2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST Review: The Baddest Bagger?

The CVO Road Glide ST: A Bold Statement

• 🚀 The 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is presented as a premium, powerful touring motorcycle, emphasizing its baddest bagger status.
• 💰 With an MSRP of $44,999, it represents a significant investment, featuring a 1,983 cc (121 cubic-inch) V-twin engine, the most powerful Harley-Davidson has produced for a mainstream bike.
• ⚖️ Weighing in at 835 lbs, this motorcycle is substantial, yet designed to offer a unique riding experience that blends power with touring capability.

Engine, Performance, and Handling

• ⚡ The high-output engine boasts 127 HP and 145 foot-pounds of torque, with a higher redline due to the absence of variable valve timing (VVT) found in other models.
• 💨 The bike offers a relaxed and reclined riding position with lower handlebars and a lower screen, inspired by the King of the Baggers race bike, providing a more forward-canted stance.
• 🛣️ On the open road, the CVO Road Glide ST delivers impressive acceleration and a satisfying V-twin experience, with tall gearing suitable for cruising.
• 💨 Aerodynamic features like a adjustable vent and deflectors enhance rider comfort by managing buffeting and directing airflow.

Comfort, Practicality, and Technology

• 🛠️ While designed for long-distance touring, the seat is noted as being firm, potentially leading to discomfort on extended rides.
• ⛽ The 6-gallon fuel tank, combined with an average of 42 MPG, offers a substantial range, easily exceeding 200 miles per tank.
• 📱 The dashboard features a clean layout with a digital speedometer and tachometer, supporting Apple CarPlay for navigation and media, though connectivity can be finicky.
• ⚠️ Notably, the bike lacks standard heated grips, which are considered an accessory despite the premium price point.

Braking, Suspension, and Ride Modes

• 🛑 The braking system is highly praised, featuring large Brembo calipers and thick rotors that provide strong, responsive stopping power for the bike's weight.
• ⛰️ Suspension is adjustable, but the rear shocks have limited travel (3 inches), contributing to a firm ride and occasional harshness over sharp bumps.
• ⚙️ The ride modes offer significant adjustability, allowing customization of engine mapping, throttle response, traction control, and ABS, providing a high degree of personalization.

Unique Features and Value Proposition

• 🎨 CVO models include special paint and unique components like forge carbon fenders and cowls, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
• 🚫 The CVO Road Glide ST is a solo machine, lacking passenger accommodations, which is a key differentiator from other touring models.
• 🤔 Despite its high price, the bike delivers on its promise of power, style, and touring capability, appealing to riders who seek the best and are willing to pay for it.
• 🏆 On the Daily Rider leaderboard, it's positioned as a fun, powerful option for daily riding, though it's noted that more practical motorcycles like the Honda NT100 or the Honda Gold Wing Tour might be considered better overall choices for daily use due to their balance of features and value.