2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® near St. Louis, MO
2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide®
Two icons of long-haul American touring share the same unmistakable Sharknose fairing yet chart distinct paths for performance and luxury. That is the essence of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide®. Both elevate the touring experience with refined aerodynamics, reduced weight, and the latest Skyline OS displayed on a bright 12.3-inch touchscreen, yet they approach the road with different personalities. The Road Glide channels the classic bagger ethos with modern engineering and a muscular Milwaukee-Eight 117 powerplant. The CVO Road Glide takes everything a step further with the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121, premium paint curated to perfection, and top-shelf components front to back. At Lawless Harley-Davidson®, our perspective is shaped by the riders we meet near St. Louis, MO, who ask for a stable, comfortable, and connected touring machine that can handle daily commutes and cross-country journeys alike. Whether you prefer the timeless purity of the Road Glide or the pinnacle craftsmanship of the CVO variant, both deliver the confidence, wind management, and tech integration that define contemporary Harley-Davidson® touring.
| Feature | Road Glide® | CVO™ Road Glide® |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine | No | Yes |
| Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine | Yes | No |
| 12.3-inch TFT display with Skyline OS | Yes | Yes |
| Selectable Ride Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Rider Safety Enhancements (Cornering ABS, TCS) | Yes | Yes |
| 47mm SHOWA inverted front forks | Yes | Yes |
| Brembo braking components | Yes | Yes |
| H-D Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate (Stage II) | No | Yes |
| Premium CVO-exclusive paint and color-matched components | No | Yes |
| Full LED lighting with integrated turn signals | Yes | Yes |
Key Features
When the conversation is 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide®, it starts with shared strengths. Both feature the updated Sharknose fairing designed for improved aero performance and rider comfort, full LED lighting with an integrated signature, and the intuitive 12.3-inch Skyline OS interface that makes ride mode selection, navigation, and audio control simple at a glance. Rider Safety Enhancements operate quietly in the background until needed, with cornering-aware systems that help maintain stability. Where they differ is in the depth of premium execution. The CVO Road Glide layers exclusive finishes, color-matched components, and new lightweight cast wheels over a chassis that is already poised and communicative. Its H-D Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II system delivers a robust listening experience from the fairing and saddlebag lids. The Road Glide brings the essentials riders love—refined aerodynamics, a lighter package, selectable ride modes, and cohesive tech—without the CVO’s curated paintwork. Both models benefit from 47mm SHOWA inverted forks and Brembo braking components for a confident ride. Our team at Lawless Harley-Davidson® helps riders choose based on the level of customization and factory performance they want up front, knowing either platform is a rewarding canvas for the long road ahead.
Dimensions
Both bikes project a purposeful touring stance, with a wide fairing that hugs the fork line and channels airflow around the rider to reduce buffeting. The saddle-to-floorboard triangle is engineered for all-day comfort, offering a relaxed knee angle and easy reach to the grips, while the streamlined bags maintain a clean silhouette and generous volume. The fairing’s reshaped nostrils and ducting aim to balance pressure at highway speeds, complementing the narrow waist at the seat for easier stand-over. Thoughtful details—like the placement of the 12.3-inch display and intuitive switchgear—support confident operation when you are navigating city streets, carving sweepers, or stacking miles between Memphis, TN, and Evansville, IN. The result is two touring machines that balance presence with practicality, fitting a broad range of riders without compromising the Road Glide’s signature profile.
Engine
The Road Glide’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine serves up the kind of torque-rich, low-end pull that defines Harley-Davidson® touring—responsive, tractable, and tuned for real-world riding. It pairs seamlessly with the bike’s lighter chassis and improved aerodynamics, emphasizing usable grunt and smooth roll-on power. The CVO Road Glide steps into flagship territory with the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121. Variable valve timing broadens the torque curve and optimizes output across a wide rpm range, giving the bike a confident surge from corner exit to interstate passing. Both engines integrate cleanly with ride modes and engine braking strategies, giving you a consistent feel in diverse conditions. While the 117 keeps things classic in feel and character, the VVT 121 leans into sophisticated control of valve events to maximize performance without sacrificing composure or heat management.
Performance
Improved aerodynamics and weight reduction set a strong foundation for both motorcycles, minimizing rider fatigue and sharpening response. The Road Glide is an exceptionally balanced bagger—planted at speed and predictable when changing lines, with ride modes that tailor throttle response and braking strategies for the moment. The CVO Road Glide layers on more outright thrust thanks to the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121, yet what truly distinguishes it is the way the chassis and premium components harness that power. Brembo hardware delivers consistent lever feel, and the suspension tuning remains composed over broken pavement and high-speed sweepers alike. Ride modes fine-tune the personality of each bike, while the robust LED lighting extends your riding day with a bright, uniform signature. It’s a choice between two high-achieving performances—classic and muscular or top-tier and meticulously refined.
Drive Train
Both motorcycles employ a smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission that pairs well with each engine’s broad torque delivery. Final drive is via a durable belt—quiet, low-maintenance, and designed to handle touring loads without drama. The Road Glide’s gearing complements the 117’s immediate shove, encouraging relaxed cruising and decisive roll-on acceleration in top gear. The CVO Road Glide’s drive train is tuned to make the most of VVT-assisted power, with seamless transitions between ride modes so that the character never feels abrupt—just stronger and more flexible as demands change. Engine braking strategies are integrated with the electronics suite, so corner entries feel settled and predictable. Across both motorcycles, driveline refinement underscores their shared mission: deliver steady, unflappable forward drive no matter the speed or load.
Performance
Improved aerodynamics and weight reduction set a strong foundation for both motorcycles, minimizing rider fatigue and sharpening response. The Road Glide is an exceptionally balanced bagger—planted at speed and predictable when changing lines, with ride modes that tailor throttle response and braking strategies for the moment. The CVO Road Glide layers on more outright thrust thanks to the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121, yet what truly distinguishes it is the way the chassis and premium components harness that power. Brembo hardware delivers consistent lever feel, and the suspension tuning remains composed over broken pavement and high-speed sweepers alike. Ride modes fine-tune the personality of each bike, while the robust LED lighting extends your riding day with a bright, uniform signature. It’s a choice between two high-achieving performances—classic and muscular or top-tier and meticulously refined.
Chassis
Chassis poise is a common thread, and it shows in the specification. Both bikes feature 47mm SHOWA inverted forks for improved stiffness and steering precision, paired with premium braking components from Brembo. The cast wheels, designed for modern performance, complement the updated fairing to help both bikes track cleanly through crosswinds and turbulent traffic. The CVO Road Glide adds asymmetric rear shocks with quick preload adjustment to fine-tune ride height and compliance when luggage and passenger weight change. Integrated LED signature lighting removes visual clutter at the front, and the frame geometry prioritizes stability without feeling heavy at parking-lot speeds. For riders who live near St. Louis, MO and spend time on wide-open interstates or sweeping county routes, that blend of resolve and agility is exactly what transforms a long day in the saddle into a relaxed and rewarding ride.
Electric
Technology should simplify the ride, not complicate it—both models embody that principle with the Skyline OS interface on a crisp 12.3-inch TFT display. The layout is intuitive and easy to read, with menu logic that makes sense the first time you use it. Both motorcycles offer quick access to navigation, ride modes, and key vehicle data, while Bluetooth integration supports headsets and devices for calls and music. The CVO Road Glide further raises the bar with H-D Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate–Stage II, delivering powerful, high-fidelity sound from the fairing and saddlebag speakers that stays composed at highway speeds. The Road Glide’s system is clean and straightforward, aligning with riders who want robust connectivity without extra flourish. Over-the-air updates and Wi-Fi-enabled features keep systems feeling modern, helping both bikes age gracefully as software evolves.
Rider Safety Enhancements
Rider Safety Enhancements are available to work in the background and step forward only when needed. Cornering Enhanced ABS and traction control help manage braking and power delivery when the bike is leaned over, while linked braking balances pressure front to rear to maintain stability. Drag-Torque Slip Control and refined engine braking strategies smooth out corner entries and downshifts. Hill Hold Control helps prevent roll-back on steep grades, and bright all-LED lighting increases conspicuity day and night. These are not intrusive systems—they are supportive tools tuned for riders who value feel and feedback. Whether you choose the Road Glide or the CVO Road Glide, the combination of mechanical grip from the chassis and electronic assistance from the safety suite creates confidence when weather, pavement, or traffic throw a curve at your plans.
Request more 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® near St. Louis, MO information
Choosing between the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® comes down to how you define the ultimate touring experience. If you want the timeless Road Glide essence—optimized aerodynamics, reduced weight, selectable ride modes, and the intuitive Skyline OS—the Road Glide delivers a compelling, versatile package. If you prefer the most advanced iteration—Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 power, premium CVO paint and trim, Stage II Rockford Fosgate audio, and a suspension/brake package curated to the highest standard—the CVO Road Glide is the pinnacle. At Lawless Harley-Davidson®, we take pride in guiding riders toward the fit and finish that match their priorities, whether that is understated strength or fully realized luxury. From local day trips to cross-country escapes, these two sharks own the highway—and our showroom is ready to help you decide which one belongs in your garage as you plan routes from near St. Louis, MO or even farther afield.