Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Harley-davidson Nightster
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Harley-davidson Nightster. Yamaha V-max 1200: 143 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 262 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 220 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Harley-davidson Nightster: 89 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 220 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Yamaha V-max 1200
Harley-davidson Nightster
Horsepower (hp)
143 hp
89 hp
Torque (Nm)
150 Nm
95 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
262 kg
220 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
143 hp @ 9,000 rpm
89 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
150 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
262 kg (wet/curb weight)
220 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average, varies significantly with riding style)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha V-max 1200
7.8/10
"Pure muscle-bike theater that genuinely delivers the performance goods."
Pros
+Savage V4 thrust delivery
+Iconic unmistakable visual presence
+Bulletproof engine when maintained
Cons
−Four carbs are maintenance-intensive
−Handles like a barge
−Terrible fuel economy
Harley-davidson Nightster
7.8/10
"A genuinely good motorcycle that earns respect beyond the badge."
Pros
+Revolution Max engine is excellent
+Actually corners with confidence
+Low, manageable seat height
Cons
−Stock seat is punishment
−Cramped for tall riders
−Limited wind protection
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
