Harley-Davidson Unveils Radical New Models for 120th Anniversary
Milwaukee, WI - In celebration of its 120th anniversary, Harley-Davidson has introduced new models that represent a radical departure from its traditional designs. The Street Glide and Road Glide motorcycles have always been cautiously modernized, catering to the conservative tastes of the typical Harley customer. However, the latest models showcase a complete overhaul in terms of technology and construction.
One of the new models, the Road Glide CVO, was recently tested by our team. The developers aimed to maintain the character and appearance of the motorcycle, with the iconic “shark nose” front end remaining intact. The front fairing is once again fixed to the body of the motorcycle and does not turn with the handlebars. The design is more refined and compact, with an emphasis on aerodynamics and rider comfort. Even the saddlebags are seamlessly integrated with the motorcycle, giving it a more dynamic look compared to the previous generation.
The tested motorcycle came in Dark Platinum color, but there is also a Whiskey Neat Raven Metallic option available for an additional cost of seven thousand euros. This second option features handcrafted details and lines, adding to its fantastic appearance. The combination of cast and wire-spoke wheels is another design highlight.
The rider’s position on the motorcycle is similar to the previous generation. The higher handlebars may take some getting used to, but the seat is very comfortable, and riders of smaller stature should have no problem with its height of 720 mm. The motorcycle features keyless start, and upon ignition, riders are greeted by a massive 312 mm wide display. Not only does it provide a wealth of easily readable information, but it is also partially customizable and supports Apple CarPlay for iPhone users. Android users have slightly limited options, but Bluetooth connectivity works with these phones as well.
The entire infotainment system can be easily controlled from the handlebars, but the touchscreen display also allows for touch control even with gloves on. If that’s not enough, riders with a helmet equipped with a hands-free kit can control the information system using voice commands. The CVO model also offers high-quality speakers.
While seeing a motorcycle with loud music might lead to some less-than-flattering assumptions about the rider, from personal experience, I must admit that it’s nice to enhance the journey with favorite songs, although it can become quite addictive, as long as you’re not riding above 100 km/h.
The standard windshield is not large, but it provides good protection even at higher speeds. The lights are all LED, with the main headlamp extending into the fairing, making them visible from the sides as well. The mirrors are well-positioned and, thanks to the low vibrations of the motorcycle, provide a clear view.
At the heart of the motorcycle is a large V-twin engine called the Milwaukee-Eight™ 121 VVT. The name indicates two key features of the engine. The displacement has increased to 121 cubic inches (1,977 cc), and the VVT stands for variable valve timing. In numbers, this translates to a torque of 183 Nm and a power output of 115 horsepower. However, more important than the numbers is the feeling when twisting the throttle. The engine has a smooth power delivery from low revs but can really come alive at around 5,000 rpm. Despite being refined, it still retains the emotions and playfulness expected from a Harley engine.
The transmission is well-geared, clearly designed not only for leisurely cruising but also for higher travel speeds. The engine provides decent braking power, and the sound it produces strikes a good balance between what regulations allow and what most motorcyclists desire. The fuel tank has a capacity of 22.7 liters. With calm riding, the fuel consumption can stay below 6 l/100 km, offering a range of up to 400 kilometers.
The motorcycle has a curb weight of 393 kg, which is not insignificant, but it is 15 kg lighter than the previous model. The higher weight mainly affects maneuvering the motorcycle at a standstill, but experienced riders will not have immediate issues with it.
Harley-Davidson’s new models represent a bold step forward for the iconic brand. With their modernized designs and advanced features, they are sure to attract both loyal Harley enthusiasts and new riders looking for a thrilling experience on the road.Harley-Davidson Unveils Radical New Models for 120th Anniversary
Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, has introduced new models as part of its 120th anniversary celebrations. The Street Glide and Road Glide motorcycles have always been cautiously modernized, catering to the conservative nature of Harley’s typical customer and their success in the market. However, the company has now decided to make a radical change.
One of the new models, the Road Glide CVO, was tested and reviewed. The developers aimed to maintain the character and appearance of the motorcycle, with the distinctive shape of the front light and the “shark bite” front end that is typical of the Road Glide. The front fairing is firmly attached to the body of the motorcycle and does not turn with the handlebars. The design is more refined and compact, with an emphasis on aerodynamics and rider comfort. Even the saddlebags are more integrated with the motorcycle, giving the overall design a more dynamic look compared to the previous generation.
The tested motorcycle was in Dark Platinum color, but there is also a Whiskey Neat Raven Metallic option available with airbrushed details and lines. The second option is handcrafted and looks fantastic, but it comes with an additional cost of seven thousand euros. The wheels are a combination of cast and wire spokes, adding to the design appeal.
The rider’s position on the motorcycle is similar to the previous generation. The higher handlebars may take some getting used to, but the seat is very comfortable, and riders of smaller stature should have no problem with its height of 720 mm. The motorcycle features keyless start, and upon ignition, the rider is greeted by a massive 312 mm wide display. Not only does it provide a wealth of easily readable information, but it is also partially customizable and allows for Apple CarPlay mirroring for iPhones. Android phones have slightly limited options, but Bluetooth connectivity works with them as well.
The entire infotainment system can be easily controlled from the handlebars, but the touchscreen display also allows for touch control even with gloves on. If that’s not enough, and if your helmet has a hands-free kit, you can control the information system using voice commands. The CVO model also offers high-quality speakers.
While seeing a big motorcycle with loud music might lead to some negative assumptions about the rider, from personal experience, it is enjoyable to enhance the journey with favorite songs, although it can become addictive, as long as you don’t exceed 100 km/h, as the experience diminishes at higher speeds.
The standard windshield is not large, but it provides good protection even at higher speeds. The lights are LED, and the main headlamp is significantly shaped, extending to the sides, making the lights visible from the side as well. The mirrors are well-positioned and, thanks to the low vibrations of the motorcycle, provide a clear view.
The heart of the motorcycle is a large V-twin engine called the Milwaukee-Eight™ 121 VVT. The name indicates two significant features of the engine. The displacement has increased to 121 cubic inches (1,977 cc), and the VVT letters signify the variable valve timing system. In numbers, this translates to a torque of 183 Nm and a power output of 115 horsepower. However, more important than the numbers is the feeling when twisting the throttle. The engine has a smooth power delivery from low revs but can get quite lively at around 5,000 rpm. Despite being refined, the engine still retains its emotions and playfulness.
The gearbox is well-geared, clearly designed not only for leisurely cruising but also for higher traveling speeds. The engine provides decent engine braking, and the sound is a good compromise between what regulations allow and what most motorcyclists would prefer. The fuel tank has a capacity of 22.7 liters. With calm riding, the fuel consumption can be kept below 6 liters per 100 km, and the motorcycle has a range of over 350 km.
Overall, Harley-Davidson’s new models represent a radical departure from their previous designs. The company has managed to maintain some elements of the original DNA while creating entirely new motorcycles in terms of technology and construction. The Road Glide CVO, with its striking design and powerful engine, is a testament to Harley-Davidson’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries in the motorcycle industry.
How does the large windshield contribute to the protection of the rider at higher speeds?
D windshield is not large, but it provides good protection even at higher speeds. All the lights on the motorcycle are LED, with the main headlamp extending into the fairing, making them visible from the sides as well. The mirrors are well-positioned and offer a clear view due to the low vibrations of the motorcycle.
At the heart of the motorcycle is a powerful V-twin engine called the Milwaukee-Eight™ 121 VVT. The engine boasts a displacement of 121 cubic inches (1,977 cc) and features variable valve timing. This translates to a torque
