If anything's going to make consumers open up their wallets again, it's a cadre of innovative new products. At least that's the feeling coming out of the Motor Company lately, which just launched its blingy quartet of high-end 2011 CVO machines. Harley-Davidson was the first major OEM to announce its 2011 model releases with the unveiling of the XR1200X in early June, but it was also the first OE to offer a riding introduction for its next-year models, the 2011 Custom Vehicle Operations bikes.
Now in its 13th year of existence, the limited-run, Custom Vehicle Operations line includes one all-new CVO model for 2011, the Road Glide Ultra, as well as three returning models-the CVO Street Glide, CVO Softail Convertible, and CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide-with each boasting fresh paint schemes and other new features.
As with all recent CVOs, the 2011 models are powered by Harley's largest engine, the fuel-injected Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-twin. The package is further customized using exclusive components and graphic treatments combined with existing bits from the Harley accessories catalog. For 2011, all CVO bikes offer ABS and a factory security system (which includes a siren) as standard items. This year, the emphasis seems to be on audio and touring-amenity upgrades.
2011 H-D CVO Road Glide Ultra...
2011 H-D CVO Road Glide Ultra
Helmet: Shoei Multitec
Jacket: Firstgear Teton
Boots: Forma Sonic Winter
Gloves: Pokerun Long Textile
Each year, the CVO design crew singles out a new model for the CVO treatment, and for 2011 it's the Road Glide's turn.
The CVO Road Glide Ultra debuts as a premium touring machine that brings the popular frame-mounted shark-nose fairing to the CVO line. As you'd expect from an Ultra-designated model, the newest Road Glide blings it up plenty, ladling on a new Road Tech zumo 660 navigation system, upgraded Harman/Kardon audio with improved speakers and a solid-state iPod nano, and a two-up suspended touring seat featuring controllable heat and adjustable backrests. New deflectors reduce buffeting to the rider and a push-button, remote-control key fob activates power locks on the Tour Pak (with LED wraparound lights) out back, as well as the saddlebags and ignition.
Our short time on the Road Glide was a symphony of comfort; the H/K audio proved especially impressive, with the tweaked amp able to blast out clear notes above the ambient din of the road. Also appreciated was the cushiness of the new seat and rider-friendly zumo GPS, which audibly speaks directions so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. The new handlebars, with a longer pullback, came in especially handy when hustling the Glide through the turns, thanks to a comfortable reach and lots of leverage for the weighty machine. Despite claims of the frame-mount fairing lessening the weight being carried up front, the Road Glide feels heavier and looser through the turns than the CVO Ultra Classic.
SPECIFICATIONS
2011 H-D CVO Road Glide Ultra
MSRP: $35,999 (3,000 units)
Colors: Red/black; slate/black; ivory/gold
ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled, Twin-Cam 110 v-twin
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1803cc / 110 ci. 101.6mm x111.3mm
Valve Train: OHV actuated by pushrods; 2 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive
Final Drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Overall Length: 98. 8 in.
Wheelbase:63.5 in.
Wet Weight: 943 lbs. (claimed)
Seat Height: 29.5 in.
Rake/Trail: 26°/6.69 in.
Front Tire: 130/70B 18 63H Dunlop bias
Rear Tire: 180/55B 18 80H Dunlop bias
Front Brake: 300mm discs, dual 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brake: 300mm disc, 4-piston caliper; ABS standard
Front Suspension: 41.3mm; 4.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Air-adjustable; 3 in. travel
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
2011 H-D CVO Street Glide...
2011 H-D CVO Street Glide
In the CVO lineup for a second year is the Street Glide, which brings changes like a Road King-style tank and new paint and graphics, as well as fresh, 19-inch Agitator wheels (the largest diameter wheel offered on a Harley Touring bike). The low, hydraulic rear shocks are hand-adjustable, and a new, high-output audio system sports 6 speakers (two of which are housed in the ventilated fairing lowers for more-directed sound quality) boosted by a 100-watt-per channel amplifier. You also get an iPod nano with dock tucked into the right saddlebag. The hot-rod bagger's side-fill tank is graced with a flush-mount cap and subtle LED fuel gauge, as well as a sleek, low profile console. The slimmer seat also gets leather inserts, and the batwing fairing supports a taller, seven-inch smoked wind deflector. Four new paint schemes can also be combined with multiple finish options for a true custom result. It's lower and leaner than the other two touring CVOs and handling is a bit crisper, but the slammed suspension occasionally impedes ride quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
2011 CVO Street Glide
MSRP: $32,499 (3700 units)
Colors: Black/crimson; brown/black; orange/black; green/black
ENGINE
Type: Air-cooled, Twin-Cam 110 v-twiin
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1803cc, 101.6mm x 111.3mm
Valve Train: OHV, pushrod-actuated, 2 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection
Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive
Final Drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Overall Length: 96.2 in.
Wheelbase: 63.5 in.
Wet Weight: 852 lbs.
Seat Height: 27.4 in.
Rake/Trail: 26°/6.69 in.
Front Tire: 130/60B 19 61H Dunlop bias
Rear Tire: 180/55B 18 80H Dunlop bias
Front Brake: Dual 300mm discs; twin 4-piston calipers
Rear Brake: 300mm disc; 4-piston caliper
Front Suspension: 41.3mm telescopic fork; 4.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic adjustable shocks; 2 in. travel
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons