Harley-Davidson MY2024 Part Deux - Ushering in a New Era, Reimagining Icons and Setting New Standards? Oh, and Lots of New Paint!
Harley-Davidson's January 24 second part 2024 model announcement, the one that was ushering in a Brand New Era, revealed four new top-ticket Touring models - "a new era of touring performance, technology and design."
The Street Glide and Road Glide names may sound familiar, but we are assured that these are "all new" models, featuring a slightly enhanced version of the existing Milwaukee-Eight 117, are "more powerful, comfortable and lighter" than their existing counterparts, and "packed with advanced technology, including a new infotainment system - all wrapped up in a dramatic new visual design" (aka paint).
Described as commemorating the 25th anniversary of Custom Vehicle Operations, the new CVO Road Glide ST (the newest concept on the block this year) "takes hot rod bagger performance to the next level with racing inspired high performance suspension and brakes, a potent new Milwaukee-Eight 121 HO engine, and low final drive ratio that combine to produce the kind of acceleration and mid-range thrust aggressive riders crave."
As anticipated, there is a new Pan America, but far from catering to the volume sweet spot of the ADV market in the burgeoning mid-displacement market, Harley has 'gone north' with it and made it another top-ticket CVO offering - one featuring a "host of standard equipment [!] all wrapped up in exclusive custom paint and finishes."
Each of these 2024 models were scheduled to reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships in January 2024 - which will make those with a slew of unsold 2023 models really happy. Indeed, we here at AMD have heard that there are even some unsold 2022 models still hanging around - not many, maybe, but there some apparently.
Anyway, back to the hyperbole - "These exciting new models represent a new era for Harley-Davidson, elevating every aspect of performance, technology, comfort and style," said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. "Without question, these are the most enticing touring motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson."
2024 Street Glide and Road Glide Models - "modern yet old"
More powerful, lighter and more dynamic, both models feature all-new visual design elements that combine a cohesive dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags. Both models feature an evolved fairing profile that appears refreshingly modern yet retains H-D design DNA to make them instantly familiar.
Additional key features include an updated M-8 117 V-Twin engine that features a new cooling system, which further optimizes thermal comfort for the rider and enhanced intake and exhaust flow to boost performance. Selectable Ride Modes - Road, Sport, Rain and Custom - electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
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| CVO Road Glide ST |
Infotainment technology is powered by Skyline OS and presented on a 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen that replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches. A new 200 watt audio amplifier powers a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.
Improved aerodynamics enhance rider comfort and reduce subjective helmet buffeting at highway speed by an average of 60 percent. Rear suspension travel is increased to three inches. A redesigned one-piece seat shape and padding materials offer a significant improvement in long-range comfort for most riders.
2024 CVO Road Glide ST Model - "the force is strong with this one!"
Celebrating 25 years of Custom Vehicle Operations, the CVO lineup expands with the all-new CVO Road Glide ST.
"Representing the pinnacle of Bagger performance, the CVO Road Glide ST is the quickest, fastest and most sophisticated performance Bagger ever produced by Harley and represents a unique collection of components providing high value to performance minded riders. A deep solo seat and six-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar put the rider in an aggressive, upright position with West Coast custom style."
There are two premium paint choices - Golden White Pearl or Raven Metallic - and a Screamin' Eagle graphic on the fairing sides and fuel tank that is inspired by the Screamin' Eagle Harley Factory motorcycles raced in the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers series. CVO 25th Anniversary graphics celebrate a milestone in [volume!] factory customization.
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| Street Glide |
The 121 High Output M-8 is exclusive to the CVO Road Glide ST model, tuned to produce 127 horsepower (94 kW) and 145 lb ft (193 Nm) of torque - the most horsepower and torque ever from a factory-installed engine in a production Harley. A lower final drive ratio is selected to enhance acceleration performance in every gear.
The use of alternate materials helps reduce dry weight to 800 pounds (363 kg). Mufflers have lightweight titanium shells and forged carbon fiber end caps; forged carbon fiber composite is used to form the front fender, seat cowl and tank console; the oil pan is formed of lightweight composite; and wheel design and wave-style front brake rotors are optimized to minimize unsprung weight.
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension includes SHOWA rear shock absorbers with remote reservoirs and inverted 47 mm SHOWA 1x1 forks. Premium Brembo braking components provide outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence.
Selectable Ride Modes - Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and multiple Custom modes - electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.
A suite of infotainment technology is powered by Skyline OS. A color touch screen replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches. A premium audio system features a 500 watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers.
2024 CVO Pan America - "premium price-point rather than mid-displacement"
"The CVO program's first adventure touring (ADV) motorcycle. Features include all of the features that have made the Pan America 1250 Special a leading choice, including the smooth-and-powerful Revolution Max 1250 engine, semi-active front and rear suspension, touch screen display, selectable ride modes, and Daymaker Adaptive Headlamp technology. Rugged accessories selected to enhance the journey include Adaptive Ride Height suspension, robust aluminum top and side cases, a Screamin' Eagle quickshifter, tubeless laced wheels, auxiliary LED forward lighting and an aluminum skid plate."
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| CVO Pan America |
2024 CVO Street Glide and Road Glides - "VVT remains top-ticket only"
"In 2023, the CVO Street Glide and Road Glide models introduced a bold new design direction for the Grand American Touring platform, the extraordinary performance of the M-8 VVT 121 powertrain, advanced suspension and infotainment technology powered by the exclusive Skyline OS. The 2024 iterations of these models reprise all of those features - with exciting new color options."