Harley-Davidson has just dropped its latest statement of luxury and power on Indian roads โ the new CVO Street Glide. With a sticker price set at a cool Rs 63.03 lakh (ex-showroom), this machine is positioned as the brand’s second-most expensive offering in the country, slotting in just below its sibling, the CVO Road Glide. This isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a fully-loaded, continent-crushing tourer built for riders who demand presence, comfort, and brute strength in equal measure.
Heart of the Beast: A Mammoth Milwaukee-Eight Engine
The core of this CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) model is its colossal powerplant. Harley-Davidson has equipped it with the biggest motor in its lineupโthe Milwaukee-Eight 121 V-Twin. This 1,982cc (121 cubic-inch) beast is a significant step up from the 117CI engine found in the regular Street Glide.
The performance figures are staggering for a cruiser: 115 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and a pavement-rippling 189 Newton-meters of torque that arrives early at just 3,000 rpm. This translates to effortless, lunging acceleration from a standstill and lazy, relaxed cruising with minimal gear shifts, thanks to its six-speed transmission. A slip-assist clutch makes navigating city traffic noticeably less taxing on your left hand.
Upgraded Chassis & Stopping Power for Confidence
While the frame remains familiar, Harley has bolted on premium hardware to match the engine’s output. The front braking system gets a major upgrade to high-performance Brembo radial calipers, offering sharper and more confident stopping power. At the rear, the suspension features a convenient remote preload adjustment knob, allowing riders to quickly tailor the bike’s stance for a solo ride or with a pillion and luggage, ensuring optimal comfort and handling on long journeys.
Unmistakable CVO Craftsmanship & Style
A CVO badge is a promise of exclusivity and hand-finished detail. This Street Glide lives up to that legacy with deep, multi-layer custom paint schemes, lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, and precisely machined billet aluminum components. Every switchgear, lever, and control feels more substantial and refined compared to the standard model.
Buyers can choose between two distinct aesthetic themes: a classic Chrome package with one color option, or a modern, aggressive Blacked-Out package offering two color choices. The overall look is that of a factory-built custom, dripping with premium appeal.
The Ultimate Touring Command Center
Built for eating up highways, the CVO Street Glide is a technological tour de force. Dominating the cockpit is a massive 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment system with updated software. It pairs with a powerful Harman Kardon audio system featuring speakers in the iconic batwing fairing and the saddlebags, creating an immersive sound experience on the move.
Safety and rider aids are comprehensive. The bike comes loaded with cornering-enhanced ABS and traction control, cruise control, hill hold control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) underpins these systems, making them smarter and more responsive to the bike’s actual lean angle and behavior.
The Elephant in the Room: Sheer Size & Weight
All this luxury and technology comes with a physical footprint. The CVO Street Glide tips the scales at a substantial 380 kilograms (kerb). However, Harley has designed it to be manageable with a relatively accessible 680mm seat height and a decent 140mm ground clearance, which should help in navigating speed breakers and uneven patches common on Indian roads.
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Battle of the Luxury Liners: Who Does It Face?
At this premium price point, the CVO Street Glide enters a rarefied arena. Its direct competitors are other full-dress luxury tourers like the technologically sophisticated Honda Gold Wing and the imposing, retro-styled BMW R 18 Transcontinental. The choice here becomes one of brand legacy, aesthetic preference, and the specific character of the V-twin thump.
