- Model Research
- Nightster vs.
- Sportster S
2023 Harley-Davidson® Nightster® vs. Sportster® S | Branford, CT
Own the road with the nimble handling and aggressive looks of the 2023 Harley-Davidson® Nightster® and Sportster S®. These sport bikes deliver the lean, powerful look and exciting handling you’re looking for with the Harley-Davidson power and quality you love. Find out what makes these two motorcycles different with the following model comparison created by the H-D® pros at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson. For more information, see our Sportster S review.
Find your ideal new motorcycle for sale at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson. Browse the current inventory at our store in Branford, CT, and set up a time to ride to get a sense of the differences between the Nightster and Sportster S. As you’re considering which new sport bike is the best fit for you, be sure to take advantage of the helpful tools — like our online trade-in value form — from our finance center.
Contact a Freedom Road Harley-Davidson representative with any questions. We’re happy to help when you send us a message or call us at (203) 315-4759.
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2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster vs. Sportster S Engine Specs & Powertrain
Performance is a key difference between the 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster and Sportster S. Both bikes run with a Revolution® Max engine, but the Sportster S engine is significantly larger and more powerful. The 1250T engine on the Sportster S makes 121 horsepower compared with the 90 horsepower on the 975T, courtesy of its larger displacement — 76.4 cubic inches for the Sportster S versus 59.5 cubic inches for the Nightster. Fuel economy is also different, with the advantage going to the Nightster. Both bikes have a 3.1-gallon fuel tank. You get a 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel on the Nightster, and a 17-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel on the Sportster S.
Compare the key performance specs in the accompanying table.
Nightster | Model | Sportster S |
---|---|---|
Revolution Max 975T | Engine | Revolution Max 1250T |
3.82 in. | Engine Bore | 4.134 in. |
59.5 cu.-in. | Displacement | 76.4 cu.-in. |
90 HP | Horsepower | 121 HP |
70 lb.-ft. | Torque | 94 lb.-ft. |
5,000 RPM | Torque RPM | 6,000 RPM |
52.4 MPG | Combined Fuel Economy | 49 MPG |
2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster vs. Sportster S Safety & Technology
When it comes to technology, the 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster and Sportster S take different approaches. You get a more basic slate of tech features on the Nightster, including a 4-inch analog instrument display with a vehicle information screen with the odometer, trip, fuel range, and ride mode indicator. On the Sportster S, a 4-inch color LCD display replaces the analog readouts with a digital interface, and Bluetooth® functionality plus a USB charging port are included. You can also enjoy turn-by-turn navigation via the Harley-Davidson app.
In terms of rider safety enhancements, the Sportster S has an upgraded selection over the Nightster. Full LED lighting on either bike helps you stay visible on the road. While both bikes include a standard anti-lock brake system, traction control, and drag torque slip control, the Sportster S also includes the following features as standard equipment:
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Wheel lift mitigation
- Cornering enhanced anti-lock brake system
- Cornering enhanced traction control system
- Cornering drag-torque slip control system
- Enhanced lift mitigation

2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster

2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster vs. Sportster S Dimensions
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster and Sportster S are the same length, but the Sportster S is lower and heavier. Both place you in a forward-leaning riding position, but the Sportster S features forward foot control, and the Nightster is built with mid-mount foot controls. To accommodate, the seat height is slightly higher on the Sportster S.
Compare the dimensions for both bikes in the accompanying chart to see the similarities and differences.
Nightster | Model | Sportster S |
---|---|---|
89.4 in. | Length | 89.4 in. |
61.3 in. | Wheelbase | 59.8 in. |
30 deg. | Rake | 30 deg. |
5.4 in. | Trail | 5.8 in. |
27.1 in. | Laden Seat Height | 28.9 in. |
4.5 in. | Ground Clearance | 3.5 in. |
462 / 481 lbs. | Weight (as shipped / running order) | 487 / 502 lbs. |

2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster

2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster vs. Sportster S Pricing
You’ll find the 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster starting at $13,499 MSRP*, white the 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S starts at $16,399 MSRP*. Both bikes come in standard Billiard Black exterior paint; other exterior colors or equipment add to the MSRP.
*Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, surcharges (attributable to raw materials costs in the product supply chain), added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.
Visit Freedom Road Harley-Davidson for a Test Ride
Are you looking for a new sport bike for sale in Branford, CT? Stop by Freedom Road Harley-Davidson and check out our available selection of new Harley Davidson Nightster and Sportster S bikes. Take a look at our inventory before you visit, and set up a time to ride so we can have your motorcycle ready for you.
Have a question for our team? Contact us online or by calling (203) 315-4759.
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2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
$15,999- 322212
- New
- 2022
- 7 mi
- Vivid Black
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
NEW 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE NEAR BRANFORD, CT This New 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle is for sale at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson located in Branford, Connecticut. Contact Freedom Road Harley-Davidson today to SCHEDULE A TEST-RIDE. If this isn't …
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2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster Special
$15,999- 314512
- New
- 2023
- 7 mi
- Bright Billiard Blue
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
The 2023 Nightster® Special is a thrilling new ride in a classic Sportster® silhouette.
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2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
$17,349- 315786
- New
- 2023
- Bright Billiard Blue
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
NEW 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE NEAR BRANFORD, CT This New 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle is for sale at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson located in Branford, Connecticut. Contact Freedom Road Harley-Davidson today to SCHEDULE A TEST-RIDE. If this isn't …
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2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
$17,349- 314462
- New
- 2023
- 7 mi
- Gray Haze
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
NEW 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE NEAR BRANFORD, CT This New 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle is for sale at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson located in Branford, Connecticut. Contact Freedom Road Harley-Davidson today to SCHEDULE A TEST-RIDE. If this isn't …
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2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
$17,349- 305337
- New
- 2023
- 7 mi
- Bright Billiard Blue
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
NEW 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE NEAR BRANFORD, CT This New 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle is for sale at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson located in Branford, Connecticut. Contact Freedom Road Harley-Davidson today to SCHEDULE A TEST-RIDE. If this isn't …
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2023 Harley-Davidson® Nightster™ Vivid Black
$13,999- 316158
- New
- 2023
- Vivid Black
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
The 2023 Nightster® evolves the Sportster® legacy into a nimble handling and confidence inspiring ride.
-
2023 Harley-Davidson® Nightster™ Vivid Black
$13,999- 317212
- New
- 2023
- 7 mi
- Vivid Black
- Freedom Road Harley-Davidson -CT's Warranty Forever! Dealer
The 2023 Nightster® evolves the Sportster® legacy into a nimble handling and confidence inspiring ride.
Disclaimer
*Financing Offer available only on select new 2023 and 2022 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Harley-Davidson® CVO™, Police Duty, Anniversary, Icons, Highway King, Ultra Limited® Anniversary, Road Glide® Special Anniversary and Street Glide® Special Anniversary models are excluded, along with 2023 Trike, 2022 Trike and 2022 and 2022 Sportster® (Evolution Engine) and 2023 Breakout® models. Not all applicants will qualify as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. Financing offer is available only for up to a 48 month term. For example, a 2023 Street Glide® Special motorcycle in Vivid Black with Black Trim with an MSRP of $28,999, no down payment and amount financed of $28,999, 48 month repayment term, and 1.99% APR results in monthly payments of $629.01. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Customer must take delivery by December 31, 2023. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.