The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is a factory-built performance bagger built to deliver aggressive touring dynamics with long-distance practicality. This motorcycle incorporates the most advanced powertrain Harley-Davidson® has ever equipped in a Grand American Touring model. It pairs that output with a chassis setup tuned for sharp handling, improved braking control, and reduced mass. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST also introduces key upgrades in display technology, rider control systems, and material selection. All of these updates serve a single objective: consistent high-speed performance on extended rides without sacrificing control or function.
Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output Engine
The heart of this model is the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine. This power unit delivers 127 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, marking it as the highest output engine currently offered by Harley-Davidson® in a production motorcycle. Key internal upgrades on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST include a high-performance camshaft, revised intake design with a Heavy Breather setup, and increased rev ceiling at 5,900 rpm. The throttle response has been calibrated for stronger low-end delivery and midrange pull.
This V-twin configuration is air- and oil-cooled, maintaining stable operating temperatures under heavy use. Its efficiency and torque curve are tuned specifically for real-world riding scenarios, which means usable power at the twist of the throttle and consistent acceleration through varied terrains.
Performance-Based Suspension Architecture
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is equipped with a suspension system designed for aggressive handling characteristics. At the front, the motorcycle uses a 47-millimeter inverted SHOWA® fork with 4.6 inches of travel. The fork is fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping. This setup allows precise control of front-end behavior based on load, terrain, and rider input.
At the rear, dual outboard SHOWA® remote reservoir shocks deliver three inches of travel. These units separate oil and nitrogen chambers to reduce aeration and maintain damping consistency over sustained use. This is particularly important during hard cornering, fast acceleration, or braking when suspension performance directly affects chassis stability. The combination of adjustable front and rear suspension components supports optimized rider control at both low and high speeds.
Braking System with Brembo® Components
The braking system of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST consists of dual front discs with floating rotors, paired with Brembo® calipers. These floating rotors allow for thermal expansion under repeated braking events, preventing rotor warping and maintaining contact with the pads. This configuration is designed to provide consistent braking force over prolonged use.
Rear braking is managed through a single disc setup with a complementary caliper, designed to assist with trail braking or low-speed modulation. The motorcycle uses linked braking technology to distribute pressure intelligently between the front and rear wheels, depending on rider input and road conditions.
Chassis Design with Reduced Weight
The chassis of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST incorporates materials and geometry tailored to improve weight distribution and cornering behavior. A forged carbon fiber front fender replaces traditional steel, reducing unsprung weight over the front axle. This change improves steering feel and responsiveness, especially in low-speed turns or quick transitions.
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels further reduce mass and improve rotational inertia. These wheels contribute to quicker acceleration and more efficient deceleration, with reduced effort during directional changes. This results in a more agile chassis that retains the load-carrying capacity required for extended trips. Ground clearance and rake angle have also been adjusted for sharper turning characteristics while retaining overall touring stability.
Aerodynamic and Ergonomic Considerations
The frame-mounted fairing on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is designed to manage wind resistance and rider fatigue. Its shape directs airflow around the cockpit area while minimizing buffeting.
Ergonomically, the motorcycle uses a moto-style handlebar paired with tall risers, providing increased leverage during cornering. The seat is positioned to allow proper weight distribution and knee angle for longer rides. Foot control placement supports both upright and aggressive stances, giving the rider flexibility in posture without sacrificing balance or comfort.
12.3-Inch TFT Display with Skyline™ OS
The display unit is a 12.3-inch color TFT screen managed by the Skyline™ operating system. This interface consolidates all instrumentation, infotainment functions, and rider settings into a single system. Riders can access real-time diagnostics, ride mode selection, GPS navigation, and communication features through a combination of touch input and hand controls.
This system also manages the audio functions of the Rockford Fosgate® Stage II speakers. Audio clarity is maintained at highway speeds, with automatic volume adjustments based on ambient noise. The interface is designed to minimize rider distraction and can be customized to show relevant data based on preference or riding environment.
Ride Mode Technology and Safety Systems
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST includes selectable ride modes that adjust engine mapping, throttle response, engine braking, and traction control settings. These modes are accessible via the Skyline™ OS interface and can be modified on the fly.
Cornering-enhanced safety systems are also included, such as Cornering-ABS and traction control. These systems adjust braking pressure and torque delivery based on lean angle and available grip. Combined braking works in coordination with these features to maintain chassis stability during emergency stops or compromised traction conditions.
Exhaust and Intake Design for Functionality
The exhaust system is tuned to complement the performance characteristics of the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO engine. It features equal-length headers that promote efficient scavenging and temperature control. The mufflers are engineered for clarity and backpressure regulation without hindering output.
The intake system features a forward-facing Heavy Breather air cleaner, which improves airflow to the engine under all throttle positions. Its placement increases cold air intake while maintaining water resistance during adverse conditions. Both intake and exhaust systems work together to maintain throttle consistency, engine torque balance, and emissions compliance.
Structural and Design Integrity
Structural integrity is maintained through frame reinforcements and material selection that support load stability without unnecessary bulk. The saddlebags are integrated into the tail section with minimal weight penalty. Their mounting points are reinforced to handle long-distance travel gear without affecting suspension dynamics.
Paint finishes and trim details are subdued and designed for durability. Lighting is managed through a full LED system, including the headlamp, taillight, and turn signals. This setup improves visibility and draws less electrical power, allowing better energy management across systems.
Schedule a Test Ride at Harley-Davidson® of Panama City Beach
Designed for performance touring, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST merges lightweight components, adjustable suspension, and the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine into one cohesive system. Its frame and electronics are engineered for balance, responsiveness, and rider control over long distances. Harley-Davidson® of Panama City Beach near Panama City, FL offers an in-person look at how these systems function together across various ride modes and conditions. Schedule your test ride to experience the real-world handling, power delivery, and precision tuning firsthand. This model is built for riders who demand high performance without compromising touring practicality.