The Night Stalker: Nightster 975
Words and Photos Jeff G. Holt
My journey began with a visit to my friend’s bike shop, Dream Rides of Tennessee. I had come in for a base gasket for an Evo chopper but ended up leaving with a bike. The plan was to collaborate on its build, creating a unique Harley-Davidson Nightster 975 motorcycle unlike any other. This model hasn’t gained widespread popularity in the USA compared to its success in other countries. Its compact size, water-cooled engine, and numerous plastic covers make it challenging for the general American public or the legions of Bagger bros to comprehend.
Initially, I was captivated by the bike. Despite the flashy marketing and hype surrounding it, I saw beyond the superficiality. What I discovered was a sleek motorcycle with dimensions comparable to an FXR and a “small frame” 1990s and early 2000s Dyna. It boasted a close to 100hp engine and factory-installed mid controls. The first time I rode one, I was impressed. However, the ergonomics were unconventional. The handlebars were low, and the seating position was uncomfortable, coupled with several suspension issues for my size. Despite these challenges, I knew that with some VTV performance tuning, we could transform this bike into a formidable machine. Thus, we embarked on a journey to achieve that vision. Initially, the bike was black, but the skilled painters at Dream Rides gave it a striking Toyota Tundra Cement Gray finish, which was a few shades more appealing than the stock Billiard Gray Harley-Davidson paint job.
After taking the bike to the VTV HQ, I rode it in its stock configuration for a couple of hundred miles. During this time, I started compiling a parts list of what was needed to make the bike ride smoothly. The first company I contacted was Bung King. They have been producing some excellent Made in the USA parts for the new Revolution Max-powered Sportster lineup, so I gave them a call and ordered a set of 12-inch risers, a gauge pod, and a rear license plate mount. Next, I searched Google and found a set of adjustable brake levers, rear turn signals, a set of motocross handlebars, a scooped tank dash, an air intake, and some mirrors. As I mentioned earlier, not many companies in the USA manufacture parts for these bikes, so I had to rely on some offshore outsourcing.
I also reached out to American companies that I knew were making parts that I could use on this bike. The first company I contacted was Kruesie Originals for the exhaust system. Then, I spoke with Boosted Brad for the foot pegs, Renthal grips, Memphis Shades for the Road Warrior faring, Legend Suspensions for the rear shocks, and Baja Designs for the super-powered LED headlight. To enhance the bike’s aesthetics and feel, we were fortunate to receive a custom VTV x Saddlemen Step-Up seat, which provided a secure and comfortable riding position.
Once I had gathered most of the necessary parts, I returned the bike to Dream Rides, where my good friend Jesse Tailor and I embarked on the exciting journey of building the bike. This was the first RevMax sporty that Jesse had worked on, but his technical expertise quickly made the learning curve smooth. With the bike on the lift, we spent several nights meticulously assembling the bike with all the required components. After Dream Rides of Tennessee rolled out the bike wearing all its new parts and accessories, I can honestly say it’s a ripper. It felt like riding my Clubstyle bikes again, stripped of unnecessary parts and built up with the right amount of speed and suspension components. It’s truly a blast to ride. To top off the bike’s look, we took it to our friend and artist, James Bondo, who dual-pinstriped it to give it those Dyna/FXR vibes.
Since we teamed up for the build, this bike has received nothing but positive praise. I believe it has the right combination of parts to give off the Mini T-Sport look of the past, while still possessing all the parts and some of the looks we expect to see Harley-Davidson going to in the future. And I like it that way.
