The 2026 Nightster Special rides low, leans hard, and shows up with blacked-out style, vintage lines, and a high-revving Revolution Max 975T motor. Ride modes, cruise, and traction control give you the confidence to push, while a 4” TFT brings tech to your fingertips without pulling you out of the ride.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special: THE NEW CLASSIC.
Introducing the 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.
“It’s got that low, mean stance I love, but the way it handles? That was a surprise. It’s easy to throw around but still feels solid on the highway.”
“The 2026 Nightster Special takes classic Sportster attitude and rebuilds it for right now. Blacked out style, modern tech, and a ride that barks on command.”
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 91 HP Horsepower
- 27.1 in. Seat Height, Laden
- 483 lb. Weight, In Running Order
- 52 mpg Fuel Economy
Mile-Munching Revolution Max 975T Motor
Liquid-cooled and quick to spin up, the Revolution Max 975T packs 91 HP with torque you’ll feel punching out of corners and winding out on the open road.
Lightweight + Balanced for Carving and Cornering
At 483 lbs with the tank under the seat, the Nightster Special stays planted yet agile, whether filtering through traffic or carving backroads.
Versatile Passenger-Ready Setup
Standard pillion pad and footpegs let you bring someone along, or strip it back for a solo stance.
Comfortable High-Rise Bars + 5” Risers
High-rise bars with 5-inch risers put you in a tall, commanding position, giving you leverage in the curves and comfort for when you feel like smashing slab and eating miles.
Full-Color 4” TFT Display Packed with Info
Glove-friendly, Bluetooth-enabled display keeps navigation, bike data, and media right where you need them.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON REVEALS SELECT NEW 2026 MOTORCYCLES SHIPPING SOON TO WORLDWIDE AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS
MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson reveals selected new models from its 2026 motorcycle line up. These exciting motorcycles will be available soon at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally.
Additional 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycle models, including the limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) collection, will be revealed in early 2026.
For 2026, the unmatched Harley-Davidson riding experience is more attainable than ever with the introduction of a Solo Trim Package for three popular models. Each model features a solo seat, Dark Billiard Gray paint, and cast aluminum wheels. The Solo Trim Package is available for the Heritage Classic ($19,999*), Street Bob ($14,999*), and the Street Glide models ($24,999*).
The additional 2026 Harley-Davidson models announced today are:
- The Street Glide and Road Glide Models: From the company that created the cross-country experience, these Grand American Touring models are optimized for customers who prioritize luxury, performance and long-haul comfort.
- The Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Heritage Classic, Breakout, Fat Boy, and Street Bob Models:The diverse line of Harley-Davidson Cruiser motorcycles includes six very distinctive models, each presenting a specific stylistic personality, from nostalgic to high performance to boldly custom. Each model features the full suite of Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson and the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain, but in three unique tunes – with differences in intake and exhaust, cam profiles, and ride mode programming – to offer performance that matches the personality of each Cruiser model.
- The Sportster S, Nightster Special, and Nightster Models:Extraordinary performance and advanced technology combine to deliver a dynamic riding experience with styling inspired by Harley-Davidson heritage for these Sport motorcycles. The Revolution Max motor on these models features new engine covers offering an enhanced custom look. And a new option package for the Nightster model features bold Blood Orange paint with graphics inspired by Harley-Davidson flat track race bikes, plus chrome exhaust shields and 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels. Sport models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally in early 2026.
- The Pan America 1250 Special, and Pan America 1250 ST Models: Adventure Touring is for riders who turn touring into detouring. The award-winning Pan America 1250 Special motorcycle is a versatile, technologically advanced motorcycle designed to give its rider the confidence to explore a variety of on- and off-pavement routes. The Pan America 1250 ST model is tuned for nimble sport-touring pavement performance withpremium suspension and braking components, 17-inch wheels shod with performance tires and a quickshifter. Adventure Touring models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally in early 2026.
*Available only from dealers in the United States.
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
This Is What Comes Next.
The 2026 Nightster Special rides low, leans hard, and shows up with blacked-out style, vintage lines, and a high-revving Revolution Max 975T motor. Ride modes, cruise, and traction control give you the confidence to push, while a 4” TFT brings tech to your fingertips without pulling you out of the ride.
Blacked-Out Powertrain Packed with Attitude
The Revolution Max 975T motor is fully blacked-out, with contrasting matte and gloss finishes and newly non-highlighted fins, for a factory finish that looks as aggressive as it is.
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.
Lightweight + Balanced for Carving and Cornering
At 483 lbs with the tank under the seat, the Nightster Special stays planted yet agile, whether filtering through traffic or carving backroads.
Mile-Munching Revolution Max 975T Motor
Liquid-cooled and quick to spin up, the Revolution Max 975T packs 91 HP with torque you’ll feel punching out of corners and winding out on the open road.
Responsive Dual Outboard Rear Shocks
More travel than legacy Sportsters means a smoother, more powerful ride, all while keeping the twin-shock look that’s pure Harley heritage.
Comfortable High-Rise Bars + 5” Risers
High-rise bars with 5-inch risers put you in a tall, commanding position, giving you leverage in the curves and comfort for when you feel like smashing slab and eating miles.
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.
Air-Hungry High-Performance Airbox + Intake
With the fuel tank tucked under the seat, a high-performance downdraft intake sits above the Revolution Max 975T, pulling clean air in and pushing responsive power out.
Full-Color 4” 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.
RIDER SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements is all about giving you that extra peace of mind when things get a little unpredictable. It’s a set of smart tech that steps in during tricky situations, helping the bike handle traction while you’re accelerating, braking, or slowing down. With the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, the bike even adjusts for cornering, keeping things smooth and steady without you having to think twice.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS is designed to keep the rear wheel from “spinning out” when the motorcycle is accelerating in a straight line and enhances rider confidence.
Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
DSCS is designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip and help prevent rear-wheel lock under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt downshift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
TPMS alerts the rider through the information display to low or high tire air pressure. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life.
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $12,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $14,999 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Dimensions
Length
89.2 in.
Width
33.9 in.
Seat Height, Laden +
27.1 in.
Ground Clearance
4.7 in.
Rake
30
Trail
5.4 in.
Wheelbase
60.8 in.
Tire, Type
Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall
Tires, Front Specification
100/90-19 57H
Tires, Rear Specification
150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity
3.1 gal.
Oil Capacity (w/filter)
4.75 qt.
Weight, In Running Order
483 lb.
Engine
Engine+
Revolution Max 975T
Bore
3.82 in.
Stroke
2.6 in.
Displacement
59.5 cu in.
Compression Ratio
12:1
Fuel System+
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust
2-into-1; catalyst in header
Performance
Engine Torque Testing Method
J1349
Engine Torque+
72 ft-lbs
Engine Torque (rpm)
5750
Horsepower
91 HP / 68 kW @ 7500 rpm
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)
32
Lean Angle, Left (deg.)
32
Fuel Economy Testing Method
Estimated City/Hwy
Fuel Economy+
52 mpg
Drive Train
Primary Drive
Gear, 49/89 ratio
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
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.
Wheels, Front Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Wheels, Rear Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Brakes, Caliper Type
Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper
Brakes, Rotor Type
Front: single rotor, floating, hub – mounted; Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor
Electric
Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop, Front Signal Lights, Rear Turn Signals+
Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals
Gauges
4-inch 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)
Infotainment
Screen Size
4 in.
Type
Color TFT
Headset Specifications (if equipped)
Bluetooth
Languages
Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth
Standard
Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only
Phone dependent
Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation
Phone dependent
Rider/Passenger Intercom
Headset function only
Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)
TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages
Phone dependent
USB
Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A
Bluetooth
Phone/Media Supported
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Dimensions
Length
2,265 mm
Width
860 mm
Seat Height, Unladen
715 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
Rake
30
Trail
137 mm
Wheelbase
1,545 mm
Tire, Type
Dunlop™ Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall
Tires, Front Specification
100/90-19 57H
Tires, Rear Specification
150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity
11.7 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter)
4.5 l
Weight, In Running Order
219 kg
Engine
Engine+
Revolution™ Max 975T
Bore
97 mm
Stroke
66 mm
Displacement
975 cc
Compression Ratio
12:1
Fuel System+
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust
2-into-1; catalyst in header
Performance
Engine Torque Testing Method
J1349
Engine Torque+
97 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm)
5750
Horsepower
91 HP / 68 kW @ 7500 rpm
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)
32
Lean Angle, Left (deg.)
32
Fuel Economy Testing Method
Estimated City/Hwy
Fuel Economy+
5.5 l/100 km
Drive Train
Primary Drive
Gear, 49/89 ratio
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
Front Fork
41mm SHOWA™
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.
Wheels, Front Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Wheels, Rear Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Brakes, Caliper Type
Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper
Brakes, Rotor Type
Front: single rotor, floating, hub – mounted; Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor
Electric
Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop/Front Signal Lights
Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals
Gauges
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)
Infotainment
Screen Size
102 mm
Type
Color TFT
Headset Specifications (if equipped)
Bluetooth
Languages
Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth
Standard
Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only
Phone dependent
Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation
Phone dependent
Rider/Passenger Intercom
Headset function only
Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)
TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages
Phone dependent
USB
Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A
Bluetooth
Phone/Media Supported
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
Dimensions
Length
2,265 mm
Width
860 mm
Seat Height, Unladen
715 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
Rake
30
Trail
137 mm
Wheelbase
1,545 mm
Tire, Type
Dunlop™ Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall
Tires, Front Specification
100/90-19 57H
Tires, Rear Specification
150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity
11.7 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter)
4.5 l
Weight, In Running Order
225 kg
Engine
Engine+
Revolution™ Max 975T
Bore
97 mm
Stroke
66 mm
Displacement
975 cc
Compression Ratio
12:1
Fuel System+
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust
2-into-1; catalyst in header
Performance
Engine Torque Testing Method
EC 134/2014
Engine Torque+
95 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm)
5750
Horsepower
89 HP / 66 kW @ 7500 rpm
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)
32
Lean Angle, Left (deg.)
32
Fuel Economy Testing Method
EU 134/2014
Fuel Economy+
5.5 l/100 km
CO2 Emissions Testing Method
EU 134/2014
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km CO2
Drive Train
Primary Drive
Gear, 49/89 ratio
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
Front Fork
41mm SHOWA™
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.
Wheels, Front Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Wheels, Rear Type+
Aluminum cast, silver
Brakes, Caliper Type
Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper
Brakes, Rotor Type
Front: single rotor, floating, hub – mounted; Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor
Electric
Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop, Front Signal Lights, Rear Turn Signals
Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals
Gauges
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)
Infotainment
Screen Size
102 mm
Type
Color TFT
Headset Specifications (if equipped)
Bluetooth
Languages
Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese
Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth
Standard
Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only
Phone dependent
Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation
Phone dependent
Rider/Passenger Intercom
Headset function only
Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)
TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages
Phone dependent
USB
Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A
Bluetooth
Phone/Media Supported
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
