Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200N Nightster (2012)

The Nightster® model is decked in black and gray from front to back with a defiant attitude that embraces the pure essence of riding. Medium gray 1200cc engine with polished rocker covers. Black belt guard with lightning holes. Black front forks with gators add an old-school look. Black headlamp body and visor. And black cast aluminum wheels that shoot the Nightster into the modern rebel culture and keeps the rebellious fire burning with plenty of freedom for customization.

The black drag-style handlebar with a slight rise and black finish hand controls add to the stripped down, minimal look of the Nightster® model. Born at the drag strip, the drag-style handlebar is an old school garage feature that puts you in a forward, aggressive riding position.

As one of the defining features of the Harley-Davidson® Sportster® models for decades, the classic 3.3 gallon tapered peanut fuel tank still holds strong today with its traditional styling and modern attitude. Following the line of the bike from front to back, the peanut tank angles down just right into the solo Sportster seat. Attitude and looks all balled up into one.

The Evolution® engine—known in certain crowds as the Blockhead—was first bolted to the frame of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1984.Born from legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution® engine broke new ground in displacement innovation while maintaining the hunger for power, durability and proven reliability that The Motor Company was built on.

Air-cooled and durable as hell, the 1200cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.

Feast your eyes on the 1200cc Evolution® engine and there’s no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won’t find from any other motorcycle company. Medium gray engine with black powder-coated cylinders and cylinder heads are topped off with polished rocker covers. It’s a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power.From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the 1200c Evolution® engine makes an ironclad statement to holding on to what’s right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200N Nightster (2012) Photo Gallery, Image Credit: © Harley-Davidson