The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is a purpose-built bagger developed with direct influence from track-proven engineering. This model reflects lessons learned from competitive environments, including the MotoAmerica® King of the Baggers™ series. It introduces a recalibrated performance profile into a street-legal touring platform. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is equipped with the most powerful production engine in the Harley-Davidson® lineup, lightweight structural materials, and a suite of electronically managed systems tailored for high-performance operation.
Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output: Optimized Power Delivery
The Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine is the central feature of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST. It delivers 127 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. A high-performance camshaft works in conjunction with the Heavy Breather intake system to improve air throughput. The engine operates at a raised rev limit of 5,900 rpm.
This powertrain configuration is designed for consistent output under load. The engine management system adjusts fueling and timing to maintain responsiveness without compromising efficiency. The combination of intake geometry and combustion calibration allows for improved cylinder fill at higher engine speeds.
Adjustable Suspension System with Track-Tuned Geometry
The front suspension consists of SHOWA® 47 mm inverted forks offering 4.6 inches of travel. The forks can be tuned for compression, rebound, and preload. The rear features dual outboard SHOWA® remote reservoir shocks. These deliver three inches of travel and isolate oil from gas to reduce performance fade. The shocks are mounted between the fender and saddlebags, preserving symmetry and center of gravity.
This suspension configuration supports high-speed cornering and controlled braking inputs. It also maintains ride stability when loaded or under acceleration. The balanced damping profile keeps the chassis composed during direction changes and rapid elevation shifts.
Carbon and Cast Components: Structural Efficiency
Weight reduction is applied through selective material substitution. The front fender uses forged carbon fiber to replace standard steel. This material decreases unsprung mass and reduces resistance during compression cycles. The wheels are cast aluminum, engineered to reduce weight while preserving strength.
Brake performance is handled by dual floating rotors on the front end. These rotors allow better heat dissipation, reducing fade during extended braking cycles. The braking system’s function is reinforced by electronic control through linked braking and ABS.
The seat is configured as a solo unit. It features a steep back angle to support the rider under acceleration and in tight corners. The design encourages firm body positioning, reducing the need for upper body counterpressure. The handlebar setup includes tall risers and moto-style bars. A Flat-Out engine guard is present to maintain crash protection without excessive material bulk.
Titanium Exhaust System for Flow and Stability
Titanium mufflers replace heavier steel units. This contributes to improved mass centralization and a net reduction in system weight. The exhaust system has been configured to increase flow and preserve backpressure levels consistent with torque development. The system's construction supports durability under thermal load, with minimal expansion variation during extended use.
Functional Ergonomics and Control Surfaces
Mini-boards are installed in place of full floorboards. Their reduced profile allows for lean angle preservation without compromising foot support. The rider triangle is compact but neutral, which supports active body movement. This is necessary for maintaining control at varying speeds and through directional transitions.
Integrated Interface with Expanded Ride Settings
The cockpit uses a 12.3-inch TFT display, managed by the Skyline™ OS interface. This system consolidates gauge data, ride mode selection, and navigation functions. It includes real-time weather and traffic overlays. Audio controls for the Rockford Fosgate® Stage II system are also integrated.
Ride modes are selectable on the fly. Eight preset modes are available, including Track and Track+. These track-specific settings modify engine output, throttle response, and engine braking. They also adjust the intervention thresholds of the electronic aids to match closed-course expectations.
Electronic Safety Systems for Predictive Stability
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST includes a full suite of Rider Safety Enhancements. These systems function to stabilize the vehicle under changing traction and lean conditions. Standard ABS regulates brake pressure to avoid wheel lockup during sudden stops. Electronic Linked Braking applies proportional pressure to both front and rear calipers based on rider input.
The Traction Control System monitors rear wheel slip during acceleration. If excessive wheel spin is detected, it modulates engine output to regain traction. Drag-Torque Slip Control reduces rear wheel instability during rapid downshifts or throttle roll-off on low-friction surfaces. These features assist in managing rear wheel load without compromising forward drive.
Vehicle Hold Control keeps the brakes engaged after coming to a complete stop. This function is useful during inclines or loading ramps. The rider can release brake pressure, and the system will continue holding the bike until throttle or clutch input resumes forward movement.
Tire Pressure Monitoring alerts the rider when either tire drops below or rises above the recommended pressure range. The alert is displayed on the TFT screen, enabling real-time corrective action.
Cornering Adaptive Functions
Several systems use inertial sensors to manage braking and traction while the motorcycle is leaned over. Cornering Enhanced ABS adjusts brake pressure to match lean angle, reducing the likelihood of low-side loss during mid-corner braking. Cornering Linked Braking modifies the pressure ratio between front and rear brakes in corners. This allows for proportional braking force that corresponds to the shift in tire contact patch and lateral acceleration.
Cornering Traction Control maintains grip during mid-corner throttle input. It prevents excessive spin from disrupting chassis balance. Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control performs a similar function during deceleration, maintaining stability during gear transitions.
Schedule a Test Ride in Wilmington, NC
Push the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST beyond the showroom and into real conditions with a test ride at Shipwreck Harley-Davidson® in Wilmington, NC. Feel how its performance tuning, suspension setup, and control systems work together at higher operating thresholds. This limited-production model delivers factory-equipped features built specifically for aggressive touring and closed-course precision. Speak with our team to explore what makes this configuration unique among Road Glide® variants. Schedule your test ride and take a closer look at what this machine is designed to handle.