Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
16.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
15.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 104.6 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 20 L |
| Mileage | — | 22.2 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 380 | 215 |
| Seat Height | 715 | 880 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Disc 260 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | 90/90 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | 150/70 - 18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Cast aluminum | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | LED (signature lighting) | LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | — | 12V / 10AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Poison-berry.avif | — |
| 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 | Orange | #FF6600 |
| 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: With a tall seat (~880 mm), the bike can be challenging for shorter riders to manage, especially off-road. Wind Buffeting / Aerodynamics Issues: Some riders report significant wind turbulence and buffeting due to the screen design. Complex Electronics Overload: With so many electronic systems, new riders may be overwhelmed, and there may be occasional software glitches. Reddit users report issues like random throttle shut-offs. Reliability Concerns: There are reported cases of camshaft issues, throttle body problems, and other mechanical issues on the 890 platform. Maintenance Cost: As a premium mid-weight adventure bike, maintenance (especially for suspension, electronics, and engine) can be expensive. Limited Wind Protection: The stock screen offers minimal protection compared to more road-biased adventure bikes, making high-speed touring less comfortable. Weight: Though relatively light for its capabilities, it's still on the heavier side for serious off-road maneuvering, which some may find limiting. |
| 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 890 Adventure R is a middleweight adventure bike designed mainly for riding on rough roads and off-road terrain, while still being capable on highways. It comes with an 889cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces a little over 100 PS of power and around 100 Nm of torque. The engine feels smooth for its size and has enough strength for both slow trail riding and faster highway cruising. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, and the bike also gets a slipper clutch, which helps during downshifts and makes riding a bit easier in tricky conditions. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame, which is designed to keep the weight balanced. One of the key parts of this bike is its suspension setup. It gets fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension with long travel, which helps in handling bumps, rocks, and uneven surfaces. Because of this, the bike can absorb rough patches quite well, but on smooth roads, the suspension can feel a bit soft or bouncy depending on the setup. The ground clearance is high, which is useful when riding off-road. For braking, the KTM 890 Adventure R comes with disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. It also has an off-road ABS mode, which allows some wheel slip at the rear for better control on loose surfaces. The bike rides on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, which is a common setup for off-road focused motorcycles. These larger wheels help in rolling over obstacles more easily compared to smaller wheels. The design of the bike is quite different from regular motorcycles, especially because of its low-slung fuel tank. The fuel tank has a capacity of around 20 litres, and its shape helps in keeping the weight lower, which improves balance while riding. The seat height is around 880 mm, which is quite tall, and this can make it difficult for shorter riders to manage, especially when stopping or riding slowly. The riding position is upright, and the handlebar is wide, giving the rider better control, especially when standing and riding off-road. In terms of features, the bike comes with a TFT display that shows important information like speed, fuel level, trip details, and riding modes. It also includes electronic aids like traction control, multiple riding modes, and cornering ABS, which can be adjusted based on riding conditions. The bike also has ride-by-wire throttle, which helps in managing power delivery more smoothly. Overall, the KTM 890 Adventure R is built in a way that focuses on handling rough terrain, supported by its engine performance, suspension setup, and overall design. |
| 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 890 Adventure R is built mainly for off-road riding, and that is clear in the way it feels on different surfaces. It uses an 889cc parallel-twin engine that delivers strong and smooth power, especially when riding on open trails or highways. The suspension has long travel and feels soft enough to absorb bumps and rough patches, which helps when riding on dirt or broken roads. The riding position is upright and allows the rider to stand easily, which is useful off-road, but the tall seat height can make it a bit difficult for shorter riders. On highways, it stays stable, though wind protection is not as much as touring-focused bikes. It also comes with electronic features like ride modes, traction control, and ABS settings that can be adjusted based on riding conditions, but it may take some time to understand all the options., 4.2, 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: Is the KTM 890 Adventure R good for beginners? A: Not really. It is a powerful bike (around 100+ PS) and feels tall and heavy, so beginners may find it difficult to handle, especially off-road. Q: What is the real mileage of KTM 890 Adventure R? A: In normal riding, users can expect around 18–22 km/l, depending on riding style and terrain. Q: Is KTM 890 Adventure R comfortable for long rides? A: Yes, the upright position and seat help in long rides, but wind protection is average compared to touring-focused bikes. Q: Can KTM 890 Adventure R be used for daily city riding? A: It can be used, but the weight (around 215 kg) and height make it less convenient in traffic. Q: What is the seat height of KTM 890 Adventure R? Is it suitable for short riders? A: The seat height is quite tall (around 880 mm), so shorter riders may find it difficult to manage, especially at low speeds. Q: How good is KTM 890 Adventure R for off-road riding? A: This is one of its main strengths. The long suspension travel, 21-inch front wheel, and off-road electronics make it suitable for rough terrain. Q: Does KTM 890 Adventure R have ABS and riding modes? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS and multiple ride modes, which can be adjusted based on road or off-road conditions. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 890 Adventure R? A: It has a 20-litre fuel tank, which is useful for long-distance touring. Q: Is maintenance expensive? A: Yes, compared to smaller bikes, service and parts can be expensive, especially for a premium ADV bike. Q: What are common issues owners talk about? A: Some users mention things like electrical issues, starting problems, or parts availability delays, though this can vary by usage and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the KTM 890 Adventure R? A: It can reach around 200–210 km/h, though it is not meant for top-speed riding |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | STD | 1580000 |
| 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. | High Power & Torque: The 889cc parallel-twin engine provides a strong, torquey character that works very well on and off road. Advanced Electronics: Features like multiple ride modes (Rally, Off-road, Street, Rain), cornering ABS, MTC traction control, and Quickshifter+ make the bike very versatile and safe. Capable Off-Road Performance: With long-travel WP XPLOR 48 mm USD forks and a high ground clearance (263 mm), the R is tuned for serious off-road riding. Excellent Suspension: The suspension is fully adjustable, offering great control whether you're on rugged trails or cruising highways. Good Fuel Efficiency for Touring: Owners report good fuel consumption (around 4.4 L/100km in some tests), which makes it practical for long-distance rides. Strong Build Quality: The steel frame, durable engine design, and rugged components make it reliable for adventure applications. Rally-Ready Ergonomics: Features like rally pegs, skid plate, and a 5-inch TFT display with GPS make it a true adventure machine out of the box. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
