Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST – History & Overview

What is it?

The CVO Road Glide ST is part of Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup, representing the brand’s highest-performance and premium touring motorcycles. The ST designation indicates Sport Touring, offering a mix of touring comfort and enhanced performance.

Brief History

2022 – First Appearance

• Harley-Davidson introduced the Road Glide ST in 2022 as a performance-oriented bagger with a dark, West Coast custom style.

• It was powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 ci engine, making it the most powerful regular production bagger at launch, aimed at riders seeking performance baggers inspired by King of the Baggers racing.

2023 – CVO Road Glide ST Introduced

• For 2023, Harley-Davidson expanded its CVO lineup to include the CVO Road Glide ST, further elevating the ST model with CVO-exclusive features:

  • Milwaukee-Eight 121 ci VVT engine (new engine debut) with Variable Valve Timing and liquid-cooled heads.

  • Upgraded suspension, with premium front and rear components.

  • Lightweight parts including a titanium exhaust and carbon fiber body elements to reduce overall weight and improve performance.

  • High-performance Brembo braking system.

  • Exclusive paint schemes, often with racing-inspired themes (e.g. “Golden White Pearl” with racing number graphics).

  • Advanced infotainment system with a large touchscreen and enhanced connectivity.

  • Track-inspired styling with aggressive stance, solo seat, and sport-focused ergonomics.

2024 – Continuation & Refinements

• The 2024 model continued with minor refinements in electronics, ride modes, and styling options. The Milwaukee-Eight 121 remains the flagship CVO engine with exceptional torque and advanced cooling.

Key Specifications (2023-2024 CVO Road Glide ST)

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 121 VVT

• Displacement: 1977cc

• Torque: Approx. 139 ft-lb @ 3500 rpm

• Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive

• Weight: ~800 lbs (varies by trim)

• Infotainment: 12.3” TFT touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay compatibility

• Brakes: Dual front Brembo with ABS

• Suspension: High-performance adjustable front forks and rear shocks

• Exhaust: Titanium Akrapovič for performance and weight reduction

• Wheels/Tires: Sport-touring inspired lightweight wheels with performance tires

Why is it Special?

✔ Fastest & most powerful factory Harley touring bike
✔ Premium CVO build quality – custom paint, finishes, limited production
✔ Inspired by racing heritage, bridging the gap between touring comfort and track performance
✔ Advanced electronics including ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and customizable settings

Legacy

The CVO Road Glide ST represents Harley-Davidson’s push into the performance bagger segment, combining:

• Touring capability

• Factory custom exclusivity

• Track-inspired performance

It appeals to riders seeking luxury, power, and exclusivity in a single motorcycle.

If you want a comparison with the standard Road Glide ST, details of King of the Baggers racing connection, or its price ranges and resale value, let me know, and I will prepare them for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle research notes and upcoming buying or content plans.