2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST: 127 hp, 28 lbs Lighter & King of the Baggers DNA
2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST – the ultimate performance bagger. (Credit: Harley-Davidson)
The 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is not a touring bike for retirees. It is a performance bagger born from the King of the Baggers racing series. With the new 121 High Output engine, fully adjustable Showa suspension, and a 28-pound weight reduction, it is the fastest, most aggressive CVO ever built. Here is the complete technical breakdown.
1. Powertrain: Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output
The heart of the CVO Road Glide ST is the new Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-Twin. This is not the standard 117; it is a performance-tuned monster derived from racing.
| Specification | CVO Road Glide ST | Standard Road Glide |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 121 HO | Milwaukee-Eight 117 |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc (121 ci) | 1,923 cc (117 ci) |
| Horsepower | 127 hp @ 4,600 rpm | 106 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm | 131 lb-ft |
| Compression Ratio | 11.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Exhaust | Screamin' Eagle titanium mufflers | Standard |
| Final Drive Ratio | 2.15:1 (shorter for acceleration) | 2.02:1 |
2. Weight Reduction: 28 Pounds Lighter
For 2025, Harley-Davidson engineers focused on shedding weight from the CVO Road Glide ST. Every pound saved translates to quicker acceleration and better handling.
- Total Weight Loss: 28 lbs (12.7 kg) compared to previous CVO models
- How? Revised chassis components, lighter fairing brackets, and optimized engine mounts
- Curb Weight: ~850 lbs (386 kg) – still heavy, but lighter than ever for a performance bagger
- Impact: 0-60 mph times improved by approximately 0.3 seconds
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3. Chassis & Suspension
The CVO Road Glide ST is equipped with fully adjustable Showa suspension, a first for a production bagger. This allows riders to dial in settings for aggressive cornering or comfortable cruising.
- Front Fork: Showa 49mm inverted fork with compression and rebound adjustability
- Rear Shocks: Showa piggyback reservoir shocks with spring preload adjustability
- Brakes: Dual 320mm front rotors with 4-piston calipers; rear 300mm rotor
- Wheels: 19" front / 18" rear with custom CVO finishes
- Tires: High-performance Michelin Scorcher tires for maximum grip
4. King of the Baggers DNA
The Road Glide ST is not just a styling exercise. Its development was directly influenced by Harley's success in the King of the Baggers racing series, where baggers race on road courses.
- Racing Heritage: The 121 HO engine shares components with the race bikes, including high-compression pistons and high-lift cams
- Cornering Clearance: Footpegs and floorboards are designed for higher lean angles than standard tourers
- Electronics: Cornering ABS and cornering traction control are standard, using IMU data
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 120 mph (193 km/h) for 25 seconds, suitable for track use
TECH INSIGHT: The 121 HO Engine
The 121 High Output engine achieves its 127 hp through a combination of increased displacement (121 ci vs 117 ci), higher compression ratio (11.4:1), and a more aggressive camshaft profile. The Screamin' Eagle titanium mufflers reduce backpressure while maintaining a throaty V-Twin rumble. The shorter final drive ratio (2.15:1) means the engine spins faster at any given speed, sacrificing top-end speed for explosive acceleration out of corners—exactly what you need in a race.
5. Dimensions & Capacities
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Seat Height (laden) | 26.8 inches (680 mm) |
| Seat Height (unladen) | 28.1 inches (714 mm) |
| Rake | 29.25 degrees |
| Trail | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64.0 inches (1,625 mm) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.0 gallons (22.7 liters) |
| Oil Capacity | 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) |
| Cargo Volume | 2.2 cubic feet (saddlebags) |
6. Price & Availability
- MSRP (2025): $44,999
- Production: Limited (CVO models are always limited production)
- Colors: Raven Metallic / Redline Red (as shown), plus other CVO exclusive finishes
- Availability: At Harley-Davidson dealers now (as of mid-2025)
Engineering Verdict: The Bagger That Learned to Fly
The 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST is proof that baggers can be fast. With 127 hp, 145 lb-ft of torque, and a 28-pound weight reduction, it is a genuine performance machine disguised as a tourer. The fully adjustable Showa suspension, shorter final drive, and King of the Baggers-derived engine make it the most capable cornering Harley ever produced. It is not for everyone—the $45,000 price tag and limited production ensure exclusivity. But for riders who want to carve canyons on an American V-Twin, there is simply no substitute.
Source: Harley-Davidson | Motorcycle.com | Cycle World | Speedo Science Database
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