A bit of an update from Harley-Davidson on the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide we saw back in April. Details were limited then, but now we see the full Monty, so to speak, as the bikes debut mid-year.
Harley-Davidson says both bikes have fairings with adjustable integrated venting, to keep you cool over the long haul while also reducing helmet buffeting. The LED lights come with integrated turn signals. The front fenders are trimmed down to show off the bike’s custom lines, and the saddlebags, new 6-gal fuel tank and other bodywork are all formed to complement the machine’s overall lines.
The bikes also come with Combo Cast Laced wheels, combining a black rim (machine-cut from cast aluminum) with spokes for a trick and custom look that matches the rest of the bikes’ combination of traditional and modern styling.
Harley-Davidson didn’t just go for flashy gusto, with weight reduction also a priority. The new CVO Street Glide loses 31 pounds off the previous model’s weight, and the CVO Road Glide is 35 pounds lighter. That’s not saying there isn’t plenty more weight to lose, but the designers are at least addressing the issue and this is a move in the right direction.
H-D also put proper Showa forks and shock on these machines, which are supposed to be more comfortable while also adding 50 percent more rear suspension travel. Brakes are by Brembo, and we’d expect improved performance.
The engine? These machines get the new 121ci Milwaukee Eight VVT 121 engine, with liquid-cooled cylinder heads, variable valve timing, and new intake and exhaust systems. The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide come with Road, Sport and Rain ride modes, helping you keep the power under control. Cornering-sensitive ABS and traction control are also standard. We expect more details on this engine soon.
That’s just the start of the electronic wizardry. There’s also a new infotainment system, with 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen—forget the old-school gauge cluster! The display connects to Apple and Android devices via wi-fi technology, and then connects to wireless headsets via Bluetooth. Or if you want to hear the sound without a headset, you can listen to the Rockford Fosgate Stage II four-speaker audio system, with 500-watt RMS amplifier.
The bikes will enter public view during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in mid-July, and will also appear in dealerships around then.
