Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide and CVO Road Glide ST – Touring vs Performance
Three power excavators in comparison
Harley-Davidson is bringing around 150 more CVO Road Glide ST models to the DACH region in the fourth quarter. Some have already been sold and delivered, as I have already seen with some HD dealers on Facebook.
One more reason to take a look at the current CVO Grand American Touring models!
With the new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models as well as the sporty CVO Road Glide ST, Harley-Davidson has launched three unique bikes that redefine the brand's touring segment. These machines combine impressive performance, advanced technology and iconic design - perfect for riders who value performance and comfort in equal measure. But each of these machines offers its own special advantages. While the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide are designed for touring and comfort, the CVO Road Glide ST stands for sporty power and uncompromising performance.
CVO Road Glide ST 121
CVO Road Glide ST 121 – The athlete among the CVO models
The CVO Road Glide ST 121 is the sportiest variant in the CVO lineup. Inspired by the Screamin' Eagle Factory Team racing machines that compete in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship, this machine is designed for adrenaline junkies who want to experience speed and agility at the highest level. With its Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output (HO) engine, the CVO Road Glide ST brings a whopping 128 hp and a maximum torque of 193 Nm to the road.
CVO Road Glide ST Raven Metallic
A special highlight of this engine is the ability to maintain the maximum speed of 5,900 rpm for 25 seconds, making the machine ideal for quarter-mile racing. In combination with the 30-tooth timing belt pulley and a shortened gear ratio, the engine ensures explosive acceleration and impressive pulling power in the medium speed range. This machine is aimed at riders who are looking for a kick from the basement on every tour.
What makes the CVO Road Glide ST special?
In addition to the powerful engine, the CVO Road Glide ST stands out with its sporty design. The lack of rear speakers and the uncompromising single-seater configuration make it a pure performance bike. With carbon applications, adjustable Showa chassis and Brembo wave brake discs, the machine offers excellent braking performance and control, even at high speeds. The wavy shape of the discs improves heat dissipation and reduces the risk of brake fade, while the lighter weight of the discs ensures more agile handling.
CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide
In comparison, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide offer a perfect blend of comfort and performance. Both models are also powered by the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, which is designed for consistent power delivery and efficiency. With a torque of 183 Nm and variable valve timing (VVT), they offer smoother yet powerful acceleration and more comfort on long tours.
These machines are ideal for riders who want a relaxed, comfortable tour without sacrificing power and modern technology. The CVO Street Glide's Batwing fairing and CVO Road Glide's Sharknose fairing each offer different aerodynamic benefits, while the new Skyline OS infotainment system with a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen provides comprehensive connectivity and information.
Conclusion: CVO Road Glide ST, CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide in comparison
Three dream bikes with different focuses
After 5,500 kilometers on the CVO Street Glide last year and 16,000 kilometers on the CVO Road Glide this year, I can say that Harley-Davidson has put some really great machines on the wheels here. I can absolutely recommend the touring capabilities of the two CVO models. In addition to the new Skyline OS cockpit, I am always fascinated by the rain mode, which Harley-Davidson has introduced on the large tourers since 2020 and which is now available in other models. Regardless of whether you prefer the sporty performance of the CVO Road Glide ST or are looking for the comfort and relaxed cruising of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide - if the economic aspect is not a hurdle, there is a suitable model for every driving style.
CVO Road Glide 2023 Whiskey Neat Medulin
Paintwork – price vs. individuality for the CVO models
It's not an easy decision, but ultimately it comes down to your driving priorities and how much money you want to spend on a CVO-worthy paint job. Palladium Silver and Copperhead are not particularly spectacular for CVO models, but ensure that the price starts at €46,595 ex works (as of 10/24). If the paintwork can be more elaborate and eye-catching, it's worth taking a look at Whiskey Neat from 2023 or the 25th-Anniversary CVO Legendary Orange paintwork from 2024 - although you have to ignore the hefty surcharge of €7,140.
Things look a little different with the CVO Road Glide ST: For €46,995 ex works, you get the elegant Raven Metallic or the shimmering Golden White Pearl - both really beautiful CVO paint finishes.
Potential for improvement – Missing zoom function in navigation
Harley-Davidson CVO Skyline OS Navigation
However, there is one aspect that still has room for improvement: despite the advanced technology, a zoom function is still missing in the navigation. This function would be very helpful, especially on long tours or in confusing areas, in order to keep a better eye on the route. Hopefully Harley-Davidson will add this feature in future updates as it would significantly improve usability. However, you have to decide for yourself if one of the bikes is available to you - but as I said: it won't be easy.