Harley celebrates the CVO program’s 25th anniversary with the release of the new 2024 CVO Road Glide ST performance bagger. (Harley-Davidson/)
Given the massive popularity of and Harley-Davidson’s success within the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race series, it was only a matter of time before Milwaukee threw down a tribute cruiser to celebrate last year’s championship-winning racebikes. And here it is; leading the CVO lineup for 2024 is the new CVO Road Glide ST, which Harley bills as “the quickest, fastest, and most-sophisticated performance bagger” the brand has ever produced. Although it’s not quite a factory racebike, the touring bike comes dang close, with key features like the Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin engine, fully adjustable suspension, premium Brembo braking components, and electronically controlled ride modes.
The 2024 CVO Road Glide ST flaunts its aggressive West Coast style with a deep solo seat and 6-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar that plants the rider in an attack position. The bike is available in two premium finishes; this one is called Golden White Pearl. (Harley-Davidson/)
With the ST designation already hinting at the CVO Road Glide ST’s performance intent, its placement in the CVO series allows this bike to also channel much of 2023′s CVO Road Glide overhaul, including a more powerful version of the Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine, electronic rider aids, and that new, more aggressive styling.
And since the CVO series is meant to showcase the best-in-class performance, paint, and parts—and 2024 is also the 25th anniversary of said series—H-D decided to throw the kitchen sink at this machine, with everything from premium color to exotic carbon fiber finishes, while mixing in a few cues from the King of the Baggers racebikes for good measure. That includes a Screamin’ Eagle graphic on the fairing sides and fuel tank, while CVO 25th Anniversary graphics celebrate the series’ milestone run.
Related: 2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide First Ride Review
The CVO Road Glide ST embraces the “performance bagger” category courtesy of a Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin engine tuned to produce more horsepower and torque than the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121. (Harley-Davidson/)
Although Harley’s Factory Team Road Glide motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate engines, the 121 mill is no slouch, especially in the High Output version seen here on the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST (exclusive to this bike). For instance, it adds a high-performance camshaft, a high-performance air intake, and an increased 5,900 rpm redline that combines to produce a claimed 127 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque—”the most horsepower and torque yet from a factory-installed engine in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle” says Harley. A low final drive ratio is said to enhance acceleration performance in every gear, while selectable ride modes—Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and multiple Custom modes—electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension includes inverted 47mm Showa 1×1 fork and adjustable Showa rear shocks with remote reservoirs. (Harley-Davidson/)
Continuing the performance theme are fully adjustable front suspension with inverted 47mm Showa 1×1 fork, and adjustable Showa rear shocks with remote reservoirs.
Harley also touts the ST’s use of alternate materials, like lightweight titanium on the mufflers, forged carbon fiber for the end caps, and forged carbon fiber composite on the front fender, seat cowl, and tank console. The wheel design and wave-style front brake rotors are also optimized to minimize unsprung weight; Harley claims 800 pounds as a dry weight for the CVO ST.
TFT touchscreen is shared with the standard Road Glide, but the CVO ST gets a more premium audio system with Rockford Fosgate speakers. (Harley-Davidson/)
Then again, the CVO ST also packs on plenty of infotainment tech, navigated via the same color touchscreen seen on the standard Road Glide, but paired with a premium audio system featuring a 500-watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers. (So much for saving weight.)
The ST also wears an aggressive West Coast custom style to make sure you get the performance intent, with a deep solo seat and 6-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar that plants the rider in an aggressive, upright position.
You’ll be able to choose from two premium paint choices when the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST hits dealerships later this month: Golden White Pearl or Raven Metallic.
MSRP is $42,999.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com