The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is a production motorcycle built with performance benchmarks as its foundation. Drawing direct influence from the Harley-Davidson® MotoAmerica® King of the Baggers™ program, the model incorporates engineering advancements centered on weight reduction, engine output, dynamic handling, and electronics integration. This CVO™ variant is not designed for casual application; it is configured for riders seeking competitive responsiveness, refined ergonomics, and electronic tuning capability directly from the factory. The model represents the most mechanically aggressive Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® to date.
High-Output V-Twin Powertrain
The central mechanical element of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine. It produces 127 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The engine benefits from a performance camshaft and a free-flowing Heavy Breather intake, both engineered for maximum cylinder filling and throttle responsiveness across a broad RPM range. The rev ceiling is set at 5,900 rpm, allowing for extended power delivery in upper gears.
This engine operates on a compression ratio calibrated for durability under sustained load, and its fueling system is electronically managed to ensure consistent performance across varying altitudes and ambient conditions. The torque curve is deliberately tuned to deliver usable power in low and mid-range RPMs for road-specific riding while retaining high-RPM capability for aggressive acceleration or competitive environments.
Weight-Saving Measures and Structural Design
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST incorporates forged carbon fiber for the front fender, replacing steel to reduce unsprung weight at the front end. This contributes directly to steering input precision and lean-angle responsiveness. Cast aluminum wheels serve a dual purpose: minimizing overall wheel mass while improving heat dissipation through dual floating brake rotors.
The use of titanium for the exhaust mufflers is a further weight-saving strategy. These components are lighter than traditional steel systems and designed to maintain flow efficiency, backpressure balance, and thermal stability. The net result of these combined reductions is improved inertia management during cornering transitions and braking maneuvers.
Suspension Configuration for Varied Load Conditions
Suspension hardware on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST includes SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks in the front, offering 4.6 inches of travel. These forks feature full adjustability for compression, rebound, and preload, allowing riders to set the suspension to specific preferences or payload demands. In the rear, dual outboard SHOWA® remote reservoir shocks are integrated between the rear fender and saddlebags. These units are engineered with separate gas and oil chambers to minimize aeration, preserving damping consistency during sustained operation.
The rear shocks offer three inches of travel and are designed to maintain linearity under compression while resisting fade during high-speed or long-distance use. The suspension system enables the motorcycle to manage both aggressive cornering and long-range stability without compromising structural rigidity or rider support.
Ergonomics and Component Geometry
The model is equipped with a solo seat constructed to provide lumbar support during hard launches or aggressive deceleration. The seating position integrates with a set of P&A tall risers and moto bars, offering customization in bar height and sweep to accommodate rider-specific ergonomic preferences.
Mini floorboards replace full-length boards to preserve lean angle capability without sacrificing comfort. These foot controls are positioned to optimize body geometry for riders transitioning between highway cruising and aggressive cornering. The Flat-Out engine guard serves a protective function in low-speed incidents while avoiding interference with lean dynamics or structural components.
Integrated Electronic Display and Operating System
The 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display is the primary interface for all rider data and electronic settings. It runs the Skyline™ operating system, which is developed to manage vehicle diagnostics, navigation, audio, and ride mode configuration through a single digital environment. The display includes gauge clusters, real-time telemetry, and environmental overlays including weather and traffic conditions.
The user interface integrates with the Rockford Fosgate® Stage II audio system and allows access to all Rider Safety Enhancements and ride mode presets without reliance on analog switches. The system is designed to maintain visibility under direct sunlight and features glove-compatible responsiveness.
Adaptive Ride Modes for Dynamic Conditions
The motorcycle is equipped with eight selectable ride modes. These include standard configurations for Touring, Sport, and Rain, in addition to Track and Track+ modes developed for closed-course use. These latter modes recalibrate throttle input sensitivity, engine braking, and traction response to provide competitive performance characteristics.
The ride mode controller modifies both powertrain response and electronic assist thresholds in real time, enabling quick transition from street conditions to high-demand riding without requiring physical adjustment to the chassis or suspension.
Advanced Rider Safety Enhancements
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST includes a suite of electronically controlled safety systems calibrated for straight-line and cornering applications. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheel lock during hard braking events, and its cornering-enhanced counterpart (C-ABS) uses lean-angle sensors to adapt brake pressure in turns.
Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) distributes brake force between the front and rear wheels when the front lever or rear pedal is engaged. The system adapts based on rider input intensity and vehicle speed. Cornering Enhanced ELB (C-ELB) further refines brake distribution while leaned over, reducing the likelihood of mid-corner line deviation during braking.
Traction control systems are available in standard and cornering-sensitive configurations. The standard system regulates rear wheel spin under hard throttle, while Cornering Traction Control (C-TCS) evaluates wheel slip in the context of lean angle, reducing engine output when lateral forces exceed preset safety thresholds.
The Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) minimizes rear-wheel slip under rapid deceleration or aggressive downshifting. The Cornering variant (C-DSCS) adjusts response timing based on lean angle, allowing controlled downshifts without compromising rear tire grip during turns.
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) retains brake pressure after a full stop, assisting in uphill launches or stop-start traffic. It disengages automatically upon throttle application and is not intended as a parking brake substitute. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts riders of air pressure deviations, supporting consistent handling and tire longevity.
Fuel Economy and Road Functionality
Despite the output potential and electronic systems onboard, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST delivers an estimated 44 mpg in mixed-use conditions. This efficiency stems from improved combustion dynamics, weight reduction, and fuel delivery tuning.
The seat height, measured at 26.7 inches laden, offers accessible reach to ground surfaces for a wide rider demographic. This facilitates improved control at low speeds or during parking, without impacting mid-corner chassis geometry or legroom.
External Design for Aerodynamic and Thermal Efficiency
The exterior design of the 2025 model includes functional airflow management around the fairing and engine compartments. Paint applications such as Mercury Silver, Rally Red, and Hot Lap are paired with Screamin’ Eagle® graphics for branding consistency. Performance Red accents are used on engine components, signaling internal upgrades without using external badging.
Cast wheels and minimalistic bodywork support cooling, air distribution, and brake rotor ventilation. Visual detailing supports operational clarity, with no cosmetic elements added that compromise function or increase drag.
Schedule a Test Ride near Brandon, FL
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is engineered for peak performance, powered by the 127-horsepower Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO engine and equipped with adaptive ride modes and precision rider aids. Every component, from suspension tuning to throttle response, is designed to respond with accuracy in real riding environments. At Tampa Bay Harley-Davidson® near Brandon, FL, you can put this machine to the test and evaluate how it handles on the road. Take the opportunity to measure its dynamics, control, and ride quality for yourself. Schedule a test ride today and feel the difference in every curve and straightaway.