Harley-Davidson has largely written its own rulebook in the American touring segment. Aside from a brief challenge from Victory — now gone — and continued pressure from Indian, The Motor Company has spent decades refining what a long-distance Harley is supposed to deliver. That experience comes together in the CVO Street Glide Limited, a bike that blends comfort, capability, and long-ride confidence into a single, well-resolved package.
Luxury is obvious, but it’s not the point on its own. The 121-cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight provides effortless, unstressed power that suits long highway days as well as quick roll-ons, even under a full load. A comprehensive electronics suite adds navigation and rider-assist systems that quietly reduce fatigue. The result is a touring bike built to feel composed, comfortable, and dependable mile after mile.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Harley-Davidson and from my experience as a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic. The information provided is current as of the time of this writing.
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Effortless Power, Thanks To Harley’s Biggest Engine
At the time of writing, Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 sits at the sharp end of the company’s touring development. It isn’t just large; it’s tuned for real-world riding, using Variable Valve Timing to broaden the torque curve without sacrificing top-end pull. The result is power that feels strong, smooth, and unstrained, even when the bike is loaded, and the miles start stacking up.
Just as important, the VVT system is a proven design with a solid reliability record, adding sophistication without undermining long-term confidence. A 2024 recall related to wire routing and sudden power loss has been addressed, leaving the core drivetrain intact. Power flows through a slipper clutch and six-speed transmission, supported by cornering-enhanced traction control and drag-torque management that helps keep everything composed when conditions — or inputs — get less than perfect.
CVO Street Glide Limited Engine And Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 |
|
Displacement |
1,977 cc |
|
Power |
115 HP @ 4,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
139 LB-FT @ 3,000 RPM |
|
Transmission |
Six-Speed Cruise Drive® |
|
Top Speed |
110 MPH |
Stable, Comfortable, And Built To Go Long
A mild-steel, double-downtube, dual-cradle frame forms the backbone of the CVO Street Glide Limited, reinforced by a substantial backbone designed for strength and long-term durability. Laden seat height comes in at a manageable 26.4 inches, low enough to inspire confidence at stops without compromising long-distance comfort once underway.
Suspension tuning favors consistency over complexity. Rear shocks offer two preload adjustment options, making it easy to dial in the bike for luggage or a passenger without chasing fine settings. Braking is handled by dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a 300 mm rear disc, all backed by cornering-enhanced ABS. A relaxed steering geometry with a generous effective rake adds high-speed stability, contributing to a calm, composed ride that stays comfortable and predictable hour after hour.
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Designed To Reduce Fatigue, Not Just Turn Heads
The CVO Street Glide Limited’s design sticks closely to the touring playbook, and that’s very much the point. The Batwing fairing anchors the front end, paired with color-matched lowers that shield the rider’s legs from wind and weather while flowing into a subtle chin fairing below. A vented windshield smooths airflow at highway speeds, reducing head buffeting and helping maintain a relaxed cruising posture over long stretches.
Comfort features are integrated throughout rather than tacked on. Heated seats come standard front and rear, the rider gets a supportive backrest, and the Tour-Pak doubles as a wraparound passenger backrest. Floating footboards help isolate engine vibration, and the hard bags and Tour-Pak provide 4.8 cubic feet of secure, weatherproof storage — enough to support real long-distance travel without compromise.
CVO Street Glide Limited Dimensions And Capacities
|
Seat Height, Laden |
26.4 inches |
|
Wheelbase |
64 inches |
|
Ground Clearance, Static |
5.5 inches |
|
Fuel Capacity |
6 gallons |
|
Curb Weight |
919 lbs |
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Comfort You Can Trust, Mile After Mile
The CVO Street Glide Limited earns its place at the top of the segment not by chasing novelty, but by refining the fundamentals that matter most once the ride stretches into hours and days. Everything about the bike is tuned to reduce effort — mechanical, physical, and mental — so the rider can focus on the road rather than managing the machine. That’s where real long-ride comfort comes from.
Just as important is the sense of consistency it delivers. The drivetrain is designed to operate without drama, the chassis favors stability over sharpness, and the electronics work quietly in the background rather than demanding attention. There’s nothing here that feels fragile, rushed, or overstressed. Instead, the bike presents itself as something you can load up, point toward the horizon, and trust to do the same thing all day tomorrow.
That reliability isn’t about being exciting — it’s about being predictable. Controls stay light, the ride remains composed, and the overall experience doesn’t degrade as the miles add up. For riders who measure a touring bike by how it feels on the fifth straight long day rather than the first test ride, the CVO Street Glide Limited stands out as a machine built to go far, stay comfortable, and keep asking for more miles.