New Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST And CVO Road Glide: Key Differences

Summary

• The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST has a sportier design with unique liveries and forged carbon fiber elements.
• The non-ST model has a comfort-oriented seat, large floorboards, and a tall handlebar for long-haul duties.
• There’s a $,1500 price difference between the two models.

If you’re in the market for a premium American-made bagger, Harley-Davidson has two very special CVO models for you. We’re talking about the CVO Road Glide and the CVO Road Glide ST–both with plenty of similarities, whether it’s in the design or engine department. Heck, even their prices are just $1,500 apart. This means you’re bound to scratch your head while picking between the two, and it’s something we want to help you with today. How? By schooling you about all the nitty-gritty differences between the two Road Glides, which will ultimately smoothen out your decision-making process.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST Looks Sportier Than The CVO Road Glide

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Custom Vehicles Operation initiative. And Harley-Davidson has revealed the ST version to celebrate the feat. Accordingly, the new bagger boasts an array of special design elements. The most noticeable are the two gorgeous liveries–Golden White Pearl and Raven Metallic. Here, the former wraps the motorcycle in a shiny white finish, while the latter comprises a deep glittery black shade.

Both come with Screamin’ Eagle graphics inspired by Harley’s MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race bike, topped off by red inserts on the cylinder heads, logos, and wheel stickers. Our favorite elements, though, are the forged carbon fiber bits and the alloys. You can find the exotic material on the front fender, exhaust tips, pillion seat cowl, and even the middle part of the tank, while the alloys have a sport bike-like pattern for extra pizazz.

In contrast, the CVO Road Glide (non-ST) looks a lot simpler. It skips out on the forged carbon elements in favor of metal parts while featuring a chrome finish for the exhausts and engine fins. Similarly, its front fender is a lot longer than its namesake.

Another key difference is the set of cross-spoke wheels rather than alloys. You can have the RG in Copperhead and Legendary Orange colorways. The former is quite vanilla for our liking, but we dig the latter, courtesy of its distinct triple-tone (orange, gray, black) decals and the ‘1’ tank graphic. A closer look also reveals the Road Glide has a bigger windscreen than the ST, alongside more premium-looking rearview mirrors.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST Has Different Ergonomics Than The CVO Road Glide

Just like the design, Harley-Davidson has ensured the ST feels sportier than its name twin as well. You sit on a new, reshaped saddle, with your hands on a low handlebar and feet on slim, sleek floorboards. In comparison, the non-ST model has a comfort-oriented seat, complete with large floorboards and a tall handlebar for maximum comfort. Also, there’s no pillion saddle on the ST.

That said, once aboard, both bikes have the same 12.3-inch touchscreen TFT instrument cluster. Even the features are the same, comprising bits like:

• Multiple ride modes (Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and Custom modes)
• In-built navigation (via Apple CarPlay)
• Cornering ABS
• Traction control
• Hill-hold
• Cruise control
• Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers with 500-watt amplifier (the non-ST model also has saddlebag speakers)

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST Has More Performance And Premium Underpinnings Than The CVO Road Glide

Let’s talk mechanicals next. Both motorcycles feature Harley-Davidson’s new 121ci (1,977cc) V-twin powerhouse, equipped with variable valve timing and air/oil cooling. Yet, there’s a massive performance difference. That’s because Harley-Davidson has equipped the ST with a Screamin’ Eagle exhaust system, a race-inspired intake, and a high-performance camshaft. These help it churn out 127 horsepower and 145 pound-feet–a serious 12 ponies and six pound-feet up from the 115-HP CVO Road Glide. The new bagger also has a lower final gear ratio to boost acceleration and tractability.

Likewise, Harley-Davidson has spruced up the underpinnings of the ST model. You get petal disc brakes in all three places, along with fully adjustable Showa suspension and lighter alloy wheels at both ends. In contrast, the Road Glide has conventional rotors and non-adjustable upside-down forks. These differences, along with the carbon bits and smaller crash protection, help the ST weigh in at 800 pounds–a whopping 25 pounds down from the standard CVO RG.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST Costs $1,500 Less Than The CVO Road Glide

Harley-Davidson has priced the new CVO Road Glide ST at $42,999. This makes it $1,500 more affordable than its $44,499 sibling. Considering the price difference, there’s no doubt the ST is the more value-for-money option, as it offers more power, premium suspension, and a head-turning design over the Road Glide. However, if you’re someone who cherishes mile-munching abilities over performance and sportiness, we think you should pay the extra $1,500 and choose the non-ST CVO. Still torn between them? Then, head to your nearest dealership and take a test ride. Both bikes are already available in dealerships.

Source – Harley-Davidson