How Fort Washington, MD Riders Can Choose Between Milwaukee-Eight® 117 and Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO for the Road Glide® Family
Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC - How Fort Washington, MD Riders Can Choose Between Milwaukee-Eight® 117 and Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO for the Road Glide® Family
For many riders in Fort Washington, MD, the biggest question is not whether a Road Glide®-style bagger fits the mission, but which engine and chassis package will best match how you ride most of the time. The latest Road Glide® platform pairs contemporary aerodynamics with a modern cockpit, while the CVO™ Road Glide® ST pushes performance even further with fully adjustable suspension and the most powerful production V-Twin the Motor Company has installed from the factory. If you’re weighing everyday touring needs against a desire for track-influenced sharpness, understanding the differences between the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 and the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO will make your decision much clearer.
The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 is a sweet-spot touring engine. It serves up abundant low- and midrange torque for quick passes, relaxed cruising, and confident two-up riding. It feels unhurried when you want to soak in the scenery, yet has the muscle to surge past traffic with a twist of the wrist. By contrast, the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 HO is tuned to heighten urgency. With a high-performance camshaft, a freer-breathing intake, and a higher rev limit, it produces a stronger top-end pull while maintaining tractable manners in everyday use. Pair that with the CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks and dual outboard remote-reservoir shocks, and you have a machine that responds crisply to rider inputs and rewards careful setup for your weight, luggage, and riding style.
- Power character: The 117 prioritizes broad, accessible torque; the 121 HO adds sharper response and higher-rev urgency.
- Suspension tuning: Conventional touring setup on the 117 bike suits all-day comfort; the CVO ST’s fully adjustable SHOWA® components enable precise handling customization.
- Weight and materials: The 121 HO package uses lightweight touches, like forged carbon fiber and titanium mufflers, to reduce mass and sharpen feel.
- Electronics and modes: Both platforms offer selectable Ride Modes; the CVO™ Road Glide® ST adds Track and Track + for closed-course performance exploration.
- Audio and interface: Both use the 12.3-inch TFT with Skyline™ OS; the CVO™ Road Glide® ST integrates Rockford Fosgate Stage II for premium sound.
When mapping your decision, consider your most common day on the bike. If your rides center on interstate stretches, mixed-weather commutes, and weekend loops with a passenger, the 117’s calm pulse and touring-focused chassis will shine. If you often chase technical back roads solo, enjoy experimenting with damping clicks and sag settings, or want the most assertive acceleration available from a factory Harley-Davidson® touring model, the 121 HO and its chassis partners will likely feel tailor-made.
- Define your riding ratio: Estimate how much time you spend on highways, back roads, and urban traffic.
- Be honest about pace: Decide whether you prioritize serene comfort or highly responsive handling.
- Consider setup appetite: If dialing in suspension excites you, the fully adjustable CVO™ Road Glide® ST will reward the effort.
- Think long-term: Picture your rides a year from now and choose the bike that will still match your evolving goals.
Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC offers guidance rooted in fit, function, and real-world riding scenarios, helping you translate specs and features into the everyday experiences that matter most. Beyond the headline power figures, we encourage riders to focus on ergonomics, weight distribution, and how the fairing and cockpit present information with minimal distraction. The right choice should leave you feeling fresher at the end of a long day and more connected to the road at every pace.
We are proud to be serving Fredericksburg, VA, Hughesville, MD, and Fort Washington, MD, with expertise across the Road Glide® lineup and a deep understanding of how these platforms perform in varied Mid-Atlantic conditions. Whether you are planning multi-state tours or fine-tuning a favorite local loop, aligning engine character, chassis tuning, and interface technology will unlock the best version of your ride.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What practical differences will I feel between the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 and the 121 HO?
The 117 emphasizes smooth, broad torque and a relaxed cadence at highway speeds, making it ideal for long days and two-up comfort. The 121 HO adds crisper response and stronger top-end pull, which you will notice when accelerating hard or linking quick transitions on twisty roads.
Do the extra ride modes on the CVO™ Road Glide® ST matter for everyday riding?
Yes, because they refine throttle response, engine braking, and traction strategies. While Track and Track + are intended for closed-course use, the broader mode set lets you dial the bike to different loads, road surfaces, and weather with more nuance.
How important is the CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s fully adjustable suspension if I mostly ride straight highways?
It is valuable, but its greatest benefits appear when roads get technical or surfaces vary. If your rides are primarily highway miles, the standard touring suspension will already feel composed and comfortable.
Is premium audio a meaningful differentiator?
For riders who value music and navigation prompts at speed, the CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s Rockford Fosgate Stage II system provides higher fidelity and output with seamless integration, reducing the urge for aftermarket upgrades.
Will either platform feel overwhelming for a rider stepping up from a mid-size cruiser?
Both deliver friendly low-speed manners thanks to strong low-end torque and refined fueling. The CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s performance envelope is bigger, but selectable Ride Modes and advanced Rider Safety Enhancements help ease the transition while skills grow.