s business operations in India, announced the appointment of a new brand manager for its Harley-Davidson Business Unit, Dr Aneeka Arora, a Haryana-based dentist. The company delivered the first unit of the Nightster in India to the new brand manager. Arora was selected via the company's unique ‘The World’s Best Job' campaign under which candidates were identified before going through a shortlisting process and interviews to select the winner.
Commenting on the launch, Sajeev Rajasekharan, Managing Director – Asia Emerging Markets & India at Harley-Davidson said, “Nightster" is built for nimble performance and distinctive style based on a legacy laid 65 years ago and we are pleased to share this new chapter in the Sportster legacy with our customers in India. We have already witnessed a phenomenal response to the Sportster S in India, and we are confident that this new best-in-class offering will resonate well with our customers.”
The Nightster gets some traditional sportster design elements with its low stance, chopped fenders, a round air intake cover, a walnut-shaped fuel tank and twin rear shocks. The big talking point though is the engine with the Nightster getting the new Revolution Max 975T liquid-cooled unit. The 60-degree V-Twin unit is a scaled-down version of the unit from the larger Sportster S and Pan America 1250. The DOHC unit uses hydraulic lifters on all four valves per cylinder with variable valve timing. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slip clutch.
Buyers can opt for three colour options for the new Nightster – Vivid Black, Gunship Grey and Redline Red. Vivid Black is priced at Rs 14.99 lakh while Gunship Gey and Redline Red are priced at a slight premium at Rs 15.13 lakh.
