Introduction
Introduction
The 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) lineup features four bikes boasting heavily modified drivetrains, paint, bodywork and accessories: the Softail Convertible, Street Glide, Ultra Classic Electra Glide, and the new-for-2012 Road Glide Custom.
Only 2,100 CVO Road Glide Customs will be built for 2012, and the limited production bike is priced at $30,699, plus $380 for freight, and $200 for California emissions.
I spent a day riding the 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom through the rambling roads that wind through Napa Valley, California. How does the newest addition to the CVO family fit in with the rest of the lineup? To find out, go the The Goods.
The Goods: Chrome This, Skull That
As with all CVO models, the 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom features a seemingly endless build sheet listing numerous custom painted, hand-finished, and chrome bits. So rather than describing every last detail, let's focus on what makes the $30,699 CVO Road Glide Custom unique.
The CVO Road Glide Custom is powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected Twin Cam 110 (1,802cc) v-twin, though this application features a "Heavy Breather" style air intake with a black anodized cover.
The mill produces a peak of 122 ft-lbs of torque at 3,750 rpm, and is mated to a 6-speed cruise drive transmission that powers the rear wheel via belt drive. Anti-lock brakes and cruise control are standard, as is a high-performance hydraulic clutch and braided steel and clutch lines.
The Road Glide's signature twin headlamp design is ornamented with a brushed nickel skull medallion (as is the fuel tank), and the frame-mounted fairing incorporates a smoked windscreen and a color-matched inner fairing. A high-output Harman/Kardon CD/AM/FM/WB audio system features two-way 5x7 fairing mounted speakers that produce a total of 200 watts, and included with the stereo is an 8GB Apple iPod Nano that attaches via an interface in the saddlebag.
A color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console displays an illuminated CVO graphic, and a custom solo touring seat has a matching detachable pillion saddle with color-coordinated stitching. Rumble Collection footboard insert, shifter pegs, brake pedal and hand grips lend a custom look, as do the Chrome Agitator wheels (19 inches up front, and 18 inches at the rear.) All in all, the Road Glide Custom weighs 807 pounds.
Injection-molded extended hard saddlebags round out the rear of the bike, with a color-matched rear fascia with LED brake/turn signals. Three color combinations are available: White Gold Pearl/Starfire Black with Real Smoke graphics, Maple Metallic/Vivid Black with Real Smoke graphics, or Candy Cobalt/Twilight Blue with Real Smoke graphics.
Swing a Leg Over: Ka-Ching!
One journalist at the 2012 CVO product launch commented that the Road Glide CVO's cockpit resembles an ATM due to its large, flat surfaces punctuated by the "Slot" for the CD player... and you know what? That observation isn't too far-fetched.
But seriously, swing a leg over the low 26.6 inch saddle, and the CVO Road Glide Custom's console has a cleanly finished, retro-futuristic air about it. Analog gauges combine with the automotive style stereo to form a series of elliptical shapes, with the rear view mirrors, speakers, and tweeters rounding out (so to speak) the package.
A flush-mounted fuel filler cap matches the black central console with the illuminated CVO emblem, completing the flush theme that carries through to the flat surfaces of the saddlebags.
The low-slung look carries through from bow to stern, making the rider feel like he or she is seated atop a sprawling piece of two-wheeled real estate; thankfully, the internally wired handlebars fall within easy reach, and the floorboards are positioned for accommodating ergonomics.
On the Road: Over 800 Pounds to Love, But Nimbler Than it Looks
At 845 pounds, the CVO Road Glide Custom is a big, lumbering beast of a bike, and its honkingly large fairing only adds to that impression of bulk.
It takes a bit of effort to heave it to vertical, but the 26.6 inch saddle makes for a hunkered down center of gravity. The Screamin' Eagle 110 powerplant runs with a nice, mellow exhaust note at idle, creating the requisite vibrational effect on the bike's body components that becomes particularly noticeable while waiting at stoplights.
The vibes escalate and diminish depending on engine rpm, and the overall impression is more a character feature than an annoyance; those who have never ridden a Harley may be put off by the sensation, but H-D loyalists consider the phenomenon par for the course. Another curiosity to the uninitiated is the noticeable heat from the engine and the way the "Heavy Breather" intake presses against the inside of your right knee; a bulky brake pedal on the right and heel/toe shifter on the left only add to the bike's chunky feel.
But once you let out the clutch and accelerate off the line, handlebar effort feels surprisingly light, thanks to the fact that the huge fairing is mounted to the frame, not the steering assembly. The Road Glide Custom is a long, heavy, cumbersome bike, but when ridden confidently, it's also capable of a few surprises: lean this land yacht into a turn, and the specifically designed Dunlops find a line and hold it reasonably well. Though the floorboards can scrape, they don't do so until 30 degrees of left turning, and 32 degrees of right turning-- not bad for such a bulky, low-slung bike.
The bike's beefy torque curve also provides enough pull to hustle that weight around quite effectively; it won't be confused with a drag bike, but the 110 engine enables the Road Glide Custom to hold its own when summoned.
The four-piston front brakes could use more feel and initial bite, but ABS makes strong stops more confidence inspiring than they could be. On the highway, the fairing allowed some turbulence into the cockpit, though the bike's narrow saddlebags and half-hearted attempt at wind protection shouldn't be a surprise to any Road Glide Custom buyers; after all, this is a bike that prizes style over functionality, and gets away with more maneuverability and livability than you might expect from such a plus-sized package. And yet, its decent stereo system, comfortable saddle, and commanding road presence also make the CVO Road Glide Custom a pleasant companion during long rides.
Road Glide riders are a particular bunch of enthusiasts, and this CVO version reflects an even narrower interpretation of that custom style genre.
Whether or not you should become one of the 2,100 CVO Road Glide Custom owners will likely depend on your personal sense of style-- not to mention your discretionary budget, since this bagger is priced at $30,699.
I tend to find Road Glides surprisingly fun to ride; their light steering belies the bulky fairing, and they really do glide across tarmac with ease.
There's a lot to be said for a bike that manages to balance style and comfort so equally, and given the CVO lineup's limited availability and consistent sellout rates, it's all but guaranteed that 2,100 well-heeled buyers will quickly CVO Road Glide Customs to their collections.
The 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) lineup features four bikes boasting heavily modified drivetrains, paint, bodywork and accessories: the Softail Convertible, Street Glide, Ultra Classic Electra Glide, and the new-for-2012 Road Glide Custom.
Only 2,100 CVO Road Glide Customs will be built for 2012, and the limited production bike is priced at $30,699, plus $380 for freight, and $200 for California emissions.
I spent a day riding the 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom through the rambling roads that wind through Napa Valley, California. How does the newest addition to the CVO family fit in with the rest of the lineup? To find out, go the The Goods.
The Goods: Chrome This, Skull That
As with all CVO models, the 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom features a seemingly endless build sheet listing numerous custom painted, hand-finished, and chrome bits. So rather than describing every last detail, let's focus on what makes the $30,699 CVO Road Glide Custom unique.
The CVO Road Glide Custom is powered by an air-cooled, fuel-injected Twin Cam 110 (1,802cc) v-twin, though this application features a "Heavy Breather" style air intake with a black anodized cover.
The mill produces a peak of 122 ft-lbs of torque at 3,750 rpm, and is mated to a 6-speed cruise drive transmission that powers the rear wheel via belt drive. Anti-lock brakes and cruise control are standard, as is a high-performance hydraulic clutch and braided steel and clutch lines.
The Road Glide's signature twin headlamp design is ornamented with a brushed nickel skull medallion (as is the fuel tank), and the frame-mounted fairing incorporates a smoked windscreen and a color-matched inner fairing. A high-output Harman/Kardon CD/AM/FM/WB audio system features two-way 5x7 fairing mounted speakers that produce a total of 200 watts, and included with the stereo is an 8GB Apple iPod Nano that attaches via an interface in the saddlebag.
A color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console displays an illuminated CVO graphic, and a custom solo touring seat has a matching detachable pillion saddle with color-coordinated stitching. Rumble Collection footboard insert, shifter pegs, brake pedal and hand grips lend a custom look, as do the Chrome Agitator wheels (19 inches up front, and 18 inches at the rear.) All in all, the Road Glide Custom weighs 807 pounds.
Injection-molded extended hard saddlebags round out the rear of the bike, with a color-matched rear fascia with LED brake/turn signals. Three color combinations are available: White Gold Pearl/Starfire Black with Real Smoke graphics, Maple Metallic/Vivid Black with Real Smoke graphics, or Candy Cobalt/Twilight Blue with Real Smoke graphics.
Swing a Leg Over: Ka-Ching!
One journalist at the 2012 CVO product launch commented that the Road Glide CVO's cockpit resembles an ATM due to its large, flat surfaces punctuated by the "Slot" for the CD player... and you know what? That observation isn't too far-fetched.
But seriously, swing a leg over the low 26.6 inch saddle, and the CVO Road Glide Custom's console has a cleanly finished, retro-futuristic air about it. Analog gauges combine with the automotive style stereo to form a series of elliptical shapes, with the rear view mirrors, speakers, and tweeters rounding out (so to speak) the package.
A flush-mounted fuel filler cap matches the black central console with the illuminated CVO emblem, completing the flush theme that carries through to the flat surfaces of the saddlebags.
The low-slung look carries through from bow to stern, making the rider feel like he or she is seated atop a sprawling piece of two-wheeled real estate; thankfully, the internally wired handlebars fall within easy reach, and the floorboards are positioned for accommodating ergonomics.
On the Road: Over 800 Pounds to Love, But Nimbler Than it Looks
At 845 pounds, the CVO Road Glide Custom is a big, lumbering beast of a bike, and its honkingly large fairing only adds to that impression of bulk.
It takes a bit of effort to heave it to vertical, but the 26.6 inch saddle makes for a hunkered down center of gravity. The Screamin' Eagle 110 powerplant runs with a nice, mellow exhaust note at idle, creating the requisite vibrational effect on the bike's body components that becomes particularly noticeable while waiting at stoplights.
The vibes escalate and diminish depending on engine rpm, and the overall impression is more a character feature than an annoyance; those who have never ridden a Harley may be put off by the sensation, but H-D loyalists consider the phenomenon par for the course. Another curiosity to the uninitiated is the noticeable heat from the engine and the way the "Heavy Breather" intake presses against the inside of your right knee; a bulky brake pedal on the right and heel/toe shifter on the left only add to the bike's chunky feel.
But once you let out the clutch and accelerate off the line, handlebar effort feels surprisingly light, thanks to the fact that the huge fairing is mounted to the frame, not the steering assembly. The Road Glide Custom is a long, heavy, cumbersome bike, but when ridden confidently, it's also capable of a few surprises: lean this land yacht into a turn, and the specifically designed Dunlops find a line and hold it reasonably well. Though the floorboards can scrape, they don't do so until 30 degrees of left turning, and 32 degrees of right turning-- not bad for such a bulky, low-slung bike.
The bike's beefy torque curve also provides enough pull to hustle that weight around quite effectively; it won't be confused with a drag bike, but the 110 engine enables the Road Glide Custom to hold its own when summoned.
The four-piston front brakes could use more feel and initial bite, but ABS makes strong stops more confidence inspiring than they could be. On the highway, the fairing allowed some turbulence into the cockpit, though the bike's narrow saddlebags and half-hearted attempt at wind protection shouldn't be a surprise to any Road Glide Custom buyers; after all, this is a bike that prizes style over functionality, and gets away with more maneuverability and livability than you might expect from such a plus-sized package. And yet, its decent stereo system, comfortable saddle, and commanding road presence also make the CVO Road Glide Custom a pleasant companion during long rides.
Road Glide riders are a particular bunch of enthusiasts, and this CVO version reflects an even narrower interpretation of that custom style genre.
Whether or not you should become one of the 2,100 CVO Road Glide Custom owners will likely depend on your personal sense of style-- not to mention your discretionary budget, since this bagger is priced at $30,699.
I tend to find Road Glides surprisingly fun to ride; their light steering belies the bulky fairing, and they really do glide across tarmac with ease.
There's a lot to be said for a bike that manages to balance style and comfort so equally, and given the CVO lineup's limited availability and consistent sellout rates, it's all but guaranteed that 2,100 well-heeled buyers will quickly CVO Road Glide Customs to their collections.
Specficiations:
- Price: $30,699
- Engine: Air-cooled, fuel-injected 110 cubic inch (1,802 cc) v-twin engine
- Maximum output: 122 ft-lbs of torque @ 3,750 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed cruise drive
- Final drive: Belt
- Fuel capacity: 6 gallons
- EPA fuel economy: 41 mpg, combined
- Frame: Tubular steel
- Seat height: 26.6 inches
- Brakes: 4-piston, dual-floating front, fixed rotor rear; standard ABS
- Forks: 41.3 mm
- Rear suspension: Hydraulic, adjustable
- Curb weight: 845 pounds
- Maximum lean angle: 32 degrees (right), 30 degrees (left)
- Audio system: 100 watt per channel (200 watt total) Harman/Kardon, including 8GP iPod Nano
- Warranty: 24 months, unlimited mileage
Who Should Buy the 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom?
Custom bagger enthusiasts with deep pockets and a slightly exhibitionist bent.
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