Harley-Davidson’s 2025 CVO Road Glide RR emerges as a high-performance evolution of the iconic touring platform, blending Milwaukee’s signature brawn with track-inspired refinements. Engineered for riders demanding both long-distance comfort and aggressive dynamics, this limited-production model pushes boundaries without sacrificing the brand’s DNA.

Powertrain: The Heart of the Beast
Central to the RR’s identity is the upgraded Milwaukee-Eight 131 V-Twin, now producing 121 hp at 4,900 rpm and 131 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine benefits from revised intake geometry and a dual-stage cooling system that prioritizes throttle response during spirited riding. Harley’s engineers paired this with a recalibrated six-speed transmission featuring shorter shifts and a slipper clutch, enabling smoother downshifts during aggressive cornering maneuvers.

Chassis & Suspension: Taming the Torque
The RR variant introduces a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension system—43mm inverted forks with 10-position compression damping and a monoshock rear with remote preload adjustment. Combined with a 2.5° increase in steering head angle (now 27.5°), the setup reduces trail to 5.8 inches for quicker turn-in response. Despite retaining the traditional 64-inch wheelbase, the aluminum frame now incorporates titanium engine mounts to dampen high-frequency vibrations without isolating the rider from the V-Twin’s character.

Braking & Weight Distribution
Brembo’s Stylema monoblock calipers clamp down on dual 320mm floating rotors up front, supported by a radial master cylinder offering adjustable lever bite. Harley claims a 12% reduction in braking distance compared to previous CVO models, aided by the bike’s optimized 52/48 front/rear weight distribution. The RR tips the scales at 842 lbs wet, with its 6-gallon fuel tank positioned lower to centralize mass.

Aerodynamics & Tech Updates
The signature shark-nose fairing now integrates adaptive LED cornering lights and a reshaped windscreen that reduces helmet turbulence by 18% at highway speeds. A 12.3-inch TFT dash debuts Harley’s new Ride OS 4.0 interface, featuring predictive route adjustments based on riding style and real-time suspension telemetry. Notably, the semi-active suspension automatically stiffens when the bike detects aggressive lean angles exceeding 35°.

First Ride Verdict
Early test riders report the CVO Road Glide RR successfully bridges Harley’s cruising heritage with sport-touring precision. The revised steering geometry inspires confidence through switchbacks, while the torquey V-Twin remains uncompromised in straight-line assaults. Though priced as a premium offering, the RR positions itself as Harley’s most dynamic bagger to date—a machine equally capable of carving canyon roads or devouring continental distances.


Photos by Harley-Davidson and Brian J. Nelson.
2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR – First Ride
By Troy Siahaan
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