Harley-Davidson’s 2025 CVO Road Glide RR and Road Glide ST share the same lineage but cater to distinct rider priorities. While both machines prioritize touring capability, their engineering philosophies diverge sharply. Below are 9 pivotal differences defining these siblings.

1. Powerplant Tuning
The CVO Road Glide RR’s Milwaukee-Eight 131 V-Twin delivers 121 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque, optimized for aggressive throttle response via revised cam profiles and high-flow intake. The ST variant, though equipped with the same 131ci engine, is detuned to 115 hp and 125 lb-ft, prioritizing smoother low-RPM delivery for relaxed touring.

2. Suspension Systems
Öhlins dominates the RR’s setup with fully adjustable 43mm inverted forks and a monoshock featuring remote preload. The ST opts for a semi-active Showa suspension, automatically adapting to load and road conditions but lacking manual adjustability.

3. Braking Hardware
Brembo’s Stylema monoblock calipers (dual 320mm rotors) equip the RR, paired with a radial master cylinder. The ST uses Harley’s proprietary Reflex Linked brakes with standard monoblock calipers and smaller 300mm discs, focusing on progressive rather than track-ready bite.

4. Steering Geometry
A 27.5° steering head angle and 5.8-inch trail give the RR sharper cornering agility. The ST retains a more conservative 26.5° angle and 6.2-inch trail, favoring stability during straight-line cruising.


5. Weight Distribution
Despite identical 64-inch wheelbases, the RR’s titanium engine mounts and lowered fuel tank yield a 52/48 front/rear weight split. The ST’s steel mounts and conventional tank placement result in a 50/50 balance, enhancing two-up comfort.

6. Aerodynamic Upgrades
The RR features an adaptive fairing with extendable wind deflectors and a 18% larger venturi duct for reduced drag at high speeds. The ST’s fairing omits active elements but adds 30% wider deflectors for broader weather protection.

7. Tech Integration
Both models share Harley’s 12.3-inch TFT dash, but the RR debuts Ride OS 4.0 with predictive suspension tuning and lean-sensitive lighting. The ST utilizes Ride OS 3.5, focusing on intuitive navigation and basic ride mode customization.

8. Exhaust Configurations
A lightweight 2-1-2 titanium exhaust standard on the RR saves 8 lbs over the ST’s dual chrome steel system. The latter emphasizes deeper acoustics, while the RR prioritizes mass centralization.

9. Seat Ergonomics
The RR’s sculpted saddle sits 0.8 inches lower (28.3 inches) with reinforced bolstering for aggressive riding. The ST offers a 29.1-inch height, wider padding, and integrated passenger backrest mounts.

The Takeaway
The CVO Road Glide RR serves as Harley’s apex bagger, blending sportbike DNA with touring practicality. Meanwhile, the Road Glide ST appeals to traditionalists seeking comfort and tech without the RR’s hardcore edge. Both redefine Milwaukee’s bagger legacy but target vastly different checkbooks and checklists.

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