2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike Review Specs Price

The vehicle in question is a specialized touring motorcycle designed for extended journeys, known for its unique aerodynamic Road Glide shark-nose fairing. This fairing has triple split stream vents strategically placed to minimize turbulence and reduce the impact of wind on the rider’s head. The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which adheres to industry standards, provides a seamless and robust touring experience. Additionally, including twin Daymaker LED headlights enhances nighttime vision remarkably. The Premium Touring suspension is equipped with a rear shock pre-load that can be easily adjusted, resulting in a smooth ride and instilling confidence in the rider. The Reflex Electronic Linked Brakes, in conjunction with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), provide a reliable and assured braking performance. The Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, equipped with a color touch screen, offers a range of features including navigation, communication, and entertainment capabilities. The review of 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike with its price and specification is given below.

2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike – Features and Specs

Sharknose Fairing

The motorcycle has a unique aerodynamic design, with a shark nose fairing equipped with triple split stream vents. These vents effectively facilitate air passage, resulting in a streamlined airflow and minimizing turbulence around the rider’s head.

Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

The maximum displacement seen on regular Harley-Davidson Touring models. Prepare yourself for the exhilarating force of 114 cubic inches, propelling you forward as you pursue the vast expanse of the horizon.

Boom! Box GTS infotainment system

The interface experience has evolved to provide a modern aesthetic, tactile sensation, and functionality while exhibiting remarkable resilience. Moreover, it incorporates a range of functions tailored expressly to enhance the riding experience. Each component is designed to maximize the rider’s engagement with the bike and facilitate connection with the broader world.

Price, Paint, and Details

The CVO Limited occupies the highest tier within Harley-Davidson’s range of motorcycles, and as such, it is accompanied by a correspondingly elevated price point. Priced at £50,395, the CVO model signifies a substantial financial commitment. However, its exclusivity, with just 1,500 units slated for production, grants owners entry into a very exclusive community.

The primary distinguishing characteristic of the CVO 120th anniversary model is in its paintwork. The motorcycle is coated in a hand-applied heritage red finish, adorned with gold-leaf effect pinstriping. It is embellished with an eagle design that seamlessly extends from the front fairing through the side panels into the rear-mounted panniers. Although the available images provide a glimpse of the bike’s paint, it was only in the Californian sunlight that one could discern and admire the many nuances of the color scheme. Located in Santa Barbara, the CVO motorcycle exhibits a vibrant display of its paint job while it is parked outside the hotel. Furthermore, other concealed features of the bike, known as “easter eggs,” become perceptible.

All motorcycles within the collection are adorned with a crimson color scheme reminiscent of an heirloom, except the CVO model, which exhibits a notably darker and deeper shade compared to the other members of the 120th family. Similarly, all the motorcycles in the 120th edition have tank emblems with a golden hue; however, it is worth noting that the CVO model stands out as the only one to exhibit a medallion adorned with 14-karat gold plating. In addition, the bike is adorned with a wide array of accessories sourced from the H-D aftermarket catalog, encompassing several desirable features like heated seats and grips. Furthermore, the bike is equipped with highway pegs and running boards, along with engine bars and luggage racks. The CVO is similarly outfitted with a Rockford Fosgate Stage I audio system, with four speakers (two located in the front and two in the pillion seat) with a powerful 100 watts per speaker.

While traversing Highway 101 on my newly acquired bike, I am reminded of the profound reverence that Harley-Davidson motorcycles command, even within the context of the relatively progressive state of California. Each pick-up truck I see while traveling is operated by a robust individual with lengthy facial hair and headwear in the form of a baseball cap – a practice that I believe is customary in that particular region. However, it is noteworthy that all individuals had an additional commonality, namely their apparent liking for the CVO. Furthermore, it is essential to note that their admiration was not just based on the model or the symbol shown on the tank. The individuals seemed to have discerned that this particular motorcycle was the commemorative edition for the 120th anniversary, maybe marking the first instance where they had seen such a bike being used on public thoroughfares. The act of raising thumbs and nodding heads reinforced the significance of this motorcycle and the brand it represents to individuals.

2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike – Ride Review

As an experienced rider of heavyweight American cruisers, I am familiar with this kind of motorcycle. Given my preference for performance motorcycles and track riding, it is somewhat unexpected that I appreciate heavyweight American cruisers to the extent I do. When operating a bike weighing 437kg, it is necessary to adopt a distinct attitude and riding technique. However, once in motion, motorcycles such as the CVO consistently elicit a significant sense of joy and satisfaction. The bike is propelled by the 117 cubic inches (1,917 cubic centimeters) Milwaukee Eight engine. The engine used in the Low Rider ST, ridden in the previous year, is identical and generates a power output of 105 horsepower (103.5 brake horsepower) and a torque of 166 Newton meters (122 pound-feet). Although the off-the-line performance of the large CVO 120th is significantly diminished compared to the Low Rider ST, it is nevertheless capable of effortlessly reaching and even surpassing highway speeds. When the motorcycle comes 75 mph and is in its highest gear, it will operate at around 2,000 rpm. At this level, sufficient power is available to overtake slower-moving vehicles without requiring a downshift from the six-speed transmission.

Furthermore, concerning the transmission, it is worth noting that all of the large touring motorcycles I have seen overseas need a whole four-fingered grip on the lever. The subsequent gear change is accompanied by a gratifying ‘thunk’ sound, serving as a reminder of the substantial gears being engaged. The gear lever has a somewhat extensive range of motion, although it consistently maintains precision. It was not until reaching the midpoint of our 140-mile journey that I became aware of the CVO’s inherent inclusion of a convenient heel-and-toe shifter. Although there was a little adjustment period, the forward controls on the motorcycle helped facilitate vertical movement inside the designated area, particularly for those of shorter stature such as myself.

Similar to the clutch, the use of all fingers is necessary for effective engagement of the front brake, especially when moderate to heavy braking is required. However, four-piston calipers and 300mm floating discs at the front endow the braking system with a significant amount of power. The CVO is equipped with a few additional features that contribute to a more convenient riding experience, in addition to its braking system. The vehicle has been equipped with electrically linked brakes and cornering ABS, which contribute to enhanced convenience and safety. Harley has made significant advancements in the field of ABS in recent years, resulting in a notably improved intervention system that operates with enhanced smoothness compared to previous iterations. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the integrated braking system had little discernible effects on both wet and dry road surfaces. I had previously experienced riding motorcycle equipped with connected brakes, and I must admit that I did not find the sensation favorable. Credit is due to Harley-Davidson for including a mechanism that effectively mitigates the sense of the pillion passenger inadvertently activating the rear brake when the rider applies the front brake.

The CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary was mainly used for traveling on the expansive roads of the Californian wine region, an environment well-suited for a motorcycle of this kind. The bike’s towering screen provides a sense of enclosure, creating a tranquil setting with little air movement. This unique feature contributes to an unparalleled level of comfort, surpassing any previous cycling experiences. The assertion that riding a Harley tourer is reminiscent of sitting in an armchair may be considered rather trite, but if the comparison is apt. The seating arrangement of the Road Glide Limited Anniversary model is notably luxurious and provides a high level of comfort. It is further enhanced by the use of oxblood and Alcantara inserts, which serve to accentuate the overall aesthetic appeal of the seat. The bike’s design facilitates a well-balanced and relaxing riding posture. The vertical bars are conveniently within reach, and only the most acute U-turns need a little extension when the front end approaches the maximum steering angle.

During our first photographic pause of the day, we deviated from the main highway onto a secondary road that meandered alongside the coastline, exhibiting a greater degree of curvature than the previously traversed routes. Controlling the CVO demanded heightened focus, mainly due to the presence of curves that reached their highest point outside the line of sight. Consequently, I found myself relying on the bike’s very robust rear brake with more frequency. However, the bike did not seem far outside its optimal performance range. Despite being conscious of its weight, the bike did not feel unwieldy, allowing me to maneuver it precisely as required.

During the touring day of our American journey, I rode two motorcycle: the bike above and the 120th edition of the Harley-Davidson low-slung Street Glide. The sequential evaluation of the two machines at the picture stop included a noteworthy back-to-back examination. It was seen that the CVO, due to its additional weight of around 52kg compared to the bagger, presented challenges while lifting the bike off the sidestand. However, when operating at moderate speeds, it was found that the heavier bike exhibited greater ease of control. The matter at hand pertains to the fairing of the CVO, with particular emphasis on its mounting mechanism to the motorcycle. By affixing the fairing, along with its corresponding electronics, infotainment system, touchscreen, and speakers, directly to the chassis rather than the handlebars, similar to the Street Glide model, the steering becomes noticeably easier at lower speeds.

Consequently, the undesirable phenomenon of handlebar wobbling that typically occurs when approaching intersections and stop signs is wholly eliminated. However, it is essential to note that this particular bike is not primarily designed for maneuvering through narrow turns or navigating urban environments. Its primary purpose lies in leisurely traveling along highways. With the inclusion of a customized playlist on the 400-watt stereo system, featuring songs such as “Sweet Child of Mine” and “Born in the USA,” the overall experience of converting gasoline into both auditory and kinetic energy is genuinely unparalleled.

Verdict

Before arriving in California for the cycling segment of this motorcycle launch, Harley-Davidson transported us to the birthplace of the brand, where we had the opportunity to see the Harley-Davidson Museum situated beside the Menomonee River. The museum tour was conducted by Paul James, the Marketing – PR Manager of Harley-Davidson. The individual paused at a particular motorcycle inside the museum, namely a twin-engine drag bike known as ‘Chrome Horse’ that was constructed by Gary “Tator” Gilmore. The individual humorously said, “Nothing surpasses excessive indulgence, correct?” Subsequently, they promptly acknowledged that, in reality, the motorcycle did not achieve a significant accomplishment. This observation serves as evidence that an abundance of resources or factors does not always yield favorable outcomes.

2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike – Price

The new 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike is available at a range of $29,399 to $33,194 only

2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited Touring Bike – Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Engine

Performance

Drive train

Chassis

Electric

Infotainment

Rider Safety Enhancements