READER MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster 1200

By Susan Yelle, Fullerton, California

Susan's height: 5 feet 4 inches
Want to share your motorcycle or product review?Click hereto find out how.
Susan on her 2009 Nightster, which she says is great even without any custom details.

After taking the motorcycle safety training class, my girlfriend and I went out looking at bikes. Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas—we saw lots of bikes. But she was steering me toward a Harley, so we went to the Harley dealer and I sat on a 2009 Nightster 1200. It just felt right. Im 5-foot-4, slightly overweight, and with my boots on, I can touch the ground just fine. I didnt want to buy a smaller bike, then have to sell it and buy a bigger bike, so I was determined to just start big.

With its low center of gravity, I find the Nightster very easy to handle. It turns easily and has good brakes and lots of power. My hands are kind of small, so I had to get used to the slightest turn on the throttle making it go—when I twisted my hand slightly to turn on the right turn signal, the bike would jump forward a little. But with practice, I have learned not to do that! I needed lots of practice riding on my Nightster because at 1200cc, its a powerful bike. It now has about 500 miles on it, and Im getting very comfortable on it. And I like the fact that I can keep up with my friends on their “big” bikes!

I love the look of my bike. It is gorgeous, and I get lots of attention while riding it. My bike looks so good that I dont even want to buy any custom parts for it. All I need is a little black rack on the back fender for carrying small stuff. I am so glad I bought this bike. I am turning into a real biker chick. Im always up for a ride.

Want to share your motorcycle or product review?Click hereto find out how.

Related Articles:
Motorcycle Reviews: 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster
WRN Buyers Guide: Harley-Davidson Sportster Models

5 thoughts on READER MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster 1200

  1. I took the motorcycle safety course in 2012, passed and received my motorcycle endorsement. My husband has a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom, so that is what I rode. I got used to the 1200 and decided I didn’t want anything smaller. I spotted the Nightster and fell in love. I found my 2008 Nightster aka Aaron. This bike just fits me. I am 5 feet 8 inches and have pretty long legs so I love the forward controls. Mine came with drag bars, and Vance & Hines Side Shot exhausts. I love the sound and, of course, love the fact that my husband was a little jealous my bike sounded better.I love the feeling of being one with my bike. It isn’t too heavy for me and my bike goes where I want it to.

  2. I have a 2007 Sportster Nightster 1200 (same color as yours!) and was relieved when you mentioned the nervousness regarding that jackrabbit feeling the throttle has. You’re right- the power combined with small hands makes it weird to get used to. The Sportster supposedly as a pretty light clutch pull for a Harley but I found it un-rideable without installation of an Easy Pull clutch assist: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sportster-1994-2009-Big-Twin-Easy-Pull-Clutch-/150468148988?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item230899befc#ht_500wt_1182This made riding the Sporty so much easier for me.

  3. I have a Nightster and being only 5 feet with small hands I couldn't reach the tun signals so I bought turn signal extensions. They just stick over the old ones. They work great. I also put on a Reach Seat [from Harley-Davidson, –Editor].

  4. Great article! Thanks for the write-up/review of the Nightster. It is so helpful to get feedback on a bike from someone who actually owns the bike and rides it regularly. BTW, it is a real looker – congrats!

Scroll to Top