Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
22.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
JAWA 42
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 294.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 27.3 PS |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 26.8 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 13.2 L |
| Mileage | — | 33 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 380 | 184 |
| Seat Height | 715 | 788 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | Alloy/Spokes wheel - 90/90-18, 51P |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | Alloy/Spokes Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Cast aluminum | Alloy/Spokes |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | LED (signature lighting) | LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | — | MF Battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Poison-berry.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp |
| Bike Image 10 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42cosmicrockdt.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raven-fade.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42asteroidgrey.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42nebulablue.webp |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermatte.webp |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42allstarblackmatte.webp |
| Bike Image 7 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermattedt.webp |
| Bike Image 8 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42starshipbluedt.webp |
| Bike Image 9 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42infinityblackmattedt.webp |
| Cluster | 312 mm TFT touchscreen | — |
| Color Options | Raven Fade | #2C2C2E Poison Berry | #8A2F6B Blue Streak | #1F4FA3 | Vega White | #F5F5F5 Voyager Red | #8B1E2D Asteroid Grey | #6B6F76 Odyssey Black | #0F0F10 Nebula Blue | #1F3A5F Celestial Copper Matte | #A65E2E Orion Red Matte | #6E1A1F Sirius White Matte | #EDEDED All Star Black Matte | #1C1C1C Cosmic Rock Dual Tone | #5A4A3F Celestial Copper Matte Dual Tone | #B87333 Starship Blue Dual Tone | #2E4A7D Infinity Black Matte Dual Tone | #2B2B2B Cosmic Carbon Dual Tone | #3A3A3A Ivory | #F8F1D4 |
| Cons | Weight Is Always Part of the Experience – Despite refinements to the chassis and engine, these remain large touring motorcycles that require effort when manoeuvring at walking pace or parking. Purchase Price Places Them in a Very Exclusive Segment – The CVO range sits at the top of Harley-Davidson's lineup and costs significantly more than standard touring models. The Size Can Be Limiting in Urban Environments – Dense traffic, narrow roads, and tight parking spaces highlight the physical dimensions of the motorcycles. Premium Paint Requires Care – The complex paint finishes are a major part of the motorcycles' appeal, but they can also make owners more cautious about scratches, chips, and cosmetic damage. Engine Heat Is Still Noticeable in Slow Traffic – Although modern engine management has improved thermal control, a large-capacity V-twin still generates noticeable heat during prolonged stop-and-go riding. Most of Their Strengths Are Best Appreciated on Open Roads – Features such as the fairing, luggage capacity, and touring ergonomics become less relevant during short urban rides. Replacement Parts and Accessories Can Be Expensive – Premium components and model-specific parts typically cost more than those used on standard motorcycles. The Feature List Can Feel Overwhelming to Some Riders – Compared with traditional Harley-Davidsons, the amount of technology and menu-based customization is considerably greater. | It’s not a performance-focused bike: top-end acceleration and high-speed punch are modest compared to sportier or more powerful motorcycles. If you crave quick bursts or aggressive overtakes, the 42 might feel a bit reserved. At around 180+ kg kerb-weight, it’s not the lightest manoeuvring at very low speeds or parking sometimes feels a bit heavyish for inexperienced riders. While suspension is comfortable and balanced, it doesn’t offer sporty handling or sharp cornering agility. On twisty roads or aggressive riding, the bike doesn’t inspire a sport-bike vibe. For fully-loaded touring (pillions, luggage, rough terrain), the comfort and power are only average: it’s more of a commuter-plus or mild-tourer than a long-distance tourer. Because it aims for balance, it doesn’t shine in any single category. It may leave riders who want either pure vintage simplicity or modern performance wanting more. Tubeless/Alloy wheel + disc-brake setup is good, but tyre size and ground clearance (typical of this class) might limit comfort on severely broken or off-road conditions. Maintenance and running costs, while reasonable for a 300 cc class bike, will still be higher than basic commuter bikes fuel, maintenance, and insurance will be more than a small-capacity commuter. |
| Detailed Overview | The CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide sit at the top of Harley-Davidson’s touring range. While they share their foundations with the standard Street Glide and Road Glide, the CVO versions are built around a more extensive specification list, additional equipment, and exclusive finishes. Mechanically, the two motorcycles are very closely related, with the main distinction continuing to be the fairing design. The Street Glide uses Harley-Davidson’s Batwing fairing, mounted directly to the forks, while the Road Glide uses the Sharknose fairing that is attached to the frame. That difference affects the appearance of the motorcycles and contributes to subtle changes in steering feel and wind management, but the overall purpose remains the same. At the centre of both motorcycles is the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine. With a displacement of 1,977cc, it is one of the largest engines currently used in Harley-Davidson’s production motorcycles. Unlike earlier generations of large-capacity V-twins that relied on a relatively fixed valve setup, this engine incorporates Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The system continuously adjusts valve timing depending on engine speed and load, allowing the engine to operate differently across various riding conditions. A six-speed transmission transfers power to the rear wheel, and the engine remains a defining part of the motorcycles’ overall character due to both its size and configuration. The touring chassis underneath is designed around stability, passenger accommodation, and luggage carrying capability. Large dimensions and a substantial wheelbase contribute to the motorcycles’ presence on the road, while suspension components are tuned to support the weight of the machine, rider, passenger, and luggage. The setup is intended to maintain composure during extended highway use rather than prioritize rapid direction changes or sporty handling characteristics. One of the most visible differences between the CVO models and Harley-Davidson’s smaller motorcycles is the level of equipment integrated into the design. Both motorcycles feature hard saddlebags that form part of the bodywork rather than appearing as separate accessories. These storage compartments are designed to carry luggage while maintaining the motorcycles’ touring-focused appearance. Passenger accommodation is also a significant consideration, with large seats and ergonomics developed around long-distance travel. Technology plays a much larger role than it did on Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles of previous generations. A large TFT display serves as the central interface for navigation, vehicle information, media controls, and smartphone connectivity. Riders can interact with various settings through the display, while multiple electronic rider-assistance systems operate in the background. These include cornering-sensitive ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, hill-hold control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and selectable ride modes. Rather than existing as isolated features, these systems are integrated into the motorcycle’s broader electronic architecture. The motorcycles carry a fuel tank with a capacity of approximately 22.7 litres, reflecting their intended use as long-distance touring machines. Lighting systems use modern LED technology throughout, while premium audio components are incorporated into the fairing. These audio systems form part of the touring experience and are integrated directly into the motorcycles rather than being added as aftermarket accessories. Although the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide share most of their major specifications, the Batwing and Sharknose fairings remain the defining visual and functional distinction between them. Beyond that difference, both motorcycles combine a large-capacity V-twin engine, touring-oriented chassis, integrated luggage, extensive electronic rider aids, and a substantial amount of onboard technology. Their specifications are arranged around the requirements of long-distance road travel, carrying both rider and passenger while accommodating luggage and electronic conveniences within a single touring platform. | The Jawa 42 is built around a 294cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 27 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. It uses a 6-speed gearbox, and the power delivery feels focused more on low and mid-range speeds rather than high-speed riding. The engine is paired with a fuel injection system, which helps in smoother throttle response during regular use. The bike also comes with a double cradle frame, which forms the base of its structure and supports its overall balance on the road. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a seat height of around 788 mm, which makes it accessible for a wide range of riders. The kerb weight is close to 182 kg, depending on the variant, and the fuel tank capacity stands at 13.2 litres. These numbers place it in line with other motorcycles in the same category. The riding position is set up with a slightly forward-leaning handlebar and mid-set foot pegs, which creates a neutral stance for both city rides and occasional longer trips. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is quite common in this segment and is tuned to handle everyday road conditions. The bike rides on either spoke wheels with tube tyres or alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, depending on the variant chosen. Wheel size remains consistent, with a 18-inch front and 17-inch rear combination, which affects the way the bike handles uneven roads and corners. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both ends. The front gets a 280 mm disc, while the rear has a 240 mm disc. The bike is available in both single-channel and dual-channel ABS options, again depending on the variant. This gives buyers a choice based on their budget and requirement. The braking setup is designed to offer controlled stopping without being overly sharp or aggressive. On the feature side, the Jawa 42 keeps things simple. It uses a single-pod instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level and other essential indicators. Lighting is mostly halogen-based, though some variants may include LED elements for the tail lamp. The overall feature list is not very extensive, and the focus remains on core riding functions rather than added technology. The bike is available in multiple colour options, including both single-tone and dual-tone finishes. Some colours are limited to higher variants that come with alloy wheels and dual-channel ABS, while simpler colours are offered with spoke wheels and single-channel ABS. This variation in colours and variants also affects the overall pricing and positioning of the bike within its segment. |
| Expert Review | The CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide are less about introducing a fundamentally different riding experience and more about showing what Harley-Davidson's touring platform looks like when fitted with the company's highest-specification components and finishes. Beneath the exclusive paintwork, upgraded audio systems, and model-specific details, both motorcycles retain the core characteristics of Harley-Davidson's touring family. The Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine brings a broader spread of performance than earlier touring engines, while the latest electronics package introduces a level of rider assistance and connectivity that would have been uncommon on Harley-Davidson motorcycles a decade ago. The distinction between the two models still comes primarily from their fairing designs. The Street Glide's fork-mounted Batwing fairing contributes to a different steering feel than the Road Glide's frame-mounted Sharknose setup, and riders often have strong preferences between the two approaches. Beyond that, both motorcycles are shaped by the same priorities: long-distance travel, rider comfort, luggage capacity, and highway stability. Their size, weight, and cost remain significant parts of the ownership experience, and those characteristics are difficult to separate from the motorcycles themselves. Rather than redefining the touring formula, the CVO models refine it through additional equipment, upgraded finishes, and a more comprehensive feature set., 4.7, MotoAutiv Team | The Jawa 42 carries a design that draws from older Jawa motorcycles, but the finish and small details give it a slightly updated feel without changing the overall character. The riding position is upright and comfortable for daily use, with an easy seat height, though the seat can feel firm after longer rides. Its 294cc liquid-cooled engine responds quickly at low speeds, making city riding smooth, but it starts to feel a bit stressed when pushed harder on open roads. The gearbox works well most of the time, although mild vibrations can be noticed at higher revs. Handling is simple and predictable, with stable straight-line behaviour, while the suspension feels slightly stiff over rough patches. Braking setup varies across variants, and while it does the job, the feel at the lever is something riders may take time to get used to., 3.8, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What does CVO stand for? A: CVO stands for Custom Vehicle Operations, Harley-Davidson's factory-custom division responsible for producing limited-production, premium-specification motorcycles. Q: What is the difference between the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide? A: The primary difference is the fairing design. The CVO Street Glide uses a fork-mounted Batwing fairing, while the CVO Road Glide uses a frame-mounted Sharknose fairing. The engine, electronics package, and overall touring purpose are largely similar. Q: Which engine powers the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide? A: Both motorcycles use the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 V-twin engine with a displacement of approximately 1,977cc. Q: What does VVT mean? A: VVT stands for Variable Valve Timing, a system that adjusts valve operation to improve performance, efficiency, and torque delivery across different engine speeds. Q: Are the CVO models more powerful than standard Street Glide and Road Glide models? A: Yes. The CVO models receive the larger Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, while standard models use smaller versions of the Milwaukee-Eight engine. Q: Do the CVO models come with navigation? A: Yes. Both motorcycles feature a large TFT display with integrated navigation, smartphone connectivity, and infotainment functions. Q: Do they have cruise control? A: Yes. Electronic cruise control is standard equipment. Q: Are saddlebags included as standard? A: Yes. Integrated hard saddlebags are part of the standard touring package. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is approximately 22.7 litres. Q: Do the motorcycles have ride modes? A: Yes. Multiple ride modes are available, allowing riders to alter throttle response and electronic intervention settings. Q: Are the CVO models comfortable for two-up touring? A: Yes. The seating layout, passenger accommodations, luggage capacity, and touring ergonomics are designed with long-distance two-up riding in mind. Q: Do they include rider-assistance systems? A: Yes. Features include cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, hill-hold control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and other electronic rider aids. Q: What is the approximate kerb weight? A: Depending on specification, the motorcycles weigh approximately 380–400 kg in running condition. Q: Can they be used for daily commuting? A: They can be ridden daily, but their size, weight, and touring-focused design make them better suited to open roads and highway travel than dense urban traffic. Q: What body type do the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide belong to? A: Both are classified as Touring Motorcycles, more specifically Luxury Grand Touring Motorcycles. Q: Are CVO motorcycles limited-production models? A: Yes. CVO motorcycles are produced in smaller numbers than Harley-Davidson's standard models and typically feature exclusive paint schemes, finishes, and equipment packages. | Q1. Is the Jawa 42 good for daily commuting? Yes, the Jawa 42 works very well as a daily ride. Its engine is smooth in the low and mid-range, the riding posture is comfortable, and the bike feels easy to handle in traffic once it’s moving. The 6-speed gearbox also helps during mixed city and highway use. Q2. What is the real-world mileage of the Jawa 42? In normal riding conditions, most owners get somewhere around 30–35 km/l. Mileage can vary based on traffic, riding style, and how often you ride in lower gears. Q3. Can the Jawa 42 handle long highway rides? Absolutely. The bike maintains a relaxed rhythm at cruising speeds, and the liquid-cooled engine stays stable on longer stretches. The seat and riding triangle are designed to reduce fatigue, making weekend trips and short tours comfortable. Q4. Is the engine reliable for long-term use? The 294.7 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine is built to be durable and refined. With regular maintenance and quality engine oil, the bike holds up well over the years and remains smooth even with daily use. Q5. How is the suspension comfort on bad roads? The suspension tuning leans toward comfort. The front forks and adjustable rear shocks absorb bumps reasonably well, making the bike suitable for broken city roads and uneven surfaces. Q6. Does the Jawa 42 vibrate at high speeds? The bike handles vibrations better than many retro-styled motorcycles. Mild buzz may appear at very high speeds, but cruising at moderate highway speeds remains smooth and manageable. Q7. Is the seat height suitable for shorter riders? Yes, the seat height is around 788 mm, which most riders can comfortably manage. Even shorter riders usually find it easy to place their feet on the ground. Q8. How are the brakes on the Jawa 42? With disc brakes at both ends and ABS, braking performance is confident and predictable. It offers good stopping power and remains stable even during sudden braking. Q9. Is the Jawa 42 heavy to manage? The weight feels slightly noticeable when pushing it while parked, but once moving, the bike becomes easy to maneuver. Its balance and geometry help it feel lighter than it actually is. Q10. What is the service cost like? Service costs are generally moderate for a 300 cc bike. Routine maintenance, oil changes, and consumables stay within a reasonable range, though prices can vary slightly between dealerships. Q11. Is the Jawa 42 suitable for beginners? Yes, it can be a good choice for new riders. The power delivery is smooth, the handling is friendly, and it doesn’t intimidate you with sudden acceleration. It’s a comfortable, approachable motorcycle for learning and improving skills. Q12. Does the Jawa 42 have tubeless tyres? Yes, the alloy wheel variants come with tubeless tyres, which is a major advantage for daily riders as they make puncture handling much easier. Q13. What is the fuel tank capacity? The bike carries a 13.2-litre tank, giving a comfortable riding range for both city commutes and weekend rides. Q14. What makes the Jawa 42 different from other retro bikes? It stands out for blending classic looks with a smoother, more modern engine feel. The liquid-cooled DOHC engine, 6-speed gearbox, and better high-speed refinement give it a more contemporary riding character while still keeping the vintage charm. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | Vega White Single Channel Spoke | 159431 Voyager Red Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Aestroid Grey Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Odysse Black Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Vega White Dual Channel Spoke | 168650 Asteroid Grey Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Odyssey Black Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Voyager Red Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 184942 Ivory | 184950 Sirius White Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 189142 Cosmic Rock Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 192942 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Nebula Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Starship Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 All Star Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Infinity Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 198142 Cosmic Carbon Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Orion Red Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 |
| Pros | Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine Adds Another Layer of Performance – The 1,977cc engine delivers strong torque throughout the rev range, but the addition of variable valve timing broadens the power delivery compared to Harley-Davidson's previous large-capacity touring engines. Extensive Factory Equipment – Unlike standard touring models that are often customized after purchase, the CVO models arrive with premium audio systems, upgraded finishes, advanced electronics, and exclusive components already fitted. Premium Paint and Finish Quality – The multi-layer paint schemes, intricate graphics, and detailing are among the most elaborate finishes Harley-Davidson applies to production motorcycles. Advanced Touring Technology – Features such as the large TFT display, navigation, ride modes, adaptive rider aids, premium audio systems, and smartphone connectivity form a substantial part of the ownership experience. Long-Distance Comfort Remains a Core Focus – The seating position, wind protection, and touring ergonomics are designed around spending extended periods on the road. Strong Highway Stability – Both motorcycles are developed primarily for highway use, where their weight, chassis, and fairing designs contribute to a planted feel. Integrated Luggage and Touring Practicality – Saddlebags are part of the design rather than an accessory, providing useful storage without altering the motorcycle's appearance. Distinctive Presence Compared With Standard Models – Beyond the paintwork, the wheels, trim pieces, finishes, and component choices make the CVO models visually different from standard Street Glide and Road Glide variants. | The 294.7 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC engine delivers smooth, usable power. It’s strong enough for city traffic and highway cruising without being overly aggressive ideal for a daily ride or a relaxed weekend cruise. The 6-speed gearbox is a big plus: it helps keep the engine relaxed at higher speeds and offers flexibility for tight city riding, which makes the bike versatile whether you’re commuting or touring. Suspension and chassis setup balance comfort and stability nicely. The telescopic front forks and adjustable twin rear shocks soak up urban bumps and rough roads reasonably well, yet the bike remains composed on smoother roads. Handling and ergonomics suit a wide range of riders. Seat height and geometry keep the bike manageable in traffic or tight spots; once moving, the weight feels stable but not cumbersome. Disc brakes (front and rear) with ABS give reliable stopping power and good braking confidence good for unpredictable traffic or sudden stops. The 13-litre fuel tank and respectable real-world mileage make it practical for daily use without frequent fuel stops. Blend of retro styling and modern engineering: it gives the classic-bike look and relaxed feel but with contemporary performance, maintenance comfort, and features like alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Comfortable riding posture makes it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides; it's not tiring or too aggressive, which broadens the use-case beyond just city or weekend use. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-Speed |
