Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Test Drive

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Fantastic ride … on the spine of the eagle.

Legend AND myth, this is the concept of a Harley Davidson CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations). The Milwaukee firm indeed combines, with these achievements, the best of its history and the pinnacle of its mechanical art.. True sculptures in limited series, they are assembled by only one technician per machine and reserved for wealthy purists of the brand. Handful of privileged devotees for whom the American style extends to the very end of the exceptional. The year 2012 also makes available, under this finish, the Road Glide Custom, Ultra Classic Electra Glide and Softail Convertible. Common denominator: excess.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

Discovery

Based on the Street Glide base, the CVO model retains only its frame, the shape of its fork crown and small common elements. Any other part is specifically designed to equip the top of the range Milwaukee … The Street Glide sports the classic lines of the bagger as defined by Harley Davidson. Its "battwing" -type fairing topped with a truncated smoked windshield envelops the front optics. Attached to the 43 mm fork, to the divers fitted with chrome covers, it overhangs a 19-inch wheel raising the bow of the American. In fact, the stern is held on a rim reduced by one unit. A 7-branch "Agitator" type, their mirror finish is dazzling right down to the hubs. These contain the invisible and differentiated front / rear ABS sensors.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide discs

Large and flattened, resuming the inevitable teardrop shape, the 22.5-liter fuel tank falls gently on a generous rider seat. The Big Beast leather seat has inserts with a contrasting texture just like that of the passenger, smaller and embellished with a sissy bar. 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.

HD CVO Street Glide

On both sides, the specific cases incorporate two of the eight speakers that make up the Harman Kardon system. No less than 2×200 watts power the whole! The right case has a support for an Apple MP3 player (iPhone, iPod …), the left one, whose electrical connection is not very happy, incorporates one of the two amplifiers. The other is placed in the fork crown with four speakers. The last two take place in the leg guards, surrounding the engine, or two hatches also allow to adjust the air flow on the lower limbs.

Pregnant and her Harley CVO Street Glide

A true hymn to the Cr24 element, the Twin Cam 110 specially dedicated to CVO imposes its shiny 1,800 cc aesthetic. Only the slight contrast of its granite gray envelope contrasts with the profusion of shiny surfaces. Air filter and cylinder heads receive the prestigious Screamin’Eagle signature mentioning the unit’s unique characteristics. Long-stroke 45 ° air-cooled V-twin, this engine from the Harley Davidson racing department develops 15.6 da.Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and 95 hp at 3,000 rpm. Double camshaft, high compression ratio, long-life cam opening as well as more aggressive ignition and injection programming make it the most demonstrative mechanics of the brand. 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…

Twin Cam Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide engine

Its always skillfully syncopated breath is directed through a two-one-two manifold system to the silencers with elaborate end caps. Faced with so much expressiveness and a respectable weight of 389 kg, Brembo 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.

Remarkable in every way, such is the CVO Street Glide. Its assembly and manual finishing place it apart from conventional productions. Thus, the orange dress of this luxury version of the eagle, Hot Citrus and Antique Gunstock, is adorned with hand-crafted Phantom Flame Graphics patterns. The colors are deep, the varnishes and the chrome are thick. And the "interior" conceals many other wonders.

In the saddle

Like any custom, the Street Glide invites you to descend on its seat culminating at only 696 mm above the asphalt. A real parcel of a club chair, the saddles immediately reveal themselves to be unusually comfortable. Another element of ease, the large plates of the rider footrests invite to travel, just like the oversized footrests of the passenger. These are attached to massive uprights and unfold with rare softness..

Walking on Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

A cockpit is rarely so large. At its ends are fixed the mirrors, to the correct field returned, framing the instruments.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide cockpit

In the center, an analog tachometer and tachometer face you, along with smaller windows displaying battery power and oil pressure. Almost anachronistic, these features accentuate the vintage image conveyed by the magnificent counters. So come closer and observe the cutout of the hammered metal plating revealing the graduations. Their indexes, shiny metallic arrows, are diamond cut to reflect the slightest ray of light…. Unusual details as well as the metal lettering of their function. In the speed dial, a digital window offers an odometer and two partials as well as an autonomy function. A push-button is used to vary the display successively. Finally, elegant small warning lights warn of switching to reserve, overdrive mode or of an engine and battery problem.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide dashboard and speedometer

The audio system panel incorporates a comfortable LCD screen for easy navigation through the multiple functions and settings available. Not very elegant, the black side can be fitted with an optional cover. The radio stations are memorized on the station but the connection to an external reader is controlled from the handlebars. This one, with marked lugs, falls naturally under the hands, revealing the large diameter of the handles whose rubberized coating streaked with chrome elements mimics certain male jewelry. Suitable finish for hydraulic metal jars, with flattened shapes and thick levers. The ergonomics of the controls are neat but should be positioned more oriented towards the wrists, especially those of the indicators. These stop automatically depending on the speed, the angle of the motorcycle and the duration of operation. On the other hand, the management of audio and cruise control is intuitive. The latter can be operated from third gear engaged, at 50 km / h.

No key is needed on this Street Glide, except to unlock the swivel switch control. It is through it that the steering is released and the machine energized. A transponder automatically manages the alarm and immobilizer.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide logo

Another specificity, the tank receives a long plate flanked by the Harley CVO logo and backlit. 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 illegible in broad daylight (but the instruments compensate for this), the measurement is indicated by LEDs which go off successively. The real luxury…. beautiful and almost invisible.

In the city

It’s time to pull up the long crutch and wake up the eagle. The mythical V-twin coughs amply, clearing its throat. Her song then resonates, rounder than that of her sisters but at the same quirky rhythm that each of its 901 cm3 cylinders sings. Now filtered by silent-blocks, since 1980, its vibrations are pleasant and in any case demandable. Air-cooled, the twin heats up strongly between the walls and seeks, with great gulp, its breath that the exhausts have a hard time evacuating.

Rather firm, the selection requires precise orders, unlike the throttle control, the smoothness of which is surprising. The Street Glide takes off smoothly, revealing a good balance. However, the heavy weight placed on the fork, a consequence of the trim and the amp, can make maneuvering at very low speeds tricky. Habit and the column angle not very open (26 °) helping, it is easy to deal with this front end which can embark more than reason. In addition, its lowest center of gravity attenuates the physical reality of almost four quintals..

Harley CVO Street Glide

However, in an urban day-to-day life, the American Longsleeve is not the best choice, despite good handling. With the limits of its stature, going up the lines is even possible: if the mirrors pass, the rest follows. On the other hand, impossible to make any U-turn in the small streets.

We will focus on the flexibility of the Twin Cam 110, docile and velvety at will. At the limit of under regime, the barely nodding times add to the charm of the important couple. We then dawdle on the boulevards, followed by many looks. The line and opulence of the CVO indeed appeals to both bikers and the layman. Its vintage image, accentuated by its ruddy dress, makes it a focal point for first-time buyers of the same color menu. They will no doubt be remembered by their younger years, and the call of America is still strong. The legend having formed on the vast Highway, it is also time to take to the sea.

Motorway and expressways

Borneeuu to be waaaaailldeuuu … The rolling lounge tumbles onto the impeccable asphalt, echoing audio and mechanical notes of rare quality. Opening the throttle wide, the airbox and variable intake are released with a deep hum. The eagle then turns into a dragon, spitting out high decibels. The sound pressure automatically adjusts to the speed and perfectly matches the legal rhythm. Stuck on overdrive, cruise control activated, you are on the legendary road … of your choice. Wherever you are, the charm acts and makes you a real biker.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide on highway

The last report stalls the regime at 3,000 rpm while preserving good revival capacities. Launched at a more dynamic pace, the Street Glide offers decent stability at over 180 km / h but far from that of a Goldwing. Swirls and air noise hit the top of the helmet spoiling the party. We also clearly perceive the flow passing under the battwing. In case of rain, the body will quickly be wet.

Quick crusing is not his cup of bourbon, the eagle preferring to soar quietly over wilder lands. He will find his sustenance more easily there, in the form of less straight roads..

Departmental

To the rhythm of the curves of the secondary network, the mechanical symphony takes over, unless you opt for some digital music, Harley Davidson even gives you the iPod. The sound is then astonishing in quality, probably the best on the market. We still regret the absence of USB connectors compatible with other media.

As a purist, you may only accept the notes in block 110. Wise choice because the intermediate gears make the TwinCam play its favorite score. Because it has been worked on for a long time in an acoustic chamber! Room of 1,500 tons of concrete, floating on 66 air cushions, with walls covered with 1400 anti-echo fiberglass corners, this space sees the continuous adjustment of a machine until the desired sound is reached … Add to that a much more generous ground clearance than that of the rest of the range and you will then taste the pleasure of driving on an extraordinary machine..

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide on departmental

Swinging from hairpin bends, the American boat barely drifts and keeps good speed in curves. Musical and invigorating, the exits of curves make the eagle sing. Milwaukee’s long run powerfully sweeps the crew away with every twist of the grip of its ample, smooth torque. After 4,000 laps, its behavior is almost sporty and quickly sends the tachometer needle to trigger the switch at 5,700 revolutions / minute. No rush, however, the box is not very fast and requires good decomposition of the movement. 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 pneumatic mounting without reproach. 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 Street Glide oversteer. Its traditional fairing serves it both on fast tracks and in slow maneuvers, hampering its agility.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

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.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide brakes

Comfort / Duo

Despite progressive suspensions, the comfort is excellent. The credit goes both to the upholstery and to the studied ergonomics. However, there are a few points of concern: the oversized controls are appreciable, but we would like longer front footrest plates. Another complaint on the left side where the clutch control is too short forcing the foot to be retracted inward to be manipulated.

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.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide saddle

Consumption

At a smooth pace befitting her pedigree, the US diva only locks her 22.5-liter lead-free cocktail after 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 an average of 7 liters / 100 km.

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Exhaust

Conclusion

An exceptional cruiser, the Street Glide CVO is as much a work of art as it is a luxury road. Remarkably finished, it takes care of the smallest detail. Fit of parts, seals, quality of materials, appearance of surfaces, mechanical convenience … the best of Harley Davidson is available to you. For 34,000 € of course, but let’s not be vulgar. The Milwaukee firm even offers you a functional solid gold ceremonial key and a padded protective cover … At this price level, these little gifts 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, allow another 1,500 € to make your screamin’Eagle breathe like there. The Harley Tax, or Stage 1 Evolution, also applies to the CVO although its performance is already less stifled at the outset than that of its sisters. Finally, two other colors are available. In red tones, Ruby Red and Typhoon Brown are seductive. For the ultimate in elegance, choose the shades of gray Dark Slate and Black Diamond. The Phantom Flame Graphics decorations of course accompany these dresses.

If the model tempts you but this luxury puts off your banker, the Street Glide is available as a standard Twin Cam 103 (1,690 cm3) for € 11,000 … less than the CVO is only € 23,690.

Few brands can give access to the legendary premium version in this way. These include 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 one, 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 the mechanics or workmanship which, even for the 103-powered Street Glide, cannot compare..

The last possible challenger, the Victory Cross Country and its 1731 cc 50 ° V-twin. Appeared in 1998, the brand mimics the range of Wisconsin with however more modern lines against 19,990 €.

To fight with this CVO, only the other two creations Road Glide and Ultra Classic Electra Glide will find favor in your eyes. Superior protection or additional luggage might tempt you. The Street Glide will oppose them with its original and retro line which is not the least of its arguments. By choosing it, you will keep a little of the rebellious attitude which is the originality of the brand and will be your real luxury.

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

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