The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is engineered as a limited-production performance touring motorcycle developed directly from competition bagger racing programs. Its design, mechanical configuration, and electronic architecture focus on measurable output, weight reduction, and rider control rather than decorative enhancement. Every component is selected to support sustained high-load riding, predictable handling, and consistent power delivery. This model integrates race-derived materials, the most powerful production engine Harley-Davidson® has released, and a comprehensive electronic control suite calibrated for aggressive riding conditions. The result is a factory-built performance bagger designed for riders who prioritize mechanical capability and technical precision.
Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output Engine Architecture
The Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output V-twin engine defines the mechanical character of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST. This powerplant produces 127 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, making it the strongest engine ever installed in a production Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The engine configuration includes a high-performance camshaft profile designed to increase airflow and improve power delivery across the upper portion of the rev range. An increased rev limit of 5,900 rpm allows sustained acceleration beyond traditional touring engine thresholds without sacrificing stability or durability.
The Screamin’ Eagle® Heavy Breather intake system improves volumetric efficiency by optimizing intake airflow under load. This intake design supports consistent throttle response during rapid acceleration and sustained high-speed operation. Internal engine tuning prioritizes torque availability at lower engine speeds while maintaining strong horsepower output as rpm increases. Fuel delivery and combustion mapping are calibrated to balance output and efficiency, resulting in a fuel economy rating of 44 miles per gallon under standard testing conditions.
Weight Reduction and Structural Design Strategy
Weight reduction plays a critical role in the performance objectives of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST. The motorcycle incorporates forged carbon-fiber components, most notably the front fender, which replaces traditional steel construction. This material change reduces unsprung weight at the front end, improving steering response and suspension performance. The forged carbon-fiber process also provides increased strength-to-weight efficiency, supporting durability under high-load conditions.
Premium paint finishes are applied using limited-production color schemes, including Mercury Silver, Rally Red, and Hot Lap. Screamin’ Eagle® graphics extend from the fairing into the fuel tank, creating a unified visual profile that reflects the motorcycle’s performance intent. Performance Red accents across the powertrain visually identify key mechanical components without affecting function. All exterior finishes are designed to maintain durability under extended exposure to heat, vibration, and environmental conditions.
Rider Positioning and Ergonomic Configuration
The ergonomic layout of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is designed to support aggressive riding while maintaining functional comfort. The lightweight solo seat features a steep rear contour that provides lower-back support during acceleration and stability during cornering. Seat geometry is optimized to reduce rider movement under hard braking and throttle input. The laden seat height measures 26.7 inches, allowing a balanced center of gravity while maintaining accessibility.
Tall risers and moto-style handlebars provide adjustability for reach and posture. This configuration increases rider leverage over the front end, improving directional control during rapid transitions. Mini floorboards are installed to provide sufficient foot support while preserving lean angle clearance.
Suspension Engineering and Adjustability
Suspension performance on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is engineered to support both comfort and precision. The front suspension uses SHOWA® 47-millimeter inverted forks with 4.6 inches of travel. These forks offer full adjustability for compression, rebound, and preload, allowing riders to tailor suspension response to riding style and road conditions. The inverted fork design improves rigidity under braking and enhances front-end feedback during cornering.
The rear suspension consists of dual outboard SHOWA® remote reservoir shocks with three inches of travel. These shocks are positioned between the saddlebags and rear fender to optimize weight distribution. The remote reservoir design separates oil and gas, ensuring consistent damping performance during prolonged high-load riding.
Wheel Design and Braking Performance
Cast aluminum wheels are used on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST to reduce rotational and unsprung mass. This reduction improves acceleration, braking response, and handling precision. The wheels are paired with dual floating brake rotors that improve heat dissipation compared to fixed rotors. Enhanced cooling reduces brake fade during repeated high-speed braking events.
The braking system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the motorcycle’s electronic safety systems. Brake feel and response are calibrated to provide consistent feedback across varying speeds and lean angles.
Exhaust System and Power Delivery Characteristics
The exhaust system features lightweight titanium mufflers designed to increase exhaust flow while reducing overall mass. Titanium construction offers high strength and heat resistance, supporting durability under sustained high-temperature operation. Increased exhaust flow complements the engine’s high-performance camshaft and intake system, contributing to improved power output and throttle response.
Exhaust tuning produces a deep, controlled rumble that reflects engine performance without introducing excessive resonance or vibration. The system is engineered to meet production standards while maintaining performance characteristics aligned with the motorcycle’s race-inspired design goals.
Digital Display and Skyline™ OS Interface
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is equipped with a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display powered by Skyline™ OS. This display serves as the central interface for vehicle information, navigation, ride modes, and audio controls. Screen brightness and resolution are optimized for visibility in varying lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
The system provides integrated navigation with traffic and weather overlays, allowing riders to access route data without external devices. Audio control for the Rockford Fosgate® Stage II system is accessible through the touchscreen interface. The display also allows quick adjustment of ride modes and safety system settings, supporting efficient interaction while riding.
Ride Modes and Performance Calibration
Eight selectable ride modes are available on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST, allowing riders to adjust throttle response, traction control, and braking behavior. Track and Track Plus modes are included to support closed-course riding and race use.
Ride modes can be changed to match road conditions or riding preferences. Each mode modifies engine response and electronic system thresholds to maintain predictable behavior under varying levels of traction and load.
Rider Safety Enhancement Systems
The motorcycle incorporates a comprehensive suite of Rider Safety Enhancements designed to support control during acceleration, braking, and deceleration. Anti-lock Braking System functionality prevents wheel lock during hard braking in straight-line conditions. Electronic Linked Braking distributes braking force between front and rear wheels to improve overall stopping performance.
Traction Control System functionality manages rear-wheel slip during acceleration. Drag-Torque Slip Control System reduces rear-wheel lock during aggressive downshifting or abrupt throttle reduction. Vehicle Hold Control maintains brake pressure during hill starts, allowing smooth launches without roll-back. Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides alerts for low or high tire pressure to support consistent handling and tire longevity.
Cornering-enhanced versions of braking and traction systems adjust intervention based on lean angle. These systems include Cornering Enhanced ABS, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control, and Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control. Together, they support stability during cornering without interfering with rider input.
Integrated Touring Performance Capability
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is engineered to deliver sustained performance across long distances and demanding riding conditions. Its fully adjustable suspension, advanced braking systems, and high-output engine support consistent operation under load. Weight reduction strategies improve responsiveness while maintaining structural integrity. Electronic systems are calibrated to enhance rider control without introducing unnecessary complexity.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
Scheduling time on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST allows riders to evaluate its engine output, suspension tuning, and electronic systems in a controlled environment. A test ride demonstrates how the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine delivers sustained power and how the adjustable suspension responds to rider input. Riders can explore the functionality of the ride modes, braking systems, and digital interface firsthand. The experience provides direct insight into how the motorcycle manages acceleration, stability, and control across varied riding conditions. For those interested in arranging this evaluation, Speedway Harley-Davidson® within Concord, NC, can assist with scheduling and technical walk-throughs of the model.
