2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST near Baltimore, MD
2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST
The spirit of long-haul American touring lives vividly in two icons that speak to different kinds of riders yet share a common purpose: devouring miles with confidence and style. When discussing 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST, we are comparing a refined benchmark in bagger comfort with an apex machine engineered for race-bred thrills. Both benefit from the brand’s latest design language, a frame-mounted Sharknose fairing optimized for stability, and a modern electronics suite centered on a bright 12.3-inch display. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, we present both choices as complementary paths to the same destination: a more connected, more controlled, more exhilarating ride. The core difference lies in intent. One emphasizes all-day composure, improved aerodynamics, and intuitive technology. The other is a celebration of high-output performance, lightweight materials, fully adjustable suspension, and premium components. Each model brings forward the latest Harley-Davidson® engineering, rewarding confidence at low speeds and poise at a brisk pace on the open highway. Riders cross-shopping will find clarity in ergonomics, power delivery, chassis tuning, and how each motorcycle transforms time in the saddle.
| Feature | 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® | 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin | Yes | No |
| Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO V-Twin | No | Yes |
| 12.3-inch TFT Display with Skyline™ OS | Yes | Yes |
| Selectable Ride Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Rider Safety Enhancements w/ Cornering ABS | Yes | Yes |
| SHOWA® 47mm Inverted Front Forks | No | Yes |
| Dual Outboard Remote-Reservoir Rear Shocks | No | Yes |
| Forged Carbon Fiber Front Fender | No | Yes |
| Rockford Fosgate Stage II Audio | No | Yes |
| Frame-Mounted Sharknose Fairing | Yes | Yes |
Key Features
Modern touring riders expect comfort, technology, and character from the first ignition press. That is precisely what sets this comparison apart: 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST. The Road Glide® delivers a polished touring experience with improved aerodynamics for reduced rider fatigue, a rethought cockpit anchored by the Skyline™ OS on the 12.3-inch touchscreen, and selectable Ride Modes that tailor throttle response and engine braking to conditions. It is a versatile bagger that feels equally at home slicing through city streets or settling into a relaxed rhythm on the interstate. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST raises the ceiling with purpose-built features: a Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO V-Twin that is the strongest factory-installed engine in a production Harley-Davidson®, fully adjustable SHOWA® 47mm inverted front forks with 4.6 inches of travel, dual outboard remote-reservoir rear shocks, and high-strength titanium mufflers. Its Solo Seat is sculpted for locked-in control during hard launches and cornering, and its forged carbon fiber front fender underscores its lightweight, track-inspired mindset. Premium paint with a Screamin’ Eagle® graphic, Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio, and additional Track and Track + ride modes make the ST a standout. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, we help riders identify whether they prioritize refined touring composure or the visceral edge of a high-output performance bagger.
Dimensions
Touring geometry matters because it shapes rider confidence and on-road feel. The latest Road Glide® architecture focuses on weight reduction and optimized aerodynamics, enhancing stability at speed and calm airflow around the rider. The Sharknose fairing is frame-mounted to reduce steering input load, letting you hold a line with less effort when passing trucks or battling crosswinds. Saddlebag volume remains generous, striking a balance between weekender gear and daily essentials. The CVO™ variant pairs a similar silhouette with lighter components to reduce unsprung mass, sharpening steering response without sacrificing long-distance comfort. Riders who spend time near Baltimore, MD will appreciate how both setups feel planted over bridge joints and composed when the pavement ripples, while their fairings direct air effectively to keep your helmet stable and your shoulders relaxed through a full day’s ride.
Engine
Power delivery defines personality. The Road Glide® uses the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin, an advanced air- and oil-cooled powerplant known for its broad torque curve, strong roll-on acceleration, and tractable manners in traffic. It pairs elegantly with the touring chassis for effortless passing power and relaxed cruising rpm. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST steps into rarefied territory with the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO, featuring a high-performance camshaft, Heavy Breather intake, and a 5,900 rpm rev limit. Output is quoted at 127 horsepower and 145 ft-lb of torque, and the way it delivers that thrust feels immediate yet controllable thanks to precise fueling and mode-based tuning. While both engines produce the signature V-Twin pulse that riders crave, the 121 HO’s urgency, combined with freer-flowing titanium mufflers, brings a sharper performance edge for riders who want an unmistakably more aggressive response.
Performance
Chassis and electronics work together to translate engine output into real-world speed and confidence. The Road Glide®’s lighter construction, refined aerodynamics, and cast wheels contribute to nimble low-speed handling and relaxed high-speed composure. Selectable Ride Modes help set the tone for varying conditions, while the Rider Safety Enhancements suite quietly supports stability. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST amplifies this formula: fully adjustable SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks at the front and dual outboard remote-reservoir shocks at the rear provide tuning range to match rider preference, luggage load, or a spirited back-road pace. Dual floating brake rotors and premium components heighten feedback when you trail brake into a corner. Riders circulating near Baltimore, MD will notice how confidently the ST changes direction on linked parkways, while the standard model’s calm demeanor makes it a remarkably approachable, everyday touring platform.
Drive Train
Both models deploy proven driveline architecture suited to long-distance reliability and smoothness. A 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission offers widely spaced ratios that allow the engine to settle into its sweet spot on the highway while retaining crisp downshifts for quick passes. The final drive is a durable belt, minimizing maintenance and keeping driveline lash subdued during on-off throttle transitions. Clutch feel is progressive and predictable during low-speed maneuvers, and the engine braking characteristics vary with selected ride modes, helping you fine-tune how the bike settles into a corner. Whether you prioritize the relaxed, unhurried rhythm of a grand tour or the sharper cadence of performance riding, the pairing of a 6-speed gearbox and torquey V-Twin ensures intuitive control over a wide range of terrain and tempo.
Performance
Chassis and electronics work together to translate engine output into real-world speed and confidence. The Road Glide®’s lighter construction, refined aerodynamics, and cast wheels contribute to nimble low-speed handling and relaxed high-speed composure. Selectable Ride Modes help set the tone for varying conditions, while the Rider Safety Enhancements suite quietly supports stability. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST amplifies this formula: fully adjustable SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks at the front and dual outboard remote-reservoir shocks at the rear provide tuning range to match rider preference, luggage load, or a spirited back-road pace. Dual floating brake rotors and premium components heighten feedback when you trail brake into a corner. Riders circulating near Baltimore, MD will notice how confidently the ST changes direction on linked parkways, while the standard model’s calm demeanor makes it a remarkably approachable, everyday touring platform.
Chassis
Under the skin, the Road Glide® emphasizes balanced handling through mass centralization, improved aerodynamics, and cast wheels that trim unsprung weight for more responsive steering. Brake feel is reassuring, and the chassis communicates grip predictably, especially as the fairing carves clean air around the rider. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s chassis signals a different mission. SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks with full adjustability invite thoughtful setup; dialing in compression, rebound, and preload lets riders tailor feedback from the front tire. Out back, dual outboard remote-reservoir shocks deliver consistency during repeated heavy braking or extended sweeps. Cast aluminum wheels pair with dual floating rotors to dissipate heat and maintain brake performance over demanding routes. From Fredericksburg, VA, to high-country ribbons, the result is a composed, precise ride that remains engaging hour after hour.
Electric
Infotainment and rider interfaces have evolved to keep focus forward while expanding capability. Both bikes use a bright 12.3-inch TFT display with Skyline™ OS, combining gauges, navigation with traffic and weather overlays, and clear access to Ride Modes and Rider Safety Enhancements. The system places core information front and center, reducing menu-diving. On the CVO™ Road Glide® ST, premium audio with Rockford Fosgate Stage II integrates seamlessly, bringing high-fidelity sound without the clutter of aftermarket add-ons. Switchgear is intuitive, and Bluetooth pairing streamlines calls and media while gloves stay on. USB connectivity and charging support today’s navigation and communication demands. Riders commuting through Hughesville, MD, or heading out for a weekend loop will appreciate how these electronics elevate the experience: more information when you want it, less distraction when you do not.
Rider Safety Enhancements
Confidence technologies are most valuable when they remain invisible until needed. Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements operate quietly in the background, with systems such as Cornering ABS and Traction Control helping maintain stability when the road surface or weather turns unpredictable. Cornering-aware control logic takes lean angle into account for braking and power management that feels refined rather than intrusive. Selectable Ride Modes influence throttle maps and engine braking so you can adapt to rain, cold pavement, or a loaded touring configuration. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s adjustable suspension adds another layer of control, enabling riders to set sag and damping for precise tire contact over rough sections. Those who frequently navigate near Baltimore, MD will value the way these systems smooth out variable urban surfaces, steel grates, and interchanges without dulling the bikes’ engaging character.
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Choosing between 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST comes down to where your passion points you. If you want a benchmark touring bagger that blends composure, intuitive tech, and effortless power, the Road Glide® makes every mile feel natural and unhurried. If you crave the most assertive factory package, with the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO engine, fully adjustable SHOWA® suspension, and race-inspired details from forged carbon fiber to titanium mufflers, the CVO™ Road Glide® ST is a thrilling culmination of high-performance touring. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, we support both paths wholeheartedly and can help align fit, features, and riding goals. Whether your rides are short hops or cross-state treks, both machines deliver the unmistakable substance and style riders expect from Harley-Davidson®, each refined for a distinct kind of journey.