Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
16.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 Adventure
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 398.63 |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, DOHC, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 46 PS @ 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 39 Nm @ 6500 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 14.5 |
| Mileage | — | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 380 | 182 |
| Seat Height | 715 | 830 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Switchable ABS |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Disc Front 320 mm 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | Adjustable (30 step Damping) - Inverted Telescopic Fork, 43 mm dia (open cartridge), Travel - 230 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Disc Front 240 mm 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | WP Apex Split Piston, Travel - 230 mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | 140/80-18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Cast aluminum | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED (signature lighting) | LED headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Poison-berry.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Adventure_White.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raven-fade.avif | — |
| Cluster | 312 mm TFT touchscreen | — |
| Color Options | Raven Fade | #2C2C2E Poison Berry | #8A2F6B Blue Streak | #1F4FA3 | Electronic Orange | #FF5F00 Ceramic White | #F2F2F2, #FF5F00 |
| 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. | High Seat Height: The tall seat (830 mm or more) may be challenging for shorter riders to handle, especially when off-road. Vibrations: The single-cylinder engine can produce significant vibration at higher RPMs, which might reduce comfort on long rides. Wind Turbulence: Due to the slim fairing and windscreen design, riders can feel wind buffeting at high speeds. Limited Low-End Torque: While power is good, the engine’s torque at very low RPMs can feel a bit lacking, requiring frequent downshifts. Firm Suspension for City Use: The long-travel suspension is optimized for rougher roads but may feel harsh on smooth city streets. Electronics Complexity: With its rich electronics suite, it can be overwhelming for beginners or riders who prefer simplicity; also, more electronic components mean higher maintenance risk. Rear Seat Comfort: The pillion seat and footpeg position may not be very comfortable for long rides or standing on trails. Service Cost: Premium suspension, electronics, and design make its maintenance cost higher than typical commuter bikes. |
| 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 KTM 390 Adventure is a refined mid-sized adventure bike that skillfully balances on-road usability with real off-road capability, making it appealing for both everyday commuters and weekend explorers. The 2025 generation brings significant upgrades, including a more powerful 398.6-cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces about 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This increase in displacement over its predecessor provides smoother power delivery, better low-end grunt, and added reserve for spirited riding. One of the biggest draws of the 390 Adventure is its chassis and suspension setup, which is built to handle a variety of surfaces. It now runs on a 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, both spoke-tubed, which improves its off-road capability. The front suspension is handled by WP APEX 43 mm USD forks with 200 mm of travel, while the rear gets a monoshock with 205 mm of travel, offering impressive compliance and control over rough terrain. Ground clearance has also been raised to 227 mm, giving it a more aggressive off-road stance. Despite its off-road chops, the 390 Adventure remains comfortable for everyday commuting and long-distance touring. Its seat height is lowered to 830 mm, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders. The ergonomic design includes an upright riding position, wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat, allowing for hours in the saddle without too much fatigue. Fuel capacity is 14.5 liters, which, when combined with its efficiency, gives it an impressive practical range — many riders estimate over 300 km on a full tank. Electronics are a highlight for this model. The 390 Adventure comes loaded with cornering ABS, switchable off-road ABS, traction control (MTC), ride-by-wire throttle, and several riding modes (such as Street, Rain, Off-road). It also includes a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper-assist clutch, making gear changes smoother and more seamless. The instrument cluster is a bright, 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via KTM MY RIDE, allowing for turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and music control. On the road, the 390 Adventure excels with its agile frame and manageable weight (kerb weight is about 182 kg per KTM’s 2025 spec sheet), which contribute to confidence in both urban traffic and fast highway runs. The power delivery is linear yet responsive, making overtakes easy and enjoyable. Off-road, the bike’s long-travel suspension, tall wheels, and electronic aids allow it to tackle gravel, dirt trails, and light terrain with surprising competence. That said, there are some trade-offs. The fuel efficiency on real-world rides can be lower than claimed, especially when pushing hard or riding in mixed terrain: in a Team-BHP test, the observed economy dipped to ~20 km/l under aggressive or mixed usage. Also, some riders note that the seat could benefit from softer padding for very long rides, and wind protection is moderate despite the adjustable windscreen. In summary, the KTM 390 Adventure is a well-rounded and highly capable machine for riders who want an accessible, lightweight ADV that doesn’t compromise on performance or electronics. Whether you’re doing daily commuting, touring through highways, or exploring off-road trails, this bike gives you a compelling mix of versatility, modern tech, and genuine adventure DNA — all wrapped up in KTM’s signature ‘Ready to Race’ spirit. |
| 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 KTM 390 Adventure is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing around 43–45 bhp and 37 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch and quickshifter. The engine delivers strong mid-range performance and builds speed quickly, making highway riding feel effortless, while in city conditions it needs more gear shifts to stay smooth. It uses a steel trellis frame with long-travel suspension, including USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, tuned more towards stability than softness, which works well on highways but can feel slightly firm on sharp bumps. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and tall seat height (around 830–855 mm) give it a commanding stance, though shorter riders may find it difficult in traffic. Braking is handled by disc brakes with cornering ABS, offering controlled stopping performance. The bike also comes with features like traction control, riding modes, ride-by-wire throttle, and a TFT display with connectivity, while a 14.5-litre fuel tank, LED lighting, and windscreen support longer rides and varying road conditions., 4.4, 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. | Q: What is the engine capacity, power & torque of the KTM 390 Adventure? A: The KTM 390 Adventure has a 373.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. In newer or updated versions, the displacement is ~398.6 cc, producing 46 PS and 39 Nm of torque. Q: What kind of transmission does KTM 390 Adventure use? A: The bike uses a 6-speed gearbox. Q: What’s the fuel tank capacity and how much fuel can KTM 390 Adventure carry? A: The 390 Adventure has a 14.5-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the seat height & ground clearance of KTM 390 Adventure? A: The standard seat height is 830 mm (or 855 mm on some variants) per the spec sheet. The ground clearance is about 200 mm. Q: What suspension setup does the 390 Adventure have? A: It is equipped with WP APEX 43 mm USD front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. Q: What are the braking systems and ABS features available in KTM 390 Adventure? A: The bike uses 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc. For safety, it comes with cornering ABS and off-road ABS mode. Q: What rider aids / electronics does the 390 Adventure come with? A: It features motorcycle traction control (MTC) with a 3D IMU, switchable ABS, a ride-by-wire throttle, and riding modes. Bajaj Auto It also has a slipper-assist clutch. Q: What kind of instrument cluster is fitted on the 390 Adventure? A: The bike comes with a 5-inch TFT display that shows information like speed, trip, fuel, gear position, and more. Q: Is the 390 Adventure suitable for touring and off-road use? A: Yes, with its long-travel suspension (170 mm front, 177 mm rear), decent ground clearance, and off-road ABS mode, it is designed to handle light to moderate off-road trails as well as long touring trips. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 390 Adventure? A: The kerb (or wet) weight is around 183 kg according to Autocar India. Q: What is the mileage (fuel efficiency) of the 390 Adventure? A: According to Autocar India, the 390 Adventure’s claimed mileage is around 30 km/l. Some real-world riders report similar or slightly varied fuel efficiency. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | R | 378405 STD | 397235 |
| 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. | Excellent Power-to-Weight Ratio: Its 373 cc engine delivers strong performance while keeping the bike relatively light, ideal for both touring and trails. Advanced Electronics Suite: Equipped with features like traction control, cornering ABS, quickshifter, and ride modes, a very modern setup. Long-Travel Suspension: WP APEX USD forks and a quality monoshock offer good suspension travel and ride comfort on rough terrain. High Ground Clearance: Good off-road capability thanks to its significant ground clearance (around 200 mm). Off-Road-Friendly Braking: Supermoto ABS mode lets you lock the rear wheel slightly helpful on dirt or gravel. Long Range for Touring: A reasonably large fuel tank combined with good fuel efficiency enables long-distance road trips. Comfortable Ergonomics: Upright seating, tall handlebars, and good seat height make it comfortable for long rides and standing on trails. Strong Build Quality: Solid trellis frame and quality components make the bike robust and durable for adventure use. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
