Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train reviews

I have owned this bike for over 14 years and never had any problem at all, I have owned a few Harleys and the Night Train has been the best, the most reliable machine I have ever owned, it has been all over and seen the country for years and when it comes down to it I would get on it before any other, dependable reliable and I have had more compliments on this bike everywhere I go, it’s a true Harley Davidson. Show less

After years of riding Japanese sports-tourers, I felt like a change and bought a Sportster 1200. Very enjoyable, but instantly had me wishing I had held out for a Big Twin. After much research, I decided that a Softail Night Train was the way to go. I am not ashamed to admit that the looks of the thing had much to do with the choice. I also wanted the simplicity, sound and character 1340 EVO engine, and like to do my own maintenance. For three years now, I have owned a 1999 'bike, and I could not be happier. Like all relationships, everything is not perfect. The 'bike is pretty slow, the brakes are adequate and the HD suspension (progressive shocks and fork springs are on my Christmas list) is just about acceptable, BUT.... After 21 years, the 'bike is showing few signs of age, a testament to the impressive original build quality. The feel of this bike, the way it feeds back to you on any ride, and the easy beat of the low tech EVO engine is a triumph of simplicity over technology. The riding position reminds you that you are there for the pleasure of the experience, and along with those incredible looks, well, I cannot imagine changing the bike anytime soon. If you want a motorcycle with an almost "vintage", visceral appeal that has you glancing back over your shoulder each time you have to walk away from it, then this is the sort of thing you need in your life. Newer Harleys are faster, smoother and far more complex, but for this very satisfied owner, less is definitely more. Be safe out there. Show less

I have had many Harley's throughout the years but have always been drawn back to the Nightrain. It's a great platform for customizing. Love the abundance of black on the engine. The one I currently own has had a few things done to it. High compression engine (96"), Mikuni 42, electronic mapping, D&D Bobcat exhaust, Chrome rocker boxes, Hagen Kustom paint, 10" bars, chrome fork lowers etc. This Harley is a blast to ride - extremely quick and responsive yet very reliable. Will get you there and back. Loving this bike. Adding Arlen Ness 3" extensions to the forward controls. At 6'2" it feels a bit cramped. Harley should design adjustable stock forward controls to accomadate taller riders. Don't know how many times I've had to add an extension kit. (money well spent for us tall guys - takes your knees out of your chest). The D&D Bobcat exhaust is fairly new to D&D's product line. I love the aggressive look and proformance. The sound is just loud enough when I'm on the throttle. Show less

It's my second VRod,(still own a 2005 VRSCA). Both are great machines - performance, quality, value. The 2011 Nightrod Special: I love the new color, 240 rear wheel, additional cubic inches, low seat, weight in bottom-not top heavy-perfect balance and five gallon fuel tank. It's a different sitting position compared to 2005, more sport bike type-excellent handling and power. It makes you smile with each mile. Corbin bags coming soon for extended rides. Too bad Harley has no idea how to market their best machine and options for it. Show less

I bought this bike used with less than 800 miles on it. I've been riding a rigid chopper for the last three years and added this bike for a daily rider. The bike is beautiful, reliable and very smooth. It's a pleasure to ride. I'm very happy with it. Show less

This bike has been great so far. Modifications I had done prior to picking it up. I had reduced reach handlebars put on, led light in the rear, and I had the pipes bored out. All three I'm very happy with. The reduced reach bars make it more like a cruiser which is nice. The pipes are great. Everyone loves them. So many people comment about them. The best part it only cost $175.00 dollars to do. First, looks; same as everyone else, the bike turns more heads than any other. Everywhere I go people are coming up to me asking me about the bike. The best part is I'll be out riding with my friends and we'll stop for a break and when we're sitting there more than one one of them have said; You know I really love my bike, but your bike is just so mean looking, I love it. I think this is the best comment you can get. Enough about looks. Riding: The bike handles like a charm. The 240 rear tire does make it harder to turn. The easiest remedy for this is to just start your turn earlier. After I got the bike I spent a few hours riding side streets at low speed working on the turns. Once you get that down turns are not issues. Reliability: I had the bike for about a week and had a tire weight fall off, fuel gauge quit, and the clutch line came loose. In a week this is a lot to go wrong but none of it was major. The tire weight and clutch cable easy to fix, the fuel gauge had a loose wire that got fixed when I took the bike up for its thousand mile service. Minus those issues reliability is fine. that's why I give it a 3 for reliability. Performance: Great and that's and understatement. The bike is a beast especially when around 4000 RPM and above. Perfect example: I was going up a pretty steep hill behind someone going about 50; I was in 5th downshifted to 4th and gunned it, the thing took off like a raped ape, shot past the two cars in front and was back in my lane in less the 8 seconds. I looked down and I was encroaching on 100 mph. She is just a beast, turns you have to be careful due to the bike sitting 4.5 inches above the ground. If you lean it over to much the pegs drag, but then again if you want to corner like an animal, get a different bike. I have nothing negative on the performance. One little thing, it would be nice if she was a 6 speed, but they fixed this with the 08 version. Comfort: The seat the bike came with is not the best. To be honest me arse hurts when I ride it for over 2 hours. I bought a sundowner seat and couldn't be happier. The pillion seat my girl loves. I offered to get her the seat that comes with the sundowner but she declined so I kept the factory one. Comfort 4. Quality, well it's a Harley; the quality appears great to me, this one I will have to get back to you on in lets say 5 years. Then I can give you a better opinion of quality. Overall though it's a great bike, I wouldn't have another bike minus the issues with the 3 things that went wrong when I got it. When I get on it and go, it's great. The bike handles like a dream when you figure out how to handle her. Looks; well everyone has been there. They speak for themselves. If you're going to purchase one; good luck. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. Show less

Ok, well after nine months and almost 6000 miles later, I decided to write a follow up and I have to say that I love this bike. It is awesome!!! It is the coolest bike out there, and I own one. I don't know how I did it, but I got one and it's all mine. It's still got some issues as far as practicality, but hey, so does the Dodge Viper. It has also developed a problem with the fuel guage being very inaccurate, but it's apparently a known issue and is being resolved for free as per the warranty. It's a pretty straight forward bike, what you see is what you get. It maneuvers very well, looks good, and is fairly comfortable. I've heard people say the handlebars are hard to reach, but it's just perfect for me. I had to give it 4 stars total due to the less than perfect suspension and the fuel guage problem. If you are looking for the coolest bike on the road, this is it! Show less

I have been riding BIG V-twins for the past few years. 1600cc, 2053cc Vulcans and a Pro Street 1600cc Roadstar. The local dealer here took a trade and got an 06 Night Rod. When I first rode the bike I was in awe at how the bike just kept pulling. Well after a ride I had to have the bike. I have put about 300 miles on the bike. It has 1600 miles on it now. I've got to say this thing flat runs. NO, it's no sport bike but it's still a thrill to wind it out. I'm used to lots of torque but the way this bike pulls right on through a 100mph is something else. I think my arms are an inch longer from holding on. This bike ROCKS and ANYONE will enjoy the bike. Some kind of ENGINE on the Night Rod for sure. Show less

This is a versatile bike that does all things very well. It needs to be viewed and reviewed as a unique bike rather than comparing it to sport bikes or heavy cruisers. It cruises around town with ease and can get beastly above 6000rpm yet remains very smooth. It's not the fastest but sure as hell ain't slow, it'll propel that 600 some pounds in an instant and at 120hp it's very respectable. It handles and corners very well for a big bike and long wheelbase. No not like a Buell or an Agusta but make a few adjustments to your mindset and it will do all most riders need it to do and then some. After 3000 miles one thing is certain, a weekend or short ride can not give a rider the feel for this bike. I kept learning about it for 1000 miles or so. The versatility that comes from 10,000 rpms and a very sweet 5 speed tranny, the long wheelbase and stability, the low slung frame, and raked front end all have their attributes. It's an awesome combination and a perfect street bike. Speed - Smoothness - Comfort - Handling. Show less

I have ridden all types of machines in my day and this thing is just amazing. Yes, it does take a little getting used to i.e.: controls, turning and low end powerband but without a doubt one of the nicest bikes I have ever rode. I first logged a few hundered miles and when I got off I felt as good or even better than when I got on, almost therapuedic in nature on my back and arms. I did experience one thing - a huge grin on my face for the next several days that did not go away.... Show less