2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 1200 Nightster

2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster® 1200 Nightster pictures, prices, information, and specifications.
Model Type
Standard
MSRP
$9,695
Warranty
24
Insurance
Finance
Generic Type (Primary)
Standard
Manufacturer Country
USA
Introduction Year
2007
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age
16
Parent Company
Harley-Davidson
Display Name
Sportster(R) 1200 Nightster
Year
2008
Make
Harley-Davidson
Engine Brand Name
Evolution(R)
Engine Type
V Twin
Cylinders
2
Engine Stroke
4-Stroke
Torque (Ft Lbs/Nm)
79 / 107.1
Torque RPM
4000
Cooling
Air
Valves
4
Valves Per Cylinder
2
Valve Configuration
OHV - Pushrod
Bore (mm/in)
88.9 / 3.5
Stroke (mm/in)
96.8 / 3.81
Displacement (cc/ci)
1199.5 / 73.2
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Starter
Electric
Fuel Requirements
Premium
US Miles Per Gallon (Hwy/City)
57 / 42
CAN Liters Per Kilometer (Hwy/City)
4.1 / 5.6
Fuel Type
Gas
Fuel Injector
Yes
Carburetor
No
Carburetion Type
Fuel Injected
Transmission Type
Manual
Number Of Speeds
5
Overdrive
No
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)
Belt
Primary Drive (Engine / Transmission)
Chain
Gear Ratio (1/2/3/4/5)
9.32 / 6.65 / 4.95 / 4.1 / 3.52
Reverse
No
Wheels Composition
Steel
Chromed
No
Tire Brand
Dunlop(R)
Front Tire Width
100
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
90
Front Tire Speed Rating
57H
Front Wheel Diameter
19
Rear Tire Width
150
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
80
Rear Tire Speed Rating
71H
Rear Wheel Diameter
16
Front Tire (Full Spec)
Dunlop(R) 100/90 R19 57H
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
Dunlop(R) 150/80 R16 71H
Front Brake Type
Disc
Front Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.5 / 292.1
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Rear Brake Diameter (in/mm)
11.5 / 292.1
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork
Front Central Suspension Strut
No
Steering Damper
No
Rear Suspension Type
Twin Sided Swing Arm
Number Rear Shock Absorbers
2
Rear Suspension Material
Steel
Air Adjustable
No
Steering Control
Handlebar
Length (ft)
7.15
Wheelbase (in/mm)
60 / 1524
Ground Clearance (in/mm)
3.9 / 99.1
Length (ft/ft)
7
Length (ft/in)
1.8
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)
545 / 247.2
Wet Weight (lbs/kg)
562 / 254.9
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)
3.3 / 12.5
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)
2.2
Seat Type
One-Piece
Adjustable
No
Seat Material
Leather
Seat Location
Driver
Folding
No
Seat Height (in/mm)
25.3 / 642.6
Number Of Seats
1
Frame
Steel
Hand Grips
Standard
Foot Peg Location
Driver
Chain Guard
No
Drive Shaft Guard
No
Belt Guard
Yes
Hand Guards
No
Brush Guard
No
Heel Guards
No
Light Guard
No
Radiator Cover
No
Side Cover
Yes
Front Fender
Standard
Rear Fender
Standard
Top Crown
Standard
Stand Type
Kick
Handlebars
Standard
License Plate
Standard
Digital Instrumentation
Standard
Clock
Standard
Trip Odometer
Standard
Speedometer
Standard
Fuel Level Warning Type
Light
Service Reminder
Standard
Warranty (Condition)
Limited
Destination Charge
270
Battery Warranty (Months)
0
Paint
Standard
Decal Kit
Standard
Headlight Mounts
Standard
Headlight Visor
Standard
Halogen Headlight (s)
Standard
Headlight (s)
Standard
Light Type
Halogen
Folding
Yes
User Reviews
12 reviews
  • The one and only
    By  (I am an Owner) on Nov 12, 2013

    After 25 years of riding and numerous bikes from Japanese to British I have finally found the one bike that I just can't stop riding and thinking about riding everyday. This bike is truly the best and easiest bike I have ever ridden. I'M HOOKED!

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  • awesome bike!!
    By  (I am an Owner) on Mar 24, 2012

    I bought my Nightster New/used, it had 559 miles on it when I picked it up from the previous owner.

    I have installed many many aftermarket parts but stayed away from the Harley part rut of buying overpriced underpowered parts.

    I have always been a fan of the sportster and this one is ...

    A small tank means you will have to stop frequently for gas but the inbetween trips are fast and fun.

    Get this bike and have fun making it your own, you wont regret it

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  • Great bike, good quality and nice ride!
    By  (I am an Owner) on May 11, 2010

    Recently purchased a 2008 Nighster with 3 miles on it. I have put on over 2003 miles as of today and loved every minute of it. The pro's to the bike are the torque, size and weight. The Nightster has plenty of speed and manuverability with the looks of the old style "bobber. Some cons are the ...

    The ride is comfortable but for longer rides you will probably be looking for a new seat before long.

    Overall great bike and the classic Harley flavor.

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  • 2008 Nightster
    By  (I am an Owner) on Dec 29, 2009

    This is my first bike and it not only handles well but is and economical ride. The bike handles curves well and has plenty of "gitty up go"! Harley did very well in creating this bike. The 2008 Nightster is well worth the money and the enjoyment!!!

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  • money well spent
    By  (I am an Owner) on Dec 15, 2009

    i have a black and green nightster. what i think when i look at this bike is a mix of an old military bike and a bobber. this bike is very easy to mod into a bobber if that is what you want out of it. i enjoy this bike every time i take it out. cold, rain, sun i dont care. the nightster is perfect.

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  • 2008 Harley Knightster
    By  (I am an Owner) on Nov 15, 2009

    Nice! I always wanted to ride but could never find a bike that fit me untill now. Im only 5'2 and im nice and flat fotted on this bike.

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  • HOTT!!!!!
    By  (I am an Owner) on May 28, 2009

    My boyfriend bought this bike for me for my 22nd birthday! This bike is HOTT!!!!!! Sounds great even with stock pipes, lots of power, and has a real smooth ride. LOVE IT!!!!! BEST GIFT EVER!!!

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  • what i liked/ would have done different with my '08 1200 XLN
    By  (I am an Owner) on Mar 24, 2009

    I entered into the world of motorcycling and Harley Davidsons when I purchased my 08 Nightster i nlate '07.

    I added the following items before taking the bike home:

    - smoky sport windshield

    - passenger pillion

    - medium low sissy

    - 2-up sport luggage rack ...

    - engine guard

    - new pipes and screamin' eagle air cleaner.

    I have just under 3k miles , and definitely enjoy the bike.

    It is quick, and a GREAT 1st bike for someone.

    Definitely made for crusing..especially solo...

    At 5'8'' 200 lbs the seat height was about perfect for me.

    What i wished i would have done...

    1. Didnt really need the new pipes/ air cleaner. No issues with it, but probably could have put the cash to better use.

    2. Luggage rack not too useful thus far.

    3. Forward Controls would have made longer trips much easier on the knees.

    4. a better seat... some of my longer rides were quite "numbing" if you know what i mean..

    5. a 6th gear for the highway riding would have been nice.

    We live and we learn, and the road teaches us new stuff every ride.

    Read More
  • Fun Bike!
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 07, 2009

    I've got the orange/black Nightster, loved the old Harley flat track colors and look from the get go. I am 5ft 7 inches and could not deal with the mid mount foot controls, foward controls are great however! Screaming eagle pipes and air filter set up made the bike sound and run - much, much better! ...

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  • 2008 HD 1200N
    By  (I am an Owner) on Jan 05, 2009

    I have owned many bikes over the years including some fast (2003 BMW R1150RT) some sporty (2004 HD Sportster 1200C), and some comfy (2004 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic). The Nightster is a great bike that is very sharp, powerful, easy to ride and comfortable on the shorter rides. For my money, ...

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  • The only Sportster to Buy
    By  (I am an Owner) on Dec 04, 2008

    The nightster is an excellent bike. Unlike other sportsters the outward slash pipes actually have a great sound. The bike is really low, this is evident by the nice sound of the peg feelers grinding on the asphalt, whenever you lean into a nice curve. The fuel injection is great on this bike. ...

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  • cool little bike
    By  (I am an Owner) on Nov 07, 2008

    I just purchased this bike last week for my wife, who at 5'2" has a very limited selection available to her. This was the first bike we found after visiting a dozen different dealerships and sitting on well over a hundred bikes where she could put her feet down and not have anything hot touching ...

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