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- Classic luxury bagger
- An essential bagger of the American brand, the Road King is available this year in a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operation) version, enhancing its plastic and its mechanics. Coming from the land of excess, the sovereign of the roads is adorned with remarkable finery, of which her twin 110 is the most…
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
- Colors
Classic luxury bagger
An essential bagger of the American brand, the Road King is available this year in a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operation) version, enhancing its plastic and its mechanics. Coming from the land of excess, the sovereign of the roads is adorned with remarkable finery, of which her twin 110 is the most enchanting element..
Appeared in 1995, this old-fashioned roadster retains a seductive charm. Icon of the touring range, the Road King is available again for 2013 in ultra high-end CVO (Custom Vehicle Operation). This acronym reduces maximum luxury to three letters and hides the best of the Motor Company’s mechanical craftsmanship. This special, very small production of a selection of models calls on the expertise of a single technician for its assembly but on a multiplicity of talents. Aesthetic and mechanical pinnacle reserved for the faithful who are the quickest to draw their checkbook, the Road King CVO deserves its sovereign name all the more..
Discovery
Long and imposing, the road monarchy imposes both its plasticity and the brilliance of its finery. Only his surname and his frame unite current and special models. For the rest, this machine is adorned only with specific elements. Starting with its unique handcrafted livery.
For 2013 "Fusion" motifs dress the dark red of the tank, sides, mudguards and saddlebags. Under its new smoked windshield with an adjustable ventilation flap, the optics are, unfortunately, less present. No worries, this large deflector can be removed in a jiffy, without tools, for strolling around town or at low speed. The pure line of the bagger is then saved. Surrounding the fire, the 43mm non-adjustable fork, fully lined with chrome covers, overlooks a 19-inch wheel raising the bow of the American. Especially since the stern stands on a rim reduced by one unit. The beautiful is camped on gleaming rims of type "Agitator" with seven branches whose hubs hide the sensors of ABS. This shine would surely make the fitting of whitewall tires unnecessary. The Dunlop D408 F (180×55) and D407 (130×55) are therefore classically black.
Inevitably of the flattened teardrop type, the 22.7 liter can also receives a vintage "Skull" medallion in brushed nickel. An instrument plate covers its length, plunging towards a generous seat. This solo seat comes with a removable passenger seat, specially developed for the CVO Road King. A sissy-bar backsplash also secures your companion for better comfort. Finally, two hydraulic shock absorbers adjustable in preload suspend the rear buckle. Difficult to access, they require the luggage storage. This also hides the traditional toothed belt transmission. One last look lets admire the ramps of smoked turn signals framing a long mudguard supporting a massive chrome-belted taillight.
On both sides, the specific cases incorporate two of the 4 speakers that make up the Harman Kardon system. No less than 200 watts power the set! The case on the right contains the support for an Apple MP3 player (iPhone, iPod …), the one on the left, whose electrical connection is not very happy, includes an amplifier. The Harley-Davidson 8 GB iPod Nano is offered … The last two speakers are placed in the leg guards, surrounding the engine, or two hatches also allow to adjust the air flow on the lower limbs.
This also benefits the engine. A true ode to the Cr24 element, the Twin Cam 110 "specially dedicated to the CVO imposes its shining aesthetic of 1,802 cm3. Only the slight contrast of its grainy gray casing contrasts with the profusion of shiny surfaces. Air filter and cylinder heads receive the prestigious Screamin’Eagle signature mentioning the unique characteristics of the block.Long stroke 45 ° air-cooled V-twin, this engine from the Harley Davidson racing department develops 15.9 da.Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm and 95 hp at 5,200 rpm Double camshaft, high compression ratio, long-lasting cam opening as well as more aggressive ignition and injection programming make it the most demonstrative mechanics of the brand. To steer it, the transmission is 6-speed, the last of which is Cruise Drive type in order to reduce the engine speed on long motorway journeys..
Finally, the EITMS (Engine Idle Temperature Management) option can automatically shut off the fuel supply to the rear cylinder at idle, reducing the heat generated. A more useful in the city in the summer … The breath of the twin, always skilfully syncopated in slow motion, is directed by two-one-two collectors towards the long shimmering flutes equipped with elaborate end caps.
To contain so much character and a respectable 380kg weight, Brembo ABS braking pits two four-piston front calipers biting off 300mm discs and an identical but solo system at the rear. What theoretically muzzle any unforeseen overflow.
In the saddle
Placed only 695 mm from the ground, the seat is more like a living room cushion than a motorcycle saddle. Hardly surprising when we know that in Milwaukee, an entity is dedicated to their development. Analysis of the distribution of masses, shocks, compression point…. Comfort is up to the job. Only the position, back slightly arched forward, can take a little getting used to.
Imposing, the footrest plates incorporate a double balance-type selector to lower gears to the heel. The height-adjustable passenger footboards enhance the comfort of your traveling companion. Large, the handlebars contribute to the feeling of riding a legendary mechanical creature. Raise your arms and grab the cruiser’s oversized controls. Thick levers, hydraulic jars, turn signal caps…. everything is shiny metal, even going so far as to streak the rubber of the handles. The pushers also display good dimensions but their positioning is always a little too far from the hands. On the lower shelf are, from the outside to the inside and on each side, the audio and cruise control buttons. Cruise control volumes and power on on the left, and choice of titles and speed modulator on the right. Finally, do not look for warnings, simultaneously activate the turn signals. These direction indicators also stop activating after a few seconds..
The large hanger plunges to a massive upper crown supporting the steering lock. Very old-fashioned, two tilting pushbuttons fixed under it control optional additional lights. Before your eyes stretches a metal console, receiving the swivel switch and, at the top, the instruments. Grouped in a circular counter with a brushed metal background, there is a tachometer in which a tachometer is embedded and, in a digital window, two partials, gear indicator light engaged, engine diagnostic system, passage count in reserve. Complete and qualitative, the whole would be more pleasant with a more airy graphics. To its right, we find the fuel cap, flush with the can, which is released by a pop-up system. On the left, no…. it is not a second opening but the fuel gauge. Almost unreadable in broad daylight (but the Range function compensates for this), the measurement is indicated by LEDs which go out successively.
Before raising the long stand, we regret that a too summary wiring harness arrangement on the steering column. This, like the frame, deserves a satin or matt paint in order to better "disappear" within the American sculptural..
In the city
The starter slowly shakes the large twin to finally reveal its characteristic song. Subtly shifted, the ignition of each 901cc cylinder gently shakes the machine at idle. The vibrations then fade during revs but remain sufficiently sensitive not to weaken the legend..
The first acceleration highlights the smoothness of the Screamin’Eagle 110 ". Likewise, its flexibility is welcome between city walls. The charm of its syncopated mechanics is abused, pushing the block to the limit of its fainting. Admittedly more polished than its lower versions, this twin-cylinder is also more energetic, carrying the crew with vigor in the urban flow. Endowed with a remarkable balance, the RoadKing moves there with a certain ease, even allowing an interfile. Measured. Only the clicks of a slightly manly gearbox and a difficult to select neutral point disturb its evolutions. Also, its nearly four quintals are sensitive when maneuvering, just like its length. Center of gravity placed near the ground and handlebars large mitigates the reality of this consequent congestion.In summer, this relative ease is essential to limit the sweating that the twincam contributes to causing, releasing a number of calories. To avoid overheating, the machine and the pilot ask to go to the great outdoors.
Motorway and expressways
The eagle finally takes flight and does not usurp its name "Screaming". Roaring with elegance and quickly taking his turns, we feel in him a certain sportiness. Heart of iron in a velvet case, the Road King CVO has two ways. A luxury cruiser where the miles go by effortlessly, overdrive and regulator engaged, the American knows how to be wilder. However, its absolute performance is relative, bringing the Sovereign Harley to a maximum of 180 km / h..
At the motorway standard, the delicately hiccuping purring and the muffled breath of the exhausts suggest adding an even more musical rhythm. Turn up the volume and let the audio set speak. Behind the windshield, listening is very pleasant, as is the protection against air flow. To you the distant trips that your mount will know how to transform into a myth. Without forgetting to take the tangent towards wilder and less rectilinear spaces.
Departmental
On the secondary network, the Road King CVO delivers the best of the Motor Company with every acceleration. The 110 "block never ceases to seduce the crew. Even more than its performance, it is its character that capsizes the senses. The intermediate gears make the TwinCam play its favorite score. Because it has been used for a long time. worked in an acoustic chamber! Room of 1,500 tons of concrete, floating on 66 air cushions, with walls covered with 1,400 anti-echo fiberglass corners, this space sees the continuous adjustment of a machine up to achieve the desired tone…
Roaring, its 15.9 da.Nm at 3,750 rpm of torque bite the asphalt and vigorously revive the American out of the bends. An approval all the more appreciable as the ground clearance is very correct, allowing dynamic passages in curves. Of course, you don’t swing the queen of the road like a common roadster. The cruiser tilts more than it dives on the angle but the inertia is relative, effectively tamed by a balanced and sufficiently lively cycle part. Milwaukee’s long run then swept away the crew with every twist of the grip of their ample, smooth torque. After 4000 laps, its behavior is almost sporty and quickly sends the tachometer needle to trigger the switch at 5700 revolutions / minute. No rush, however, the box is not very fast and requires good decomposition of the movement. In addition, the clutch selector is too short forcing to retract the foot inward to be manipulated.
Straightforward and easily dosed, the decelerations are up to the performance of the machine. Simultaneous use of the front and rear retarders at a brisk pace is recommended.
In the end, we regret the dry damping of the shock absorbers, emphasizing the qualities of the saddle all the more. The fork works honorably to smooth the course aided by a flawless pneumatic ride. Dunlop D408 F and D407 efficiently handle high torque and weight.
Part-cycle
The large, bumpy curves will gently make the machine ripple. Its flexible custom suspensions are the cause. Nothing to worry about. Heading is good but requires a bit of commitment to not let the Road King oversteer. We will retain a general balance that is very flattering and appreciable on a daily basis..
Braking
Little attack but convincing power given the generous dimensions of this Harley. The rear caliper properly sits the machine in a curve while the action of the ABS is transparent.
Comfort / Duo
Despite the somewhat too limited hydraulic suspension, the comfort is excellent. The credit goes both to the upholstery and to the studied ergonomics.
Getting on board, for the passenger, is not easy. The long suitcases do not allow him to approach the way he would like. The best solution for him is to install himself first.
Consumption
At the slow pace of the rivers of the New World, the US diva only locks her 22.7-liter unleaded cocktail in nearly 350 km. Sober if you don’t try it, the busty American can quickly be greedy at a sassy pace. Its 1,800 cm3 will swallow at high speed nearly 9 liters per hecto terminals. Normal use will limit its consumption to a remarkable average of 6.5 liters per 100 km.
Conclusion
A seductive luxury cruiser, the Road King CVO is an outward sign of American absolute. On board, we taste the excellence of a certain art of living the high-end motorcyclist. Adjustment of parts, joints, quality of materials, appearance of surfaces, mechanical approval … every detail is taken care of. With it, the height of the Harley Davidson myth is available to you. Against € 32,000 very real. However, the beauty is produced in a limited series, making it a work of art. Which is saying a lot. And the Milwaukee company goes even further with the Road King CVO 110th Anniversary. Thus, to celebrate this event, Harley still pushes the finishes of this model thanks to unique treatments. Diamond Dust and Palladium specific paintwork with filigree designs, Midnight Pearl Anniversary badges and medallions, displaying the Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo. Installed in a different place on each model, another artisan crest serves as a support for the numbered plate which displays the serial number of your machine….! Count € 33,000.
At this price level, these attentions are only legitimate and are in addition to the services reserved for exceptional customers. Thus, specific assistance will fly, if necessary, to your rescue at the slightest problem. However, plan still € 1,500 to breathe, like Across the Atlantic, your Screamin’Eagle. The Harley tax, or evolution stage 1, also applies to the CVO although these performances are already less stifled at the outset than those of its sisters.
If the model tempts you but this luxury puts off your banker, the Road King is available in a standard version Twin Cam 103 (1,690 cm3) for € 11,000 … less than the CVO is € 22,790.
Few brands offer access to such achievements. In terms of price and comfort, let’s mention Honda and its GL 1800 Goldwing, priced at € 29,390. On board, calm luxury and pleasure are the order of the day. With the advantage of engine technology with incomparable flexibility and exceptional balance. For half the price of the American, the Kawasaki VN1700 Tourer ABS at € 16,199 will certainly give you the image but not the sound from across the Atlantic. Not to mention mechanical performance or finish which, even for the 103-engined Road King, cannot compare..
The last possible challenger, the Victory Cross Roads Classic and its 1731 cc 50 ° V-twin. Appeared in 1998, the brand mimics the Wisconsin range with, however, more modern lines. This attractive model also remains well below our CVO, just like its price: 18 690 €
To fight with this CVO, only the other creations of the moment will find favor in your eyes. Powered by the same 110 "block, CVO Road Glide Custom, CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and CVO Breakout are waiting for you. Hurry, there won’t be something for everyone.
Strong points
- Motor character
- Manufacturing quality and finishes
- Tone worked
- Audio system
Weak points
- Heavy front axle
- Dry rear suspension
Competitors: Honda Goldwing GL1800, Kawasaki VN 1700, Victory Cross Country
The CVO Street Glide technical sheet
Colors
- Burgundy Blaze with Hot Fusion Graphics
- Crushed Sapphire with Cold Fusion Graphics
- Anniversary Diamond Dust and Obsidian with Palladium Graphics
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