Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH NEW SCRAMBLER 1200 X
19.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 90 PS @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 110 Nm @ 4250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 15 L |
| Mileage | — | 22.72 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 380 | 228 |
| Seat Height | 715 | 820 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Twin 310mm discs, 2 piston Nissin axial caliper, ABS |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | Marzocchi Non-adjustable USD forks 170mm wheel travel |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Single 255mm disc, single piston floating Nissin caliper, ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | Marzocchi twin RSU’s with piggyback reservoir, preload adjustable. 170mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | 150/70 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Cast aluminum | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED (signature lighting) | DRLs LED |
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/scrambler-1200-x_my24_sapphire-black_rhs.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raven-fade.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/scrambler-1200-x_my24_ash-grey_rhs.webp |
| Cluster | 312 mm TFT touchscreen | — |
| Color Options | Raven Fade | #2C2C2E Poison Berry | #8A2F6B Blue Streak | #1F4FA3 | Sapphire Black | #242424 Ash Grey | #87868a Carnival Red | #a31f2e |
| 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. | Seat height still tall & weight heavy: While lowered vs some variants, the seat is still on the taller side and the overall mass remains substantial, which may challenge some riders. Fuel tank capacity / range trade-off: Some reviews note the fuel tank isn’t as large or optimized for very long distances compared to some rivals. Side-mounted exhaust & heat issues: The design and location of the exhaust may lead to heat transfer to the rider’s leg, especially in traffic or slow speeds. Suspension/brake spec compromises: To hit a better price point, some components (e.g., suspension adjustment, brake calipers) are less premium than higher spec variants and provide a firmer ride or less braking finesse in certain conditions. |
| 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 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is the latest evolution in Triumph’s modern classic adventure lineup, designed to deliver a perfect blend of capability, everyday usability, and British style. Positioned as a more accessible and road-friendly version of the Scrambler 1200 XC, this motorcycle retains the character and performance of its larger sibling while offering improved comfort, manageability, and affordability. It’s crafted for riders who love the commanding stance and classic looks of a scrambler but want something easier to handle both on the highway and on light off-road terrains. At the heart of the Scrambler 1200 X lies Triumph’s proven 1,200cc Bonneville High Power parallel-twin engine, producing around 89 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. This motor delivers smooth yet punchy performance with a focus on strong mid-range torque, making it ideal for real-world riding. Whether cruising on the highway, maneuvering through city traffic, or exploring gravel trails, the engine provides effortless power delivery and a distinctive twin-cylinder exhaust note. The six-speed gearbox is well-tuned, ensuring precise shifts and responsive throttle control. Triumph has fine-tuned the power delivery for the X to offer a more controlled and balanced feel, especially at lower speeds. In terms of design, the Scrambler 1200 X is unmistakably Triumph a perfect combination of retro style and modern engineering. The high-mounted exhaust, minimal bodywork, brushed aluminum details, and wire-spoked wheels give it the signature scrambler aesthetic, while practical updates such as a lower seat height (820 mm standard and 795 mm with the low seat option) make it more approachable for a wider range of riders. Despite its rugged looks, the ergonomics are relaxed and comfortable, with wide handlebars, a well-padded seat, and a neutral riding triangle that ensures fatigue-free long-distance riding. The Scrambler 1200 X also benefits from a solid package of modern technology and rider aids. It features five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, and Rider-configurable that adjust throttle response, traction control, and ABS according to terrain and riding conditions. The cornering ABS and traction control are IMU-based, providing greater safety and stability, especially during aggressive cornering or uneven surfaces. The bike also comes equipped with full LED lighting, a multi-function instrument display (with optional Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and media control), and switchable rider aids, ensuring both convenience and confidence on every ride. When it comes to ride and handling, the Scrambler 1200 X shines with its new suspension setup that’s optimized for both on-road comfort and off-road resilience. It uses Marzocchi 45mm USD front forks and twin rear shocks with 170 mm of travel, offering a plush yet stable ride over mixed terrain. The lightweight aluminum wheels (21-inch front and 17-inch rear) paired with dual-purpose Metzeler Karoo Street tires provide excellent grip on asphalt and adequate traction on dirt tracks. The braking system, handled by Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, ensures reliable stopping power and excellent feedback. In summary, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is a masterful fusion of classic styling, cutting-edge technology, and versatile performance. It’s built for riders who want the authentic scrambler experience with more accessibility and comfort for everyday use. While it may not have the extreme off-road capability of the Scrambler 1200 XE, it strikes an ideal balance for those who split their time between city commutes, weekend adventures, and highway touring. With its refined engineering, high-quality finish, and commanding presence, the Scrambler 1200 X continues Triumph’s legacy as one of the most iconic names in the modern classic motorcycle world. |
| 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 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X feels like a scrambler that has been tuned more for usability than extremes, without losing its core character. Its 1200cc parallel-twin engine delivers strong low-end and mid-range torque, which means the bike pulls easily without needing high revs, making it feel relaxed in normal riding but still capable when pushed. What stands out is how approachable it feels compared to earlier Scrambler 1200 versions, the lower seat height and softer suspension setup make it easier to manage, especially at low speeds and on uneven surfaces. On the road, the ride is stable and planted, with a suspension setup that leans slightly toward comfort while still maintaining control during faster riding. Off-road, it remains capable for trails and light dirt use, though it does show its limits on harsher terrain due to its weight and less aggressive suspension compared to the XE variant. Overall, it comes across as a more balanced and accessible version of the Scrambler 1200, where ease of use and everyday rideability are prioritised alongside its torque-rich performance., 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: What engine does the Scrambler 1200 X use? A: It is powered by a 1,200 cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve SOHC parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank, producing around 89 bhp (≈90 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at ≈4,250 rpm. Q: Will the high exhaust on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X bother you in daily riding? A: In slow traffic, yes, you can feel heat on your right leg, especially in summer or when wearing lighter riding gear. It’s not constant, but it’s noticeable enough to be part of the ownership experience. Q: Does the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X feel intimidating in city traffic? A: Initially, yes. The height and width make it feel big in tight gaps, but once you get used to the balance and clutch control, it becomes manageable. It’s just not something you forget about in traffic. Q: Can you comfortably ride the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X without standing on pegs off-road? A: For light trails, yes. But if the terrain gets rough, you’ll end up standing, mainly because the suspension isn’t as forgiving as the XE and the bike’s weight starts to show. Q: How does the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X behave on highways at steady speeds? A: It feels relaxed and stable. The engine doesn’t feel stressed, but windblast becomes noticeable above 100–110 km/h since there’s no real wind protection. Q: Is the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X the kind of bike you can just “hop on and ride” daily? A: Not really. It’s usable daily, but you’re always aware of its size, heat, and weight. It feels more like a bike you ride with intent rather than something completely effortless. Q: Does the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X feel different with a pillion? A: Yes, especially at low speeds. The added weight makes the bike feel heavier to balance, and the tall stance becomes more noticeable during stops and slow turns. Q: How often do you actually use its off-road capability in real life? A: Most owners end up using it occasionally rather than regularly. It’s capable, but the size and cost make people cautious about pushing it hard off-road. Q: Do you feel the weight while riding, or only at low speeds? A: Mostly at low speeds. Once you’re moving, the bike feels stable and balanced, but that initial weight never completely disappears in tighter situations. Q: Does the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X come with accessories or do you need to add them separately? A: The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X comes with basic items like a bash plate and hand guards, but most useful accessories - such as crash guards, luggage, heated grips, and touring add-ons—are optional and need to be installed separately based on your usage. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Electronic fuel injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | Sapphire Black | 1264100 Ash Grey and Carnival Red | 1289100 |
| 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. | Premium fit & finish: The bike is praised for its high-quality build, refined finishes and strong road presence. Powerful and torquey engine: Its 1,200 cc twin delivers solid mid-range pull and character-filled performance suited to both road and light off-road. More accessible than before: The lower seat height (around 820 mm, option to go ~795 mm) improves accessibility for a wider range of riders. Good tech & features: Includes five riding modes, cornering ABS/traction control, full-LED lighting and modern instrumentation. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed |
