Quick Analysis
CVO Street Glide & Road Glide
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER
19.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 1,977 cc | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 V-Twin | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 116.6 PS @ 5020 rpm | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm (100PS rain mode) |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 litres | 30 L |
| Mileage | — | 18kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 380 | 246 |
| Seat Height | 715 | Adjustable 875/895 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Double Disc | Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers, OC-ABS, twin 320mm floating discs. Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with separate reservoir. |
| Front Suspension | 47 mm Inverted 1x1 Front Forks | Showa 49mm, semi-active damping USD forks. 220mm travel. |
| Rear Brake | Disc | Brembo single piston caliper, OC-ABS, single 282mm disc. Rear master cylinder with remote reservoir. |
| Rear Suspension | Dual adjustable emulsions suspension with remote preload adjustment on the left shock, and threaded preload on the right shock | 220mm wheel travel Showa semi-active damping monoshock, with automatic electronic preload adjustment and New Active Preload Reduction feature. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 130/60 B19 | Metzeler Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 B18 | Metzeler Karoo Street, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| 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/2025/11/1.png |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Raven-fade.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3.png |
| Cluster | 312 mm TFT touchscreen | — |
| Color Options | Raven Fade | #2C2C2E Poison Berry | #8A2F6B Blue Streak | #1F4FA3 | Jet Black | #0F0F0F Matt Khaki | #6B705C Matt Sandstorm | #C2A57B |
| 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. | Very heavy and demanding at low speeds - The bike weighs around 250 kg, which can make it difficult to manage in tight spaces or slow riding. Tall seat height can be challenging - The high seat makes it less accessible for shorter riders, especially in traffic or uneven terrain. Wide fuel tank affects movement - The larger tank increases range but can restrict rider movement slightly during off-road riding. Expensive purchase and ownership - It sits in the premium segment, with higher maintenance and running costs compared to smaller ADV bikes Requires skill for off-road riding - Despite its capability, its size and weight mean it is not very forgiving for less experienced riders Not as agile on-road as lighter bikes - Handling is stable but not very sharp when compared to lighter or road-focused motorcycles |
| 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 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is a large-capacity adventure motorcycle designed to handle a mix of long-distance touring and serious off-road riding. It is powered by a 1160cc inline three-cylinder engine that produces around 148 bhp and 130 Nm of torque. This engine uses a T-plane crankshaft design, which gives it a different feel compared to traditional triple-cylinder engines. At lower speeds, it behaves more like a twin-cylinder engine with strong torque, which helps in better control on rough terrain, while at higher speeds it delivers smooth and strong acceleration suitable for highway riding. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a shaft drive system, which reduces maintenance compared to chain-driven setups and makes it more practical for long journeys. The bike is built on a tubular steel frame with a bolt-on aluminium subframe, designed to balance strength and weight. It uses a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel with tubeless spoked rims, which are more suitable for off-road riding as they help the bike handle obstacles like rocks, sand, and uneven surfaces more effectively. The suspension system includes semi-active Showa suspension with long travel, allowing it to absorb bumps and rough terrain while maintaining stability. This setup also adjusts automatically based on road conditions and load, helping improve comfort during long rides. The riding position is upright and designed for both seated and standing riding, which is important for off-road use. The wide handlebar and adjustable seat height, ranging approximately from 875 mm to 895 mm, provide flexibility for different riders, although the height may feel challenging for shorter riders. The bike also comes with an adjustable windscreen to reduce wind pressure during highway riding. One of the key highlights of the Rally Explorer is its large 30-litre fuel tank, which allows for extended range and makes it suitable for long-distance touring without frequent refuelling stops. In terms of features, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is equipped with a wide range of modern electronics. It includes multiple riding modes such as Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, and Off-Road Pro, allowing the rider to adjust the bike’s behaviour depending on the terrain. It also comes with traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, and a 7-inch TFT display that provides information and connectivity features. Additional features like heated grips and seats improve comfort, especially during long rides or colder conditions. The braking system uses dual front disc brakes with Brembo calipers, providing strong and consistent stopping power. The overall weight of the bike is around 250 kg, which gives it stability at higher speeds but can make it feel heavy at low speeds or in tight spaces. The design reflects its purpose, with a tall stance and rugged styling suited for adventure riding. Overall, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is built to offer a combination of performance, comfort, and off-road capability, making it suitable for riders who want a motorcycle that can handle a wide range of riding conditions. |
| 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 Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is a large-capacity adventure motorcycle built to handle demanding off-road terrain while still offering strong touring capability. It is powered by a 1160cc inline three-cylinder engine producing around 148 bhp and 130 Nm, delivering a broad spread of torque with a T-plane crank that gives better low-speed control and a strong top-end response. The bike uses a 21-inch front wheel with tubeless spoked rims and long-travel semi-active Showa suspension, which helps it maintain stability and control over rough surfaces like gravel, rocks, and uneven trails. A key highlight is the large 30-litre fuel tank, which significantly extends riding range and makes it more suitable for long-distance travel without frequent stops. The riding position is upright and designed for both seated and standing riding, supported by wide handlebars and features like heated seats, cruise control, and multiple riding modes. On the road, it remains stable and composed rather than sharp, reflecting its focus on versatility across different terrains. However, its tall seat height and overall weight can make it feel demanding at low speeds or for shorter riders. Overall, the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is designed to combine off-road capability, long-range touring, and modern electronics in a package that prioritises control and adaptability across varied riding conditions., 4.6, 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 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer comes with a 1160cc, liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder engine. Q: What is the mileage of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer typically delivers around 16–20 km/l in real-world riding, depending on terrain, load, and riding style. Q: What is the top speed of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer has a top speed of around 220 km/h, depending on conditions and rider input. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer comes with a 30-litre fuel tank, which supports long-distance touring with fewer fuel stops. Q: Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer good for off-road riding? A: Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is designed for serious off-road use, with a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and off-road riding modes. Q: What is the seat height of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer has an adjustable seat height ranging from approximately 875 mm to 895 mm. Q: Is the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer suitable for beginners? A: No, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is not beginner-friendly due to its weight, tall seat height, and powerful engine. Q: Does the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer have cruise control? A: Yes, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer comes with cruise control as standard. Q: What is the weight of the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer? A: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer has a wet weight of around 249–261 kg, depending on the model year. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 6303142 | RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 GT EXPLORER | 2089000 RALLY PRO | 2079000 GT PRO | 1939000 |
| 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 and characterful triple-cylinder engine - The 1160cc T-plane engine delivers strong torque at low speeds and smooth power higher up, making it usable across off-road and highway riding. Excellent long-distance touring capability - The Rally Explorer’s large fuel tank (around 30L) allows very long range, making it ideal for extended touring. High-quality suspension and ride comfort - Semi-active Showa suspension absorbs rough terrain well and keeps the bike stable across different surfaces. Very capable off-road for its size - With a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension, it handles trails, gravel, and uneven terrain with confidence. Comfortable ergonomics and riding position - Upright posture, adjustable seat, and wide handlebar make it suitable for long rides and standing riding off-road. Premium build quality and components - High-end components like Brembo brakes and overall fit and finish are consistently praised. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6 speed |
