Same Bang, Less Bling

Same Bang, Less Bling

ROUNDUP

Harley's CVO line is slightly toned down but still tuned up

STEVE NATT

IN SOME WAYS, HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S CUSTOM Vehicle Operations line has always been the perfect solution for dyed-in-the-wool Bar-and-Shield types who were long on cash but short on time. No reason to spend endless weekends bolting doodads onto your bike, as the CVO models have always arrived fully tarted up and ready for show.

This year, CVO staffers seem to think that the few remaining people with the means to buy one of these machines may not want to rub everyone else’s noses in it quite so forcefully. So, with a couple of notable exceptions, like the blindingly sparkly orange flame paint package available on the CVO Street Glide, styling has taken a giant step toward-dare we say it?-“muted tastefulness.”

Admittedly, there’s some subjectivity in that descriptor, but here’s one of several examples: Last year’s lineup included a Flamed Lemon Yellow Fat Bob with more chrome than a ’59 Eldorado. In its place this year, we get Dusky Sandstone paint with black chrome and a frame with a flat-finish treatment that says “mil-spec,” not “money.”

Of the four CVO models for 2010, two are new and two are “refreshed,” and all are powered by H-D’s beefy Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110cubic-inch Big Twin. Leading the “more flrnction/less flash” charge is the Softail Convertible ($27,999). The bags, passenger seat and excellent windshield use quick-release mounts, the idea being that you can ride to the rally, strip your bike to its essentials and be cruising down the boulevard in minutes flat. Fit and finish are great, while the new billet five-spoke Stinger wheels are way cool.

Sharing the spotlight is the CVO Street Glide ($30,999). Thanks to a new adjustable Showa rear suspension, this is a bagger that begs for corners. Twist the hydraulic preload knob behind the left saddlebag to find the right setup for you, and your now-sporty Street Glide will handle exceptionally well. The low-cut windscreen created lots of unpleasant buffeting for me, and I definitely felt the weight of the fork-mounted fairing at parking-lot speeds.

Updates to the Ultra Classic Electra Glide ($35,999) include such useful things as a manually adjustable passenger-lumbar support and more-comfortable seats. There’s a new wraparound LED light package on the Tour-Pak that screams “CVO” to those in the know when the brakes are actuated after dark. Plus, ditching the old bulb housings in said top case freed up usable storage space (with a total of 2.3 cubic feet now available).

The Dyna platform’s Fat Bob ($25,299) returns with a new “Midnight Pearl” finish-that’s Harley-speak for black chrome. It remains the best-handling bike of the bunch, as well as the price leader.

Overall, the 2010 CVO bikes are less overtly ostentatious, more functional and, therefore, in a way, more engaging. □