CVO STREET GLIDE AND THE SHOWA SUSPENSION
Time for clarity! Is the suspension problem with the CVO Street Glide still relevant?
Why did it start rocking at 160 km/h?
Last year, I came across an unexpected behavior on the CVO Street Glide 2023 when I was riding on the highway. At a speed of 160 km/h, triggered by accelerating out of the slipstream of an Audi Q5, the bike started to wobble - the so-called “death wobble”.
A behavior that, as far as I know, only occurred on 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 was available in the United States has been extensively tested.
Query with the engineers
I had even asked the engineers of the CVO Street Glide in the USA specifically about the handling of the machine, in particular whether it was designed for the higher speeds that we ride here in Germany. Their answer was reassuring: the CVO was perfectly capable of 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 great pity considering the actual capabilities of the machine. The older 110 cui models run at an impressive 200 km/h. It remains to be seen whether you really need that, but it certainly can't hurt to have a little power reserve when overtaking - especially as the power is there.
Own research
After I reported this incident to Harley-Davidson I started my own investigations. Everything seemed to have gone smoothly during the test rides in the USA, so something must have been different in my case. As you would expect from Harley-Davidson, the brand sets the highest standards when it comes to safety - an approach that is followed particularly closely in the USA. In fact, I came across a simple but crucial detail: the suspension setting.
The solution: Set the suspension correctly
In the manual, I found a table indicating that the spring preload on the shock must be adjusted to the rider's weight - not with the external rotary knob, but directly on the shock. The external dial can compensate for up to 40 kg of additional weight. It has become clear that the dealer should carry out this adjustment as part of the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) when purchasing a new machine. So make sure that the dealer asks you about your weight in order to make the optimum setting.
Information from the CVO Street Glide Owner's Manual
CVO Street Glide: What to look out for?
The suspension of the CVO Street Glide is of high quality, and the upside-down fork also works perfectly. However, the shifting of weight into the fairing, especially due to the music amplifier, which was previously housed in the case, increases the tendency towards unsteadiness - especially when the cases are also unevenly loaded. This is not a new challenge, but it becomes more pronounced at speeds above 160 km/h if the instructions for the correct settings are not followed.
As a result, Harley-Davidson has installed an additional weight invisibly under the fairing, near the lock, which contributes to stabilization. Interestingly, a correct adjustment of the suspension could already prevent this problem, now the range is extended a little, which will be better.
Tires and running-in phase
An important note on Dunlop tires from the factory: Before driving at high speed on the highway, you should give the tires about 2500 to 3000 kilometers to break in properly. In my experience, the tires last an extremely long time, and I manage 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. In the rain, the tires also need a few kilometers to grip optimally. Thanks to the modern assistance systems, however, this is hardly noticeable.
Even more important than the running-in phase, however, is the correct tire pressure. This should be neither too high nor too low, as the pressure continues to build up while driving. Optimum tire pressure is crucial for handling and safety and is not just something you say.
The Dunlop tire was developed specifically for the US market, where long-lasting tires are preferred. I've put countless miles on these tires and know their strengths and weaknesses well. For me, the Dunlop remains a reliable companion and I would fit it again at any time.
There is probably no such thing as the perfect tire anyway
But I know how the Dunlop works and need an all-rounder that lasts a long time - like the Dunlop. However, if you want to be sportier on the bends, the Metzler Cruisetec will probably be better for you.
Conclusion on the CVO Street Glide
The CVO Street Glide accompanied me on 5500 kilometers from August to November 2023 - across Austria, Switzerland and even to Norway, in November, in snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures. Thanks to the retrofitted additional weight and the hopefully now standard suspension settings by the dealers, lurching 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 so far. Some have fitted a suspension from the accessories, which some would have done anyway. There are a few things that many bikers generally change when they buy a new bike. As a rule, these are the tires, the exhaust and the suspension.
I was thrilled by it. Its typical Harley design is its greatest asset. The new LED strips in the Batwing fairing are particularly striking.
Why doesn't Harley-Davidson bring out a model that is adapted 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 enabled Harley-Davidson to circumvent these tariffs and thus reduce costs for European customers.
Harley-Davidson produces certain models, including the CVO models, The CVO models are considered exclusive premium motorcycles, often manufactured in the USA. The CVO models (Custom Vehicle Operations) are regarded as exclusive premium motorcycles that are often manufactured in the USA in order to strengthen the brand as an American icon. However, Harley-Davidson has outsourced parts of the production of other models, such as the Pan America and the Sportster S, except the CVO Pan America already relocated to Thailand.
The motorcycles manufactured in Thailand are largely destined for the European and Asian markets. They are built with parts from the USA and the region in order to minimize both costs and import tariffs. The factory in Thailand was originally intended for the Asian market, but was quickly expanded to serve the European market as well.
The question is why Harley-Davidson, if they operate separate production lines anyway, do not develop models that are technically better suited to the European market. The entire chassis concept, including the tires, could be rethought here.
Nivomat rumor and suspension options at Harley-Davidson
There was once a rumor that Harley-Davidson wanted to install a Nivomat (a self-levelling technology that automatically adjusts the suspension to the weight of the rider and the load) in the CVO models. This probably failed because the company in question did not have the capacity to equip the entire CVO market with it. The CVO Road Glide ST has already broken new ground - so why not make consistent use of the possibilities that are actually available? After all, Showa suspensions also have potential, as can be seen in the Pan America Special with its adaptive suspension.
Strengths of the CVO Street Glide - agility on winding roads
Nevertheless, the CVO Street Glide shows its true strength on winding roads rather than on the highway. The significantly lighter handling compared to the previous model is particularly noticeable. With a Metzeler Cruisetec, which is known for its excellent cornering characteristics, the potential of the machine can even be increased towards a sportier riding style.
CVO Road Glide vs. CVO Street Glide - Two models, two riding sensations
I now ride the CVO Road Glide, which is noticeably different from the CVO Street Glide. Both models offer their very own, unmistakable riding pleasure. I particularly like the new indicators and daytime running lights on the CVO Street Glide, while the high handlebars on the CVO Road Glide impressed me right from the start. In an upcoming article, I will go into more detail about the differences between these two models.
The 2024 CVO Street Glide is available in the Legendary Orange and Copperhead paint finishes.
Text & picture credits: Harleysite
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