Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
RideApart
RideApart
Janaki Jitchotvisut

Is Harley's New Low-Cost Beginner Bike What It's Been Missing? Probably

For a long time, we've discussed the premise that Harley-Davidson has been missing something. No, I'm not talking about its declining customer base (although I suppose, in a roundabout way, I might be). Narrowing the discussion to motorcycles in specific, though, the smallest things it currently offers as new bikes in 2026 are the Nightster and the Sportster S.

I've ridden a Nightster, and while the heat shielding on the exhaust leaves something to be desired (it is HOT and may even burn you if you're a shorty like me, though there are accessory heat shielding options available that you can add), the riding experience is pleasant enough. But would I have wanted it to be the first thing I rode after I got my M endorsement years ago, though?

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.