Fearsome Foursome | Harley’s New 2012 CVO Models
CVO Road Glide Custom in Maple Metallic and Vivid Black with Real Smoke Graphics (MSRP $30,699).
CVO Road Glide Custom in Maple Metallic and Vivid Black with Real Smoke Graphics (MSRP $30,699).
For 2012, the CVO RG features new black internally wired handlebars with matching black hand controls. Audio has been bumped up with a new high-output audio system with 100 watts of power per channel (200 total). Two 5×7-inch MTX Audio two-way fairing speakers have been added along with a pair of tweeters replacing the air and fuel gauges (the fuel gauge is a flush-mount LED in the left side tank cap). You can load up your tunes on the included 8GB iPod Nano. »
In our opinion the White Gold Pearl and Starfire Black with Real Smoke graphics version is at the top of the CVO food chain. The new Wind Splitter aerodynamic smoked windscreen really adds to the aggressive look of the frame-mounted shark- nose fairing. »
« A new Heavy Breather engine air intake with black aluminum cover and bright aluminum “cut back” details add to the blacked-out look of the engine and feed the 110 with air.
Camouflaged into the lower back portion of the left side saddlebag and taking up very little space is a 200-watt amp.
« A new custom two-piece seat (passenger pad is removable) with diamond pattern stitching is color-coordinated to the three different RG paint schemes.
Audio got bumped up on the SG with new saddlebag lids that have 5×7-inch speakers with bridged tweeters flush-mounted into them. The included 8GB iPod Nano and new speakers go perfectly with the new high-output audio system that boasts eight speakers and 400 total watts. Setting off the new saddlebag speakers is a new low-profile embossed leather seat with matching passenger pillion and backrest.
The Street Glide in Hot Citrus/Antique Gunstock with Phantom Flame Graphics (MSRP $32,699). The SG has new diamond-cut charcoal faces on the speedo, tach, and 2-inch gauges as well as matching inserts for the derby cover, ignition switch, and timing cover (round cam cover).
Bumble Bee? No, it’s the Ultra Classic Electra Glide in Crystal Citron/Diamond Dust with Big City Lights graphics (MSRP $37,249). The UCEG is rolling on shiny, new, seven-spoke Chrome Chisel Custom 17-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels.
The Softail Convertible in Satin Pewter with Catacomb graphics (MSRP $29,699). The Satin Pewter finish comes with distressed brown leather saddlebags with matching seat and passenger backrest while the other two models come with black leather saddlebags, seats, and backrest. All the saddlebags are detachable and lockable, and feature reptile insert details to match the seats and backrests.
Motoring into its 13th year, the Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program is the pinnacle of the company’s production models. Top-of-the-line components, extra chrome and horsepower, exclusive paint, and most importantly a limited production of each model make obtaining a CVO bike a top bragging point for die-hard H-D loyalists. And while the CVO customer may pony up more than $10,000 for a CVO model over a base model, according to H-D the CVO customer doesn’t stop there, as they typically spend more on P&A; than the average OE customer. Along with spending more money, H-D says its research shows the CVO customer rides 30 percent more than the average customer.
This past June we got a peek at the new ’12 CVO models at H-D’s press launch in California’s Napa Valley. While we spent several hours cruising through Northern California’s wine country, there wasn’t a bit of whining coming from the journos as they motored around on the 110ci engines—especially us once we were able to get some saddle time in the Road Glide.
In this overview of the four ’12 CVO models (Softail Convertible, Street Glide, Ultra Classic Electra Glide, and Road Glide Custom) we are going to recap some of the highlights and new items Harley packed into these models. Now if you’re a CVO aficionado you’ll notice that once again there are the same four models from last year except there is a slight variation with the Road Glide. Instead of bringing back last year’s Road Glide Ultra, this year there is the Road Glide Custom. And from the moment the cover was removed and we laid eyes on the White Gold Pearl and Starfire Black with Real Smoke graphics on the Road Glide Custom, we were in love. In our opinion this is one of the sharpest models the MOCO has put out in a while. HB
The Ultra Classic Electra Glide features new BOOM Audio high-performance BOOM Bagger front and rear speakers (40 watts per channel). The Harmon/Kardon Advanced Audio system includes CD/AM/FM/WB, SiriusXM satellite radio (three-month free subscription) and CB/Intercom (with two headsets). Also included is a new 8GB iPod Nano with integrated iPod holder that connects to the audio system through an iPod interface. A touchscreen Road Tech Zumo 660 GPS unit will cut the volume on the blaring music so you can hear the module’s navigation commands through the speakers.
Inside the King Tour-Pak are new BOOM Audio Bass Booster Ports in the Tour-Pak bottom liner that help enhance bass response. Dual control heated leather seats and the passenger backrest with adjustable lumbar support and rider backrest ensures everyone is riding in comfort.
A distinction of all the CVO models is the exclusive paint schemes, as they are not available as upgrades in the P&A; catalog. On the Convertible all three color combinations feature hand-painted airbrush and pinstripe details.
H-D redesigned the Convertible’s detachable fairing to offer improved wind protection. The fairing has two new lower wind deflectors, while a little bit of extra height and width to the windscreen helps reduce wind turbulence and rider fatigue as well as improves the audio quality of the stereo system. The new Road Tech Zumo 660 Navigator offers MP3 capability allowing you to load up 4GB worth of music. Integrated into the fairing are two 3-1/2-inch two-way speakers, a 20-watt-per-channel amp, and the audio controls.
The Convertible converted. No matter if it’s loaded up or stripped clean, with its chrome 1-1/4-inch internally wired mini apes, low-slung 24.4-inch seat height, and 18-inch Stinger wheels, the Convertible is one sexy bike.
All CVO models include:
110ci Twin Cam engine (rated at 122 lb-ft of torque)
Six-speed cruise drive trans
Anti-lock braking system
Security system
Cruise control
Commemorative CVO ignition key with keepsake box
Source: Harley-Davidson | harley-davidson.com
