5 Reasons Why the CVO Road Glide Is Worth the Price of Admission

Big Money, Lots of Bike

As Harley fans are likely well aware, nothing that bears the brand's Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) nameplate is what one might call cheap, and in fact, these models are among the most expensive in its current lineup. That certainly applies to the CVO Road Glide, which touts a significant price tag of $42,999 - sans options. However, there are a few things that help justify that outlay of cash, at least.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

1. High-End Finishes

For starters, it's worth noting that the CVO Road Glide is quite the polished jewel of a machine, one ripe with craftsmanship and unique, special finishes. That's precisely the point as well - the CVO is supposed to be something like a custom bike, albeit one that you can purchase directly from a dealer. Obviously, not everyone wants to pay extra for these things, but enough do to make this a profitable, worthwhile venture for H-D.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

2. Weight Savings/Handling

Like other CVO models, the Road Glide also utilizes lighter-weight components that help aid handling and make the big two-wheeler a bit easier to manage around town as well. Obviously, it isn't enough to compensate for the fact that this is still a big, heavy machine, but it does make it a bit more pleasant to live with.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

3. More Power

Perhaps the shining star of the CVO Road Glide, however, is its Milwaukee-Eight powerplant, which in this case measures 121 inches and pumps out a hefty 139 pound-feet of torque - more than the regular model at 109 and even the hotter ST, which cranks out 125 lb-ft, making for effortless - if not spectacular - acceleration. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

4. Cool But Pricey Options

Of course, the aforementioned base price of the CVO Road Glide is just the start. One can easily add on thousands more to that price by ticking a few option boxes, including paint. For example, the "Whiskey Neat with Raven Metallic" paint option costs an extra $6,000, and then there are numerous other packages that can drive that price much higher.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

5. All-Weather Riding

While most motorcyclists don't make a habit of riding in inclement weather, there are those die-hards that don't let something like silly get in the way of their travels. For them, the CVO Road Glide has an advantage thanks not only to its weight, but also its drive modes that include Sport, Cruise, and Rain, and one can also create custom modes as well. Whether or not all of this makes the CVO Road Glide worth its lofty asking price, well, that's for you to decide. However, it's also easy to see why some folks don't mind ponying up big bucks to buy one, either.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join in the conversation about the CVO Road Glide right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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