Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide [2010-2016]: A Timeless Bagger with Soul

Introduction

The Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide (2010-2016) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Part of Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup, this limited-production touring machine blends brute-force V-Twin power with factory-custom flair. Designed for riders who demand exclusivity, the CVO Street Glide stands out in the bagger segment with its hand-painted graphics, thunderous audio, and a chassis built to devour highways. After spending time aboard this machine, it’s clear why it remains a legend among touring enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what makes this generation a standout.

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Design: Where Muscle Meets Elegance

The CVO Street Glide’s design is a masterclass in balancing aggression and sophistication. The iconic Batwing fairing dominates the front, housing a Daymaker™ LED headlamp that slices through darkness like a lighthouse beam. But it’s the details that scream “CVO”:

• Hand-Painted Flames & Graphics: Year-specific schemes like Atomic Red/Candy Apple Flames (2016) or Kryptonite/Black Diamond (2011) are applied by master painters, ensuring no two bikes look identical.
• Slammed Aesthetics: A tight front fender hugs the 19-inch front wheel, while extended saddlebags flow seamlessly with the bike’s low-slung profile.
• Premium Finishes: Mirror-chrome Aggressor wheels, color-matched inner fairings, and bullet-style turn signals add a jeweler’s touch.

The riding position is classic Harley—upright, with wide-set handlebars that place your hands comfortably at shoulder width. The solo seat (optional two-up) sits at 690 mm (27.2 in), accommodating riders of most heights while keeping feet planted firmly at stops.

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Engine & Performance: The Heart of a Predator

At the core of the CVO Street Glide lies the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110™ engine—a 1,801cc (110 cubic inches) air/oil-cooled V-Twin. This isn’t just any Harley mill; it’s a torque monster tuned for long-haul dominance:

• Power Delivery: 97.9 HP (71.5 kW) @ 5,100 RPM and 156 Nm (115.1 lb-ft) @ 3,250–4,000 RPM. The torque curve is flat and forgiving, pulling hard from idle to redline.
• Six-Speed CruiseDrive: The transmission’s overdrive sixth gear keeps RPMs at a relaxed 2,500–2,800 at highway speeds (110 km/h or 68 mph), minimizing vibration.
• Exhaust Note: Chrome dual pipes emit a deep, bass-heavy growl that’s music to a rider’s ears—though aftermarket slip-ons (available at MOTOPARTS.store) can amplify the snarl.

The belt final drive is virtually maintenance-free, and the hydraulic clutch lightens lever effort—a blessing in stop-and-go traffic. Despite its 398 kg (877 lbs) wet weight, the CVO feels surprisingly nimble mid-corner, thanks to a 26-degree rake and 170 mm (6.7 in) of trail.

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Comfort & Ergonomics: Touring Without Compromise

Harley’s Project RUSHMORE upgrades (2014 onward) transformed the CVO into a mile-eating marvel:

• Batwing Fairing with Splitstream Vent: Reduces helmet buffeting by 20%—a godsend on cross-country rides.
• Airflow Collection: Heated grips, adjustable floorboards, and a Wind Splitter windshield fine-tune comfort in all climates.
• Two-Up Readiness: Passenger pegs and optional seats make long rides sociable, though the stock solo setup prioritizes rider-focused ergonomics.

The suspension—41.3 mm telescopic forks up front and air-adjustable shocks in the rear—soaks up bumps without wallowing. Still, rough roads can feel harsh; upgrading to premium aftermarket shocks (like Öhlins) is a popular mod among owners.

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Technology & Infotainment: Rolling Concert Hall

The CVO’s infotainment suite rivals luxury cars:

• Boom! Box 6.5GT: A 6.5-inch touchscreen with GPS, Bluetooth, and voice commands. The interface feels dated by 2023 standards but remains intuitive.
• Boom! Stage II Audio: 600 watts powering 12 speakers, including saddlebag-lid woofers. At 80% volume, it drowns out wind noise effortlessly.
• Jukebox Storage: A lockable, USB-equipped compartment in the fairing keeps devices charged and secure.

Critics argue the system’s bass overwhelms mids at high speeds, but tweaking the dynamic EQ settings helps. For audiophiles, swapping speakers with high-end units (check our store’s audio section) unlocks clearer acoustics.

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Competition: How the CVO Stacks Up

The CVO Street Glide’s fiercest rivals include:

1. Indian Roadmaster
2. Pros: Smoother ride, modern tech (Apple CarPlay), larger cargo capacity.

3. Cons: Lacks the CVO’s visual drama and exhaust character.

4. Honda Gold Wing

5. Pros: Silky-smooth flat-six engine, superior cornering clearance.

6. Cons: Sterile personality; feels more “car-like” than soulful.

7. BMW K1600GTL

8. Pros: 160 HP inline-six, adaptive headlights, quick-shifter.
9. Cons: Complex maintenance, lacks Harley’s aftermarket customization culture.

CVO’s Edge: It’s the only bike in its class that doubles as a rolling art piece. The combination of handcrafted aesthetics, visceral engine feel, and Harley’s dealer network makes it a favorite for riders who prioritize emotion over specs.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

The CVO Street Glide is robust but demands attentive care:

• Oil Changes: Every 5,000 km (3,100 miles) with 20W-50 synthetic (3.8L/4.0 quarts). Don’t skip the primary drive fluid (1.1L/1.16 quarts).
• Belt Drive: Inspect for cracks/debris every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Replacements are rare but costly—opt for reinforced aftermarket belts.
• Brakes: ABS-equipped dual 292 mm front discs bite strong, but pads wear faster under heavy loads. Upgrade to sintered pads for longevity.
• Tire Pressures: 2.5 bar (36 psi) front / 2.8 bar (41 psi) rear. The stock Dunlop Multi-Treads last ~12,000 km (7,500 miles).

Common upgrades at MOTOPARTS.store:
- High-flow air filters for added torque.
- LED auxiliary lights for night rides.
- Custom exhausts to unleash the Twin Cam’s full voice.

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Final Thoughts

The 2010–2016 CVO Street Glide isn’t perfect—it’s heavy, thirsty (5.7 L/100 km or 41 mpg), and its tech lags behind newer models. But perfection isn’t the point. This bike thrives on raw character, delivering a sensory experience no spreadsheet can quantify. For riders who crave a blend of touring practicality and showstopping style, the CVO remains a crown jewel of Harley’s lineup.

Whether you’re maintaining a CVO or personalizing one, MOTOPARTS.store has the gear to keep your Glide gliding. From premium oils to custom grips, we’re here to fuel your journey.

Ride hard, ride loud.

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Specifications sheet

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