The 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is engineered as a high-performance touring motorcycle with a focus on measurable output, structural rigidity, and integrated electronic systems. This model combines a large-displacement V-twin engine with a reinforced chassis, advanced suspension components, and a fully digital interface. Its configuration reflects a balance between long-distance touring capability and performance-oriented riding dynamics. Every major system, including engine, drivetrain, chassis, braking, and infotainment, is designed to operate within precise specifications that support both stability and responsiveness.
Engine Configuration and Output Characteristics
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine with a displacement of 121 cubic inches, equivalent to 1,977 cubic centimeters. The engine uses a pushrod-operated overhead valve configuration with four valves per cylinder and hydraulic self-adjusting lifters. This setup reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining consistent valve operation.
The bore measures 4.075 inches, and the stroke measures 4.6 inches, resulting in a compression ratio of 11.4 to 1. This compression ratio supports efficient combustion and contributes to the engine’s output figures. The engine produces 127 horsepower at 4,900 revolutions per minute and generates 145 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute. These figures indicate a torque-focused delivery profile, which supports acceleration and sustained cruising.
Fuel delivery is controlled by Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, which meters fuel precisely to each cylinder. The air intake system uses a washable fiberglass air cleaner designed for durability and airflow consistency. Exhaust gases are routed through a 2-1-2 dual exhaust system with tapered mufflers, which contributes to exhaust flow efficiency and noise control.
The lubrication system is pressurized and uses a dry-sump configuration. This system separates oil storage from the crankcase, allowing for improved lubrication under varying operating conditions. The engine requires premium fuel with a recommended octane rating of 91 or higher.
Drivetrain Structure and Gear Ratios
Power from the engine is transferred through a chain-driven primary system with a 34 to 46 ratio. Final power delivery to the rear wheel is achieved through a belt-driven system with a 30 to 68 ratio. This configuration reduces maintenance compared to chain-driven final drives and provides consistent power transfer.
The transmission is a 6-Speed Cruise Drive® system. Gear ratios are configured to provide a wide operating range. First gear has an overall ratio of 10.233, while sixth gear has an overall ratio of 3.067. Intermediate gears are spaced to maintain consistent engine performance during acceleration and cruising. Second gear is 7.093, third gear is 5.268, fourth gear is 4.266, and fifth gear is 3.635.
The clutch is a mechanically actuated 10-plate wet clutch with assist and slip functionality. The assist mechanism reduces the effort required at the lever, while the slip function limits rear-wheel instability during aggressive downshifts. This configuration improves control during deceleration and gear transitions.
Frame Design and Structural Composition
The frame of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is constructed from mild steel using a tubular design. It features a two-piece stamped and welded backbone with cast and forged junctions. Twin down-tubes provide additional structural support, and the rear frame section is bolt-on with forged fender supports. All major joints are MIG welded to ensure consistent structural integrity.
The swingarm is also constructed from mild steel and uses a two-piece drawn and welded design with forged junctions. This structure supports rear suspension components and contributes to overall chassis rigidity. The design prioritizes durability and consistent alignment under load.
Suspension Systems and Ride Control
The front suspension consists of a 47-millimeter inverted fork system. It includes adjustability for preload, compression damping, and rebound damping. This allows riders to configure the suspension based on load conditions and riding preferences.
The rear suspension uses an emulsion-type system with adjustable preload, compression damping, and rebound damping. This configuration enables fine-tuning for comfort and handling. Front suspension travel measures 4.6 inches, while rear suspension travel measures 3 inches. These measurements provide a balance between ride comfort and handling precision.
The steering geometry includes a rake angle of 26 degrees and a fork angle of 29.25 degrees. Trail is measured at 6.7 inches. These values contribute to directional stability and predictable steering response. The wheelbase measures 64 inches, which supports straight-line stability at higher speeds.
Wheel Configuration and Tire Specifications
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST uses cast aluminum wheels with a 7-spoke design finished in black. The front wheel has a diameter of 19 inches and a width of 3.5 inches. The rear wheel has a diameter of 18 inches and a width of 5 inches.
Tires are Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series bias blackwall units. The front tire specification is 130/60 B19 with a load and speed rating of 61H. The rear tire specification is 180/55 B18 with a load and speed rating of 80H. These tire dimensions provide a stable contact patch and support both handling and load capacity.
Braking System Engineering and Control Features
The front braking system uses dual 4-piston fixed calipers mounted in a radial configuration. The rear braking system uses a single axial-mounted caliper. Front brake rotors are dual floating wave-style discs with a diameter of 12.6 inches and a thickness of 0.18 inches. The rear rotor has a diameter of 11.8 inches and a thickness of 0.28 inches.
The system includes Anti-lock Braking System functionality to prevent wheel lock during braking. Electronic Linked Braking distributes braking force between front and rear wheels. Additional control systems include the Traction Control System and the Drag-torque Slip Control System, which manage wheel slip during acceleration and deceleration.
Vehicle Hold Control maintains brake pressure when the motorcycle is stopped on an incline. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides continuous monitoring of tire pressure levels.
Cornering-specific systems include Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control, and Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control. These systems adjust braking and traction parameters based on lean angle to maintain stability during cornering.
Dimensions, Weight, and Capacity Metrics
The overall length of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is 94.9 inches. The width measures 36.4 inches, and the height measures 50.4 inches. Seat height is 27.5 inches in a laden condition and 28.3 inches in an unladen condition. Ground clearance is measured at 5.1 inches.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST has a running weight of 838 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,360 pounds. Fuel capacity is 6 gallons, with a reserve capacity of 1 gallon indicated by a warning system. Oil capacity is 5 quarts with a filter installed. Transmission capacity is 1 quart, and the primary chain case holds 1.1 quarts. Coolant capacity is 0.82 quarts.
Luggage capacity is measured at 2.42 cubic feet, which supports storage requirements for extended travel. Lean angle capability is measured at 31 degrees on both the left and right sides, indicating symmetrical cornering limits.
Electrical System and Lighting Components
The electrical system includes a sealed 12-volt battery rated at 28 amp-hours and 405 cold cranking amps. Charging is handled by a three-phase system rated at 58 amps, with a maximum output of 754 watts at 13 volts. The starting system uses a 1.6-kilowatt electric starter with solenoid engagement.
Lighting components use LED technology across all major functions. This includes the headlamp, tail and stop lights, and front and rear turn signals. LED lighting improves visibility and reduces power consumption.
A USB-C power outlet rated at 15 watts is located in the media storage compartment. This allows for charging of compatible devices during operation.
Infotainment Interface and Connectivity Systems
The infotainment system operates on Skyline™ OS and is displayed on a 12.3-inch full-color TFT screen. The system integrates vehicle information, navigation, and media controls into a single interface.
Audio output is delivered through two 6.5-inch fairing-mounted speakers. Each channel is rated at 125 watts, providing consistent sound output at various speeds. The system supports AM and FM radio, as well as media playback through USB connections.
Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free mobile phone operation and media streaming. The system also supports Apple CarPlay® with both wired and wireless connectivity options. A USB-C interface supports smartphone integration using compatible adapters.
Navigation is integrated into the system and includes mapping functions with traffic and weather data through a Wi-Fi connection. The display also includes vehicle information such as air temperature, oil pressure, and engine idle temperature management system status.
Visit Speedway Harley-Davidson® within Concord, NC
We invite you to examine the 2026 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST at Speedway Harley-Davidson® within Concord, NC and assess its technical systems in operation. A scheduled test ride provides an opportunity to observe the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine under load and evaluate the 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission across different speed ranges. Riders can analyze braking response, suspension adjustability, and the function of cornering safety systems during controlled conditions. The integrated Skyline™ OS display and connectivity features can be reviewed directly while interacting with navigation and media controls. Contact our dealership to arrange a test ride and review how each system performs according to its specifications.
