CVO STREET GLIDE AND THE SHOWA CHASSIS

Time for clarity! Is the suspension problem on the CVO Street Glide still relevant?
Why did the rocking occur at speeds above 160 km/h?

Last year, I encountered unexpected behavior with the 2023 CVO Street Glide while driving on the highway. At a speed of 160 km/h, triggered by accelerating out of the slipstream of an Audi Q5, the machine began to lurch - the so-called “death wobble”.

A behavior that, to my knowledge, only occurred with the CVO Street Glide; the CVO Road Glide, on the other hand, is designed differently and offers more stability at high speeds. This experience raised questions, especially since I knew that the CVO Street Glide had been extensively tested in the United States.

Query the engineers

I even specifically asked the CVO Street Glide engineers in the US about the machine's handling, particularly whether it was designed for the higher speeds we drive here in Germany. Their answer was reassuring: the CVO was fully capable of traveling at 120 miles per hour (approx. 190 km/h). But the reality on German roads raised doubts.

In this country it is limited to 175 km/h, which is a shame given the actual capabilities of the machine. The older 110 cui models run an impressive 200 km/h. Whether you really need it remains to be seen, but it certainly can't hurt to have some power reserve when overtaking - especially since the power is there.

Own research

After reporting this incident to Harley-Davidson, I began my own investigation. Everything seemed to go smoothly during testing in the US, so something must have been different for me. As you would expect from Harley-Davidson, the brand sets the highest standards when it comes to safety - an approach that is particularly closely followed in the USA. In fact, I came across a simple but crucial detail: the suspension adjustment.

The solution: adjust the chassis correctly

In the manual I found a table that indicates that the spring preload on the shock absorber must be adjusted to the rider's weight - not with the external rotary wheel, but directly on the shock absorber. The external rotary wheel can compensate for a maximum of 40 kg of additional weight. It became clear that when purchasing a new machine, the dealer should make this adjustment as part of the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection). So make sure that the dealer asks you about your weight in order to make the optimal adjustment.

Information from the CVO Street Glide user manual

CVO Street Glide: What to look out for?

The chassis of the CVO Street Glide is of high quality, and the upside-down fork also works flawlessly. However, the shift of weight into the fairing, especially due to the music amplifier that was previously housed in the suitcase, increases the tendency to cause unrest - especially if the suitcases are also unevenly loaded. This challenge is not new, but is particularly prevalent at speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h) if the correct settings instructions are not followed.
Harley-Davidson then installed an additional weight, invisibly under the fairing, near the lock, which contributes to stabilization. Interestingly, correct adjustment of the suspension could already prevent this problem, now the range is definitely expanded a little, which will be better.

Tires and break-in phase

An important note about Dunlop tires from the factory: Before you drive on the highway at high speed, you should give the tires around 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers to break in properly. In my experience, the tires last extremely long and I can cover over 18,000 kilometers with one set. This is because the Dunlop tire was developed specifically for the American market, where long mileage is preferred. When it rains, the tires also need a few kilometers to grip optimally. However, thanks to modern assistance systems, this is hardly noticeable anymore.

However, even more important than the break-in phase is the correct tire pressure. This should neither be too high nor too low, as the pressure continues to build up as you drive. Optimal tire pressure is crucial for driving behavior and safety, and not just said.

The Dunlop tire was developed specifically for the US market, where long-lasting tires are preferred. I have driven countless kilometers with these tires and know their strengths and weaknesses well. For me, the Dunlop remains a reliable companion and I would wear it again at any time.

There probably isn't a perfect tire anyway

But I know how the Dunlop works and I need an all-rounder that will last a long time - like the Dunlop. However, if you want to be more sporty in the curves, you will probably be better off with the Metzler Cruisetec.

Conclusion on the CVO Street Glide

The CVO Street Glide accompanied me on 5,500 kilometers from August to November 2023 - across Austria, Switzerland and even as far as Norway, in November, in snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures. Thanks to the additional weight that was subsequently installed and the hopefully now standard chassis settings by the dealers, rolling at high speeds should now be a thing of the past.

In any case, I haven't heard anything to the contrary from the community yet. Some have installed a landing gear directly from the accessories, which some would have done anyway. There are a few things that many bikers generally change when they buy a new motorcycle. As a rule, these are the tires, the exhaust and the chassis.

She thrilled me. Its typical Harley design is its biggest asset. The new LED strips in the batwing fairing are particularly noticeable.

Why doesn't Harley-Davidson produce a model tailored to European roads?

Harley-Davidson began producing motorcycles for the European market in Thailand in 2018. This was in response to the high tariffs (up to 31%) imposed by the European Union on US-made motorcycles in retaliation for US tariffs on European steel and aluminum. The production facility in Thailand allowed Harley-Davidson to avoid these tariffs and thus reduce costs for European customers.

Harley-Davidson continues to produce certain models, including the CVO models , in the USA, but it is uncertain whether this will continue. The CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models are considered exclusive premium motorcycles that are often manufactured in the USA in order to strengthen the brand as an American cultural asset (American Icon). However, Harley-Davidson has already moved part of the production of other models, such as the Pan America and the Sportster S , in addition to the CVO Pan America, to Thailand.

The motorcycles manufactured in Thailand are mostly intended for the European and Asian markets. They are built with U.S. and locally sourced parts to minimize both costs and import tariffs. The factory in Thailand was originally intended for the Asian market, but was quickly expanded to also serve the European market.

The question is why, if Harley-Davidson operates separate production lines anyway, doesn't develop models that are technically better suited to the European market. Here you could rethink the entire chassis concept, including the tires.

Nivomat rumor and suspension options at Harley-Davidson

There was once a rumor that Harley-Davidson wanted to add Nivomat (a self-leveling technology that automatically adjusts the chassis to the weight of the rider and load) to the CVO models. This probably failed because the company in question did not have the capacity to equip the entire CVO market with it. We've already broken new ground with the CVO Road Glide ST - so why not make consistent use of the options you actually have? The Showa chassis also has potential, as can be seen, for example, in the Pan America Special with its adaptive chassis.

Strengths of the CVO Street Glide – agility on winding roads

Nevertheless, the CVO Street Glide shows its true strength more on winding roads than on the highway. What is particularly noticeable is the significantly easier handling compared to the previous model. With a Metzeler Cruisetec, which is known for its excellent cornering properties, the machine's potential can even be increased towards a sportier driving style.

CVO Road Glide vs. CVO Street Glide – Two models, two driving experiences

I now ride the CVO Road Glide, which is noticeably different from the CVO Street Glide. Both models offer their own unique driving pleasure. I particularly like the new indicators and daytime running lights on the CVO Street Glide, while I was impressed with the high handlebars on the CVO Road Glide from the start. In an upcoming post I will go into more detail about the differences between these two models.

The CVO Street Glide will be available in 2024 in the Legendary Orange and Copperhead paintwork.

Text & image credit: Harleysite