New Pan America 1250 ST, Street Glide Ultra, Six Updated Softails, Updated Sportster S and Four Limited-Edition CVO Models
Described as a "diverse" line of bikes (!) the Street Glide Ultra is a fully equipped long-haul touring model, and the pavement-ready Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle recognizes that harsh reality of the ADV sector that the European and Japanese manufacturers have realised from the get-go - namely that some 80% of the miles done on so-called 'Dual Sport' models are in fact urban, suburban and 'peri'-urban.
The 2025 Softails see six models with "with significantly revised performance and technology features", the Sportster S model is updated with revised suspension for enhanced comfort, and the ever evolving and revolving collection of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles includes four models, completing "the most-desirable portfolio of motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson."
“higher demand and highly demanding opportunities hidden in plain sight”
Still with nothing so tawdry as a $10k brand starter (kudos the 2025 Indian Scout 1250s), these new H-D models "complete the collection of 2025 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring and Trike motorcycles."
NEW 2025 Pan America 1250 ST
By far the most interesting and likely most strategically important of the 2025 offerings, the undoubted winner has to be Pan America 1250 ST - which sees Harley stripping back its good (very good!) but regrettably unpopular (stateside at least, so far) ADV model back down to the rugged basics that will likely make it a functional downtown survivor and highway mile eater.
"Built to lean, born to roam," the existing Pan America has been "reimagined for faster, more comfortable, and capable pavement performance, with lowered suspension, quick-shifting, 17-inch wheels, high-performance tires, and a slimmer, lighter profile."
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| Pan America 1250 ST |
The hyperbole further spins it as "designed to appeal to riders ready to exchange a sport bike or streetfighter for an agile bike with more comfort and longer distance capability." But the truth is that the 1,250 cc Revolution Max platform always was a versatile, modular platform with higher demand and highly demanding opportunities hidden in plain sight.
The 1,250 cc liquid-cooled 149 hp, 91 ft. lb torque suspension and braking components will be 'Premium', with a new exhaust that eliminates the mid-chamber found on the Pan America Special exhaust - reducing weight and improving sound quality.
This first entry by Harley-Davidson in the true Adventure Sport segment is "focused on pavement performance - designed to appeal to riders ready to exchange a sport bike or streetfighter for an agile bike with more comfort and longer distance capability, but who don't desire the off-pavement capability of a fully equipped Adventure Touring motorcycle."
The tires are swapped for premium Michelin Scorcher Sport (front 120/70ZR17, rear 180/55R17) street tires, and in addition to the lowered and recalibrated suspension additional features include a new lower seat, lightweight exhaust and a Screamin' Eagle quickshifter that follows the global trend towards clutchless up and down shifts without risking transmission damage. Precise shifts are accomplished in an instant to optimize acceleration and pace during aggressive riding.
The new suspension setting contributes to a lowered motorcycle height that enhances the center of gravity and even, speak it softly, introduces a hint of the kind of dynamic handling that would likely get you through traffic in a way that most ADVs van only dream of. Suspension travel is reduced by 0.75 inches from 7.5 inches F/R to 6.75 inches F/R, compared to the Pan America 1250 Special model.
Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) automatically transitions the motorcycle between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion. The system allows the rider to mount the Pan America 1250 ST model with ease, and to confidently put feet down to the ground at a stop, by lowering the seat height approximately 1 inch.
Front suspension is a Showa 47 mm balance free fork with electronic preload and manually adjustable compression/rebound damping. Rear suspension is a Showa balance free shock with electronic preload and manually adjustable compression/rebound damping.
The one-piece two-up seat is formed to support the rider during aggressive cornering, the new slim profile makes the motorcycle appear and feel athletic and reduces weight to enhance performance. The radiator shroud is reduced in size and brush guards deleted. A low-profile smoked windshield reduces the motorcycle profile and adds sporty style. The windshield is not height-adjustable though.
Dual front Brembo monoblock, radially mounted four-piston front calipers grip 320 mm hub mounted rotors to optimize high-speed braking performance. There's a Brembo single-piston caliper with 280 mm rotor at the rear.
Five selectable ride modes electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of technology intervention. The rider may use the hand control mode button to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped. Ride Modes include Road, Sport, Rain, and two custom modes.
The 1250 ST is equipped with an extensive suite of Harley's Rider Safety Enhancements - the systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology, including Straight Line/Cornering electronically linked brakes, ABS, traction control with modes, drag torque slip control, enhanced front wheel lift mitigation (which can be turned off), vehicle hold control and TPMS.
NEW 2025 Street Glide Ultra
The second new model, the new 2025 Street Glide Ultra "elevates the long-distance touring experience. This new model combines the comfort, technology, performance and design elements introduced on the 2024 Street Glide with new features intended to support two-up, long-haul travel for riders seeking freedom and adventure."
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| Street Glide Ultra |
Additionally described as "the most capable regular-production Grand American Touring motorcycle offered by Harley-Davidson," the 2025 Street Glide Ultra is a perfectly valid and worthy addition to Harley's 'top-end' range. It is definitely an evolution rather than a revolution though.
NEW 2025 Cruiser Models
The "reinvigorated" 2025 Cruiser collection "includes six very distinctive motorcycles", each "infused with new technology, elevated performance and refreshed styling", each based on the 117" M-8, and "each representing a specific stylistic personality, from nostalgic to high performance to boldly custom" - Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Breakout, Heritage Classic, Fat Boy and Street Bob.
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| Low Rider ST |
NEW 2025 Sportster S Model
Underpinned by newly revised suspension, the Sportster S model is "designed to deliver an extraordinary riding experience rooted in the thrill of unleashing on-demand torque for an exhilarating blast of thrust and adrenaline. Its light weight, technology features and bold design appeal to experienced riders, new riders and those ready to step away from the crowd on a motorcycle that discards traditional styling tropes."
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| Sportster S |
Newly revised front and rear suspension offers a 60% increase in rear wheel travel without impacting seat height to improve rider comfort on some pavement conditions. Both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable for compression/rebound damping and preload.
2025 CVO Models
For its 26th annual installment, Harley-Davidson CVO models offer discerning riders four "super-premium, limited production motorcycle models. Each makes a bold statement of power and prestige and represents the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson style and design with new finish and design details for 2025."
CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models "elevate design, technology and performance to meet the expectations of the most demanding and discerning bagger rider."
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| CVO Road Glide ST |
CVO Road Glide ST model "inspired by the Screamin' Eagle Factory Team Road Glide bikes competing for the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers championship, combines an exclusive Milwaukee-Eight 121 H.O. engine with a host of high-performance components with attention to custom detail to create a bagger that's quick, fast and sophisticated."
CVO Pan America model, "the program's adventure touring (ADV) motorcycle, is outfitted with a host of rugged Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor accessories designed to enhance the journey. The CVO Pan America model is capable of seeking adventure where any paved and unpaved route leads its rider."
