MotoLibrary MotoLibrary
← Harley-Davidson
Custom - Cruiser · 2011

XL 1200N Nightster

US$ 9999. Euro 9795. UK £ 9300. MSRP depends on country, taxes, accessories, etc.
User Rating: /5 · No user ratings yet ✓ Your rating was saved
MotoLibrary Score
64 /100 Sporty
Torque
107 Nm
Engine
1201 ccm

2011 Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Nightster Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle lineup, the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Nightster features a 1201.3 cc (73.3 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, maximum torque reaches 107 Nm (78.9 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. Internal engine geometry specifies a bore and stroke of 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) with a 9.7:1 compression ratio.

On the scales, the XL 1200N Nightster measures 254.9 kg (562 lbs) wet (curb). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 653 mm (25.7 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,519 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 12.49-liter (3.3 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.75 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 263 km (163 miles) between fill-ups.

Theoretical Range
~263 km (163 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1201.3 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details Air-cooled Evolution engine. Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters.
Torque 107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Compression 9.7:1
Bore x Stroke 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 2
Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Control Overhead Valves (OHV)
Lubrication Dry-sump
Cooling Air
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed
Final Drive Belt (final drive)
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Driveline Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio. Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio.
Performance
Fuel Consumption 4.75 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.52 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Frame Type Mild steel, tubular frame; circular
Rake 30.4°
Trail 117 mm (4.6 inches)
Front Suspension 39 mm
Front Travel 92 mm (3.6 inches)
Rear Suspension Coil-over
Rear Travel 41 mm (1.6 inches)
Wheelbase 1519 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance 99 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Rear Tyre 100/90-19
Front Brakes Single disc. Dual-piston.
Rear Brakes Single disc. Single-piston.
Wheels Black, Laced Steel
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 247.2 kg (545.0 pounds)
Weight incl. 254.9 kg (562.0 pounds)
Seat Height 653 mm (25.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height 1107 mm (43.6 inches)
Overall Length 2179 mm (85.8 inches)
Overall Width 925 mm (36.4 inches)
Fuel Capacity 12.49 litres (3.30 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 2.80 litres (2.96 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Vivid Black, Cool Blue Pearl, Scarlet Red/Vivid Black, Psychedelic Purple/Vivid Black, Apple Green/Vivid Black
Instruments Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lightsHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer,
Electrical Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free batery, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca. 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator.
Light 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
Warranty 24 months, unlimited mileage. (US)
More from Harley-Davidson
Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

✌️
Best For
Cruising & Touring
📏
Seat Height
65.3 cm / 25.7 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
Estimate

Ownership Cost Calculator

⛽ Fuel
per year
🔧 Maintenance
per year
🛡️ Insurance
per year
TOTAL

* Estimates only. Actual costs vary by country, riding habits, insurance provider and maintenance schedule.

MotoLibrary
🏠 Home 🔍 All Bikes 📂 Categories ⚖️ Compare 🎛️ Advanced Filter 🎯 Bike Finder 🎬 Videos 📰 Blog 📖 Glossary ℹ️ About

🍪 We use cookies for analytics & ads. Cookie Policy