Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide, and CVO Road Glide ST – Touring vs. Performance

Three power excavators compared

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 seen on Facebook at several H-D dealers.

All the more reason to take a look at the latest CVO Grand American Touring models!

Harley-Davidson has launched three unique bikes that redefine the brand's touring segment: the new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, and the sporty CVO Road Glide ST. These machines combine impressive performance, advanced technology, and iconic design—perfect for riders who value both performance and comfort. 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 – The sporty model among the CVO models

The CVO Road Glide ST 121 is the sportiest model in the CVO lineup. Inspired by the Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team's race bikes competing 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 delivers a whopping 128 hp and a maximum torque of 193 Nm to the road.

A special highlight of this engine is its ability to maintain a maximum speed of 5,900 rpm for 25 seconds, making the machine ideal for quarter-mile races. Combined with the 30-tooth timing belt pulley and a shortened gear ratio, the engine delivers explosive acceleration and impressive torque in the mid-range. This machine is aimed at riders who are looking for a thrill on every ride.

What makes the CVO Road Glide ST special?

In addition to its powerful engine, the CVO Road Glide ST stands out with its sporty design. The absence of rear speakers and the uncompromising single-seater configuration make it a pure performance bike. With carbon fiber applications, adjustable Showa suspension, and Brembo wave brake discs, the machine offers excellent braking performance and control, even at high speeds. The wave shape of the discs improves heat dissipation and reduces the risk of brake fade, while the lower 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 the perfect blend of comfort and performance. Both models are also powered by the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, which is designed for smooth power delivery and efficiency. With 183 Nm of torque and variable valve timing (VVT), they offer smoother yet powerful acceleration and greater 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 the CVO Road Glide's Sharknose fairing each offer different aerodynamic advantages, 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 riding 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 really put some great machines on the road here. I can absolutely recommend the touring capabilities of both CVO models. In addition to the new Skyline OS cockpit, I am always fascinated by the rain mode that Harley-Davidson introduced on its large touring bikes in 2020 and which is now available on other models.
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 an obstacle, there is a model to suit every riding style.

Paintwork – price vs. individuality in CVO models

The decision is not an easy one, but ultimately it comes down to what your priorities are when riding 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 they do ensure that the price starts at €46,595 ex-works (as of 10/24).
If you're looking for a more elaborate and eye-catching paint job, it's worth taking a look at Whiskey Neat from 2023 or the 25th Anniversary CVO Legendary Orange paint job from 2024 – but you'll have to overlook the hefty surcharge of €7,140.

The CVO Road Glide ST is a little different: for €46,995 ex-works, you get the elegant Raven Metallic or the shimmering Golden White Pearl – both of which are really beautiful CVO paint finishes.

Room for improvement – No zoom function in the navigation

However, there is one aspect that still has room for improvement: despite the advanced technology, there is still no zoom function in the navigation system. This feature would be particularly useful on long trips or in areas with poor visibility, as it would allow users to keep a better eye on the route. It is to be hoped that Harley-Davidson will add this feature in future updates, as it would significantly improve user-friendliness.
However, you have to decide for yourself when one of the bikes is up for grabs—but as I said, it won't be easy.

Text: Harleysite

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