Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH NEW SPEED TWIN 900
19.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
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Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | Liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° firing order |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 65 PS / 64 bhp (47.8 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 80 Nm @ 3,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 12 L |
| Mileage | — | 24 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 380 | 216 |
| Seat Height | 715 | 780 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Single Ø 320mm floating disc, Triumph branded four-piston radial caliper, OCABS |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | NEW Ø 43mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, 120 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Single Ø 255mm fixed disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | NEW Twin Marzocchi RSUs with external reservoirs and adjustable preload, 116 mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | 150/70 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Cast aluminum | Alloy |
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/speedtwin900phantomblackaurumgold.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raven-fade.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/speedtwin900aluminiumsilvercarnivalredjetblack.webp |
| Cluster | 312 mm TFT touchscreen | LCD multi-function instrument Colour TFT screen |
| Color Options | Raven Fade | #2C2C2E Poison Berry | #8A2F6B Blue Streak | #1F4FA3 | Phantom Black & Aurum Gold | #131413, #666666, #7d674b Pure White, Maui Blue & Tangerine Orange | #f2f1f0, #cf5a00, #0081de Aluminium Silver, Carnival Red & Jet Black | #9a9c9c, #99222a, #212121 |
| 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. | Firm Ride Quality – Suspension can feel slightly stiff on rough roads, especially in city conditions. Heavy Weight – At around 216 kg, it can feel heavy during slow-speed riding or tight maneuvers. Old-School Gearbox – The 5-speed gearbox feels dated compared to rivals offering 6-speed units. Higher Maintenance Cost – Premium brand means servicing and spare parts can be expensive. Limited Features for Price – Some modern features like connectivity are optional or missing compared to similarly priced 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 Triumph Speed Twin 900 is positioned as a modern classic roadster that blends traditional styling with a user-friendly performance setup. At its core is a 900cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 64 bhp and 80 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned to deliver most of its power low in the rev range, which makes the bike feel relaxed and responsive without needing to be pushed hard. In city riding, this translates to smooth acceleration and easy throttle control, while on highways, it maintains a steady and composed cruising ability. The overall character of the engine is more about torque and usability than high-revving performance. The riding posture plays a significant role in defining the bike’s everyday appeal. It features an upright seating position with a wide handlebar and mid-set footpegs, allowing for a natural and comfortable riding stance. The seat height is relatively low, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, including those who may not be comfortable with taller motorcycles. This setup contributes to ease of handling in urban environments, especially during slow-speed maneuvers and stop-and-go traffic. Despite its approachable nature, the bike’s weight, which is over 200 kg, can still be felt when moving it around at low speeds or parking. In terms of chassis and suspension, the Speed Twin 900 uses a steel frame supported by modern suspension components, including front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. The setup is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and stability, allowing the bike to handle uneven roads while maintaining composure at higher speeds. The ride quality leans slightly towards the firmer side compared to older classic motorcycles, which helps improve control during cornering and braking, but can make sharper bumps more noticeable on rough roads. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS, ensuring consistent and predictable stopping performance. The bike also comes equipped with traction control, which can be switched off if needed, adding a layer of safety without being intrusive. The tyres are road-focused and provide adequate grip for both city and highway riding conditions. On the feature side, the Speed Twin 900 keeps things relatively simple and in line with its retro-modern identity. It features a semi-digital instrument cluster that combines an analogue-style speedometer with a small digital display for essential information. LED lighting is used throughout, and ride-by-wire throttle enables smoother power delivery. However, the bike does not focus heavily on advanced connectivity or feature-rich technology, keeping the emphasis on the riding experience rather than electronics. From a practical perspective, the fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres supports a reasonable riding range, with real-world mileage typically falling in the range of 20–25 km/l depending on riding conditions. Maintenance and ownership costs are generally higher than mass-market motorcycles, reflecting its premium positioning. Overall, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 presents itself as a balanced roadster that prioritizes ease of riding, strong low-end performance, and classic styling, offering a riding experience that is approachable while still retaining the character expected from a mid-capacity twin-cylinder motorcycle. |
| 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 Speed Twin 900 feels like a motorcycle built around ease, character, and everyday usability rather than outright aggression. Its 900cc parallel-twin engine produces around 64 bhp and 80 Nm, with most of its strength coming low in the rev range, which makes it feel relaxed and effortless in city riding as well as on open roads. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, and the bike doesn’t need to be pushed hard to feel responsive, which adds to its approachable nature. Handling is stable and confidence-inspiring, with a comfortable upright riding position and a low seat height that makes it accessible to a wide range of riders. Updates to suspension and ergonomics have improved overall comfort and control, giving it a balanced ride across different conditions. At the same time, the experience leans more towards relaxed cruising than high-performance riding, with the engine focusing on torque rather than top-end excitement, and the 5-speed gearbox feeling slightly dated compared to newer rivals. Overall, it presents itself as a modern classic roadster that prioritizes smoothness, ease of riding, and everyday comfort over outright sportiness., 4.5, 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 of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a 900 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with 8-valves and a 270° firing order. Q: How much power and torque does the Speed Twin 900 produce? A: It delivers about 65 PS (64 bhp) at 7,500 rpm and 80 Nm of torque at approximately 3,800 rpm. Q: What is the seat height of the Speed Twin 900? A: The seat height is 780 mm in the latest version. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a kerb (or wet) weight of about 216 kg. Q: What riding modes and electronic aids does the Speed Twin 900 come with? A: It offers two riding modes – Road and Rain – plus optimized cornering ABS and traction control. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and approximate fuel consumption of the Speed Twin 900? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, and real-world mileage is around ~24–25 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: Is the Speed Twin 900 suitable for both commuting and weekend rides? A: Yes — its upright ergonomics, manageable seat height, and smooth engine make it well-suited for everyday use, while its performance and premium build make it fun for weekend escapes. Q: What is the starting price of the Speed Twin 900 in India? A: In India, the ex-showroom price starts at around ₹ 9.7 lakh for the standard variant. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Multipoint fuel injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | Aluminium Silver Carnival Red/Jet Black | 971300 Phantom Black Aurum Gold | 971300 Pure White Maui Blue Tangerine Orange | 1021300 |
| 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. | Strong Torque Delivery – The 900cc parallel-twin engine offers excellent low-end and mid-range torque, making it easy and enjoyable to ride in both city and highway conditions. Easy & Friendly Ride – Despite its size, the bike feels forgiving and manageable, which makes it accessible even for less experienced riders. Classic Yet Modern Design – Blends retro styling with modern components, giving it a timeless look with contemporary performance. Comfortable Ergonomics – Upright seating position and low seat height make it comfortable for daily riding and longer journeys. Good Handling Balance – Stable and predictable handling with improved suspension setup makes it confidence-inspiring on different road conditions. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5 speed |
