The cruiser motorcycle segment is quite vast today. For good reason, too, given the popularity of these bikes in the US. As a result, you can find an alternative for almost any kind of cruiser. While doing this for popular American bikes is easy (because they usually cost a bomb), the same can’t be said for Japanese bikes like the Honda Rebel. After all, they already have aggressive prices and high value, just like any other Japanese creation. However, American companies have realized this and taken matters into their own hands. That means there’s an unexpected cruiser alternative for the Rebel from America today.
The Honda Rebel Is Available In Three Sizes
There was a time when the Rebel was just a cruiser. As the popularity has risen, Honda has made this a full-blown lineup. It starts with the Rebel 300 E-Clutch, then comes the Rebel 500, and finally, the flagship Rebel 1100. All three are results of Honda’s engine-sharing expertise. We’ve seen the 300’s engine in the CB300R and CBR300R, while the 500’s engine serves duty in the CBR500R, NX500, CB500F, and SLC500. As for the 1100, we’ve seen its parallel-twin mill in the Africa Twin, NT1100, and Hawk 11. We’re using the flagship as a reference for the article here, given its prowess in the cruiser segment.
The Harley-Davidson Nightster Is The Unexpected Cruiser Alternative To The Honda Rebel
Harley-Davidson and Honda follow different approaches in the cruiser market. Honda’s part-sharing enables impressive starting prices that are hard to beat. Whereas, Harley promises you the “premium” experience from its cruiser, which often comes at a premium compared to Japanese bikemakers. However, the past couple of years have been different. While the Nightster debuted at over $13,000 for MY22, it has had repetitive price revisions in recent times.
MSRP Starts At Just $9,999
As a result, it currently costs just $9,999. Not only are such price drops rare, but they unexpectedly make the Nightster a proper arch-rival for the $9,699 Honda Rebel 1100. The small gap in MSRP is also courtesy of Honda’s small price increments for its flagship cruiser. What’s also unexpected is that Harley offers a better price-to-power ratio while still retaining the V-twin experience. Another unexpected surprise is the power-to-weight ratio, as the H-D weighs considerably less than the Honda. Hard to believe, we know.
Revolution Max Performance Gives The Nightster An Edge Over Its Rivals
Speaking of price-to-power ratio, let’s start with the performance. The Nightster might be Harley’s smallest cruiser, but it has no shortage of power. You get the Revolution Max 975T V-twin engine here, which enjoys full liquid cooling, variable timing on the intake valves, and a spicy 12:1 compression ratio. These ensure an output of 91 horsepower and 72 pound-feet, both of which peak at under 8,000 RPM. The Rebel, in comparison, has four ponies less with similar levels of peak torque.
|
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
Transmission |
|
Revolution Max 975T |
91 HP |
72 LB-FT |
Six-speed |
Harley Claims Over 50 Miles Per Gallon
Even with all that power, Harley has ensured fuel consumption stays in check. The claimed mileage lies at 52 miles per gallon, which is six more than Honda’s claim for the Rebel. You’ll have to be easy on the gas, though, and probably shift through the six-speed transmission quickly to attain these figures. A belt final drive ensures maintenance is low, meanwhile.
Showa Suspension Brings Riding Comfort
Like the modern engine, the underpinnings are modern by Harley standards, too. Instead of a traditional steel frame, you get a high-strength, low-alloy steel trellis frame. This joins hands with a steel tubular swingarm and Showa suspension. The latter comprises 41 mm dual-bending telescopic forks and dual rear shocks with a thread collar for preload adjustment. As for wheels, you get a 19/16-inch alloy wheel combination. The front houses a single 320 mm disc with a four-piston Brembo monobloc caliper, while the rear has a single 260 mm disc with a single-piston caliper.
Along With Compact Dimensions
Although steel is the preferred material, the Nightster is properly lightweight for a near-1,000cc cruiser. It tips the scales at 481 pounds fully fueled, which is a sizable 16 pounds less than the Rebel 1100. You should also know that the fuel tank sits under the seat for better mass centralization.
The low saddle height (27.1 inches) sweetens the pot further, while other dimensions paint a similar picture. They measure:
- Wheelbase: 60.8 inches
- Ground clearance: 4.3 inches
- Tank capacity: 3.1 gallons
- Tire size: 100/150-section (F/R)
All The Necessary Features Are Included
For the longest time, Harleys used to be not-so-modern bikes feature-wise. That has changed in recent years, and the Nightster is a fitting proof. We say so because even the cheapest Harley today gets the basics right. Dual-channel ABS, traction control, LED lighting, USB charging, drag-torque slip control, and ride modes are all standard inclusions here. There are some misses, though, especially if you compare these with the Rebel.
The Nightster Special Takes Things Up A Notch
That’s where the Nightster Special comes in. For the $2,500 extra you pay, this variant not only brings pillion accommodations, but you also get a tire pressure monitoring system and a touchscreen TFT instrument cluster. At the same time, there are aesthetic updates like a headlight fairing, contrast wheels, and a swingarm-mounted plate holder.