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Morbidelli C1002V vs. 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster: A Spec-by-Spec Look

A manufacturer-spec comparison of the Morbidelli C1002V and 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster, with clear limits on what the published figures can prove.
Entry895 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Morbidelli C1002V and the 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster are distinct V-twin cruisers, not officially named rivals: Morbidelli’s product page calls its 2024 model the C1002V, while Harley-Davidson identifies its current US model as the 2026 Nightster. The available manufacturer specifications make a useful paper comparison, but do not establish which bike rides better. “Nightster nemesis” is headline-style wording, not an official model name.

What are these motorcycles?

The C1002V is a Morbidelli maxi cruiser with a 997 cc, liquid-cooled, 80-degree V-twin. The product page is branded Morbidelli and identifies the model as a 2024 C1002V; “MBP C1002V” appears in the assigned title, not the current product name shown there. Morbidelli’s C1002V specifications

The Nightster is a Harley-Davidson model powered by the Revolution Max 975T. The figures below are for the 2026 US Nightster, rather than a blend of specifications from different model years.

“Nemesis” appears as metaphorical framing in a forum post linking to a TopSpeed headline; it does not establish an official Nightster Nemesis model or a completed head-to-head test. Forum post containing the headline wording

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How do the published specifications compare?

These are manufacturer-published figures, not independent measurements. Harley lists maximum power; Morbidelli’s page gives a power figure in its introduction but marks maximum power as N/A in its structured specification section, so the figures should not be treated as directly equivalent.

Specification Morbidelli C1002V (2024) Harley-Davidson Nightster (2026 US)
Engine 997 cc, liquid-cooled, 80-degree V-twin, 4-stroke, 8-valve Revolution Max 975T; 59.5 cu in listed displacement
Published output Introduction: 70 kW at 7,600 rpm. Structured specifications: maximum-power field N/A; torque 89.0 N·m at 5,250 rpm. 91 hp at 7,500 rpm; 72 ft-lb at 5,750 rpm
Transmission and final drive 6-speed, belt drive, slipper clutch 6-speed, belt drive
Weight Not stated in the reviewed manufacturer specification fields 481 lb running order
Seat height 680 mm 27.1 in laden
Fuel capacity and economy 22 L capacity; economy not stated 3.1 gal capacity; 52 mpg estimated city/highway
Brakes and rider aids Disc brakes with ABS; dual 320 mm front discs and 300 mm rear disc ABS, traction control and drag-torque slip control
Price shown on official page $8,499 starting price on the GB-English page $9,999+ starting MSRP on the US page

Engine output: what can be compared fairly?

Harley-Davidson publishes 91 hp and 72 ft-lb for the 2026 Nightster. Morbidelli’s product introduction states 70 kW at 7,600 rpm, while its structured specification section does not provide a maximum-power value and lists 89.0 N·m of torque at 5,250 rpm. Because Morbidelli presents the power information inconsistently, its introductory figure should not be mistaken for a matching maximum-power field or used to claim a definitive power advantage.

Both bikes have six-speed transmissions and belt final drives. The C1002V page specifies a slipper clutch; Harley’s Nightster page describes drag-torque slip control among its rider safety features. Those manufacturer descriptions do not tell us how either system feels in use.

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Weight, fit and handling: what the numbers do—and do not—tell you

The published seat heights are 680 mm for the C1002V and 27.1 inches laden for the Nightster. The Nightster’s figure is explicitly laden, so the two measurements are not presented on identical terms. Seat height alone cannot establish whether a rider will be able to plant both feet comfortably; seat shape, suspension sag, inseam and riding posture also matter.

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Harley lists the Nightster at 481 lb running order. Morbidelli’s reviewed specification fields do not state a C1002V weight, so a weight comparison or conclusion about which is easier to manage at walking pace is not supported by these published figures. A lower seat or a particular engine layout is not, by itself, proof of easier low-speed handling.

Morbidelli lists a 130/70R18 front tire and a notably wide 240/40VR18 rear tire. Harley lists 100/90-19 front and 150/80B16 rear tires for the 2026 Nightster. Tire dimensions and chassis specifications describe the bikes on paper, but do not establish cornering behavior, comfort or stability.

Equipment and rider aids

Morbidelli C1002V

Morbidelli lists Bosch electronic fuel injection, KYB upside-down front forks, an adjustable Pro-link rear shock, a 5-inch TFT display, cruise control, two riding modes and USB charging. Its page describes ABS and dual front discs, along with a 300 mm rear disc. The page gives conflicting front and rear suspension travel figures in its introduction and structured specifications, so no single travel figure can be presented confidently here.

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Harley describes selectable ride modes, LED lighting and rider safety enhancements, including ABS, traction control and drag-torque slip control. Its 2026 model page also lists 4.3 inches of ground clearance and the tire sizes noted above. Feature availability and terminology are manufacturer descriptions, not a substitute for evaluating the controls and their operation in person.

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How should you read the prices?

Morbidelli’s page shows “Price from $8,499” on a GB-English route, while Harley’s US page lists the 2026 Nightster at $9,999+ starting MSRP. These are not like-for-like local quotations: the pages refer to different markets, and taxes, fees, model-year availability, dealer pricing and offers can change the amount a buyer pays. Check the official page for your market and request an itemized local quote before comparing costs.

Is the C1002V a Nightster alternative?

It is a reasonable model to cross-shop if you are considering a V-twin cruiser: the C1002V has a larger stated displacement, a low published seat height, belt drive, ABS and a wide rear tire, while the Nightster has published power, torque and running-weight figures plus a named set of electronic rider aids. Those differences help define what to investigate, but they do not prove a winner.

Manufacturer specifications cannot settle ride comfort, handling, reliability, sound or real-world performance. Before choosing, compare the seating position and controls in person, confirm local availability and support, and arrange test rides where possible. The official pages provide specifications, not a direct comparative road test.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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