If you’ve ever spent time carving through the winding roads near Hickory, NC, you know they are a playground for riders who enjoy a little challenge with their scenery. Elevation changes, tight corners, and stretches of open road are all part of the ride, but they demand a motorcycle that can handle more than easy cruising. These roads call for something with balance, grit, and serious performance. That is where the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR enters the scene.
With the DNA of a race machine but the legality to roam North Carolina’s backroads, this motorcycle asks a fair question: can it really live up to Hickory’s unique riding demands? Let’s dig into it in our rider-friendly Q&A.
What makes the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR stand out from the rest of the touring lineup?
Let’s start with the basics. This bike wasn’t built for the crowd looking for relaxed, feet-up touring across flat highways. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR pulls its attitude straight from the Harley-Davidson® factory race program. It is trimmed in carbon fiber, fitted with a titanium exhaust, and topped off with billet aluminum parts.
Even parked outside Speedway Harley-Davidson®, it looks like it is about to launch off a grid. With a racing-inspired stance and show-stopping paintwork layered over exposed weave carbon panels, this motorcycle is built to be noticed and ridden with intent.
Can it handle Hickory’s winding routes and mountain passes?
This bike lives for terrain like that. The roads cutting through Burke County or heading up to the Blue Ridge foothills are not just scenic, they are technical. These are the kind of curves that call for fast input, steady grip, and a chassis that stays composed.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR features fully adjustable race-spec Öhlins suspension front and rear. The bike stays planted when cornering and reacts quickly when lines change. The ride height is lifted slightly, giving it more lean angle. You will feel the difference when you are leaning into a sharp bend on a stretch like NC-181.
And while it is easy to get caught up in the big features, there are subtle touches, too. Mid-mounted controls provide better command when riding aggressively. The solo seat keeps you locked in during hard acceleration. All these details come together to give you more confidence in tight turns and quick transitions.
Is it built for long-haul comfort or short-distance thrills?
It strikes a rare balance. While the look and components scream track-day performance, Harley-Davidson® did not overlook comfort. The seat, co-developed with Saddlemen®, raises the rider for a more centered feel. It holds you in place during acceleration and offers a firm but supportive cushion for longer hauls.
There is no back seat, which signals that the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR is meant for solo journeys. It is not trying to accommodate everyone. Instead, it is for the kind of rider who is looking for a deeper connection with the road. From morning rides to Blowing Rock to afternoon escapes along Highway 321, this bike makes each mile feel more engaging.
How does it perform when the throttle opens up?
This is where the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR really earns its stripes. It is powered by the most aggressive engine Harley-Davidson® has ever put into a production motorcycle, the Screamin’ Eagle® 131. It produces over 150 horsepower and 150 ft-lb of torque, giving you the kind of output that makes uphill pulls feel almost effortless.
No matter if you are merging on I-40 or charging up a twisty two-lane road, the bike responds instantly. Power delivery is smooth but ferocious when pushed. The redline sits at 6,500 RPM, and the engine never hesitates to reach it. You do not have to push it to feel the rush, but if you want to, it will not hold you back.
There is also a high-performance intake and a full titanium Akrapovič exhaust. The intake helps the engine breathe more easily, while the exhaust drops serious weight and produces a low, aggressive rumble that builds with every twist of the throttle.
What kind of riding tech does the bike include?
There is a lot here, and it is all easy to use. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR gives you nine selectable ride modes, including two specifically designed for racetrack performance. “Track” mode fine-tunes traction, throttle response, and braking, while “Track Plus” backs off the electronic aids and lets experienced riders take full command.
You also get the most advanced display Harley-Davidson® has ever produced: a 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by the Skyline™ OS. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay®, built-in navigation, and Bluetooth® connectivity. You can swipe through menus and change settings easily.
This is not a case of performance at the expense of function. It is a high-speed machine that still knows how to cater to the modern rider. Even the sound system, a Rockford Fosgate® Stage III with 500 watts, has been engineered to perform while you are pushing high speeds through open stretches.
How does it handle sudden braking, slick roads, or tight stop-and-go traffic?
The safety suite on this bike is smart, subtle, and highly capable. Features like Cornering Enhanced ABS, Traction Control, and Drag-Torque Slip Control help the bike respond intelligently to changing road conditions.
If you are braking while leaning into a turn, the system adjusts brake pressure based on lean angle. When you downshift quickly on a damp road, it reduces the chance of the rear tire locking. It even has Vehicle Hold Control, which keeps the brakes engaged after you come to a stop on a hill until you are ready to take off again.
These features do not interrupt the ride. They step in quietly when needed, giving you more peace of mind without making the experience feel over-managed.
Does the design deliver anything beyond bold styling?
It is not only for show. Every element of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR’s design was chosen for a reason. The billet swingarm is carved from a massive block of aluminum to reduce weight and improve suspension performance. The aluminum wheels are light and sharp in design to aid handling. The Brembo® brake system uses race-spec calipers and oversized rotors for reliable stopping power.
And while some touring bikes load up on bulk, this one takes a different path. Carbon fiber panels reduce weight. A single seat keeps things focused. Every inch of the bike is shaped to cut through wind and hold the road with intention.
Who’s the ideal rider near Hickory for this machine?
This bike was not built for fence-sitters. It is for riders who know what they want: a connection to the road, a machine that responds like a sport bike, and a touring bagger that is not afraid of a challenge.
If you regularly find yourself cruising through the Brushy Mountains or taking long rides up toward the Blue Ridge Parkway and wish your bike had a little more punch, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR will feel like it read your mind.
Where can riders test it out around Hickory?
You do not have to take our word for it. Head over to Speedway Harley-Davidson®, located near Hickory, NC. Our team can walk you through the specs in person, show you the fine details, and most importantly, schedule a test ride so you can feel the difference yourself.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR is a rare combination of muscle and refinement. It does not just meet Hickory’s sport touring expectations; it challenges them. From its track-ready suspension and explosive powertrain to its road-friendly tech and thoughtful ergonomics, this machine brings purpose to every ride.
With only a small number in existence, it is not another motorcycle. It is a reminder that performance does not have to sacrifice comfort and that a touring bike can absolutely handle the best of them.
If your roads demand more from a ride, and you are ready to meet that challenge head-on, this is your kind of motorcycle. Visit us today to schedule your test ride today and experience the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® RR firsthand.