It was at a previous press introduction for Harley-Davidson’s CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) lineup where I first heard the term “Alpha Customer.” It’s an efficient shorthand description of the market-leading, high-discretionary-income rider most likely to buy a CVO motorcycle. And since these customers also tend to be fully committed brand lifers, H-D finds it very useful to enlist them as Beta testers for new products. Once H-D is satisfied, it’s not long before the exclusive CVO components find their way into the general parts and accessories catalog or onto OEM standard models.This pattern is especially true with engines: CVO rolled out the first 95-inch Twin Cam in 2000, followed by a stroked 103-incher; then, over the years, we got the counterbalanced 95B, 103B and finally the current Screamin’ Eagle 110 and 110B that have been staples since ’07.
Research led Harley to create the first-ever CVO lineup in which all four 2011 models—the Ultra Classic Electra Glide ($36,499), Street Glide ($32,499), Softail Convertible ($29,599) and Road Glide Ultra ($35,999)—are set up for touring with bags and a windshield.
Great attention was paid to improving seat comfort (Electra Glide and Road Glide Ultras get dual-control heating front and rear) and lowering seat heights. All models have cruise control and security systems, while the two Ultras get a Power Locking System; the key fob simultaneously unlocks the Tour-Pak, saddlebags and ignition. Additionally, the Ultra models come standard with Garmin RoadTech zumo 660 GPS units.
The fixed windscreens are designed to be “okay” for riders between 5-foot-8 and 6-foot-3, but adjustability would be a welcome addition. I put more than 1000 miles on the Road Glide Ultra, and the cockpit was definitely quieter than on previous Road Glides—the result of wind-tunnel testing and the placement of removable plastic flaps below the fairing.
Back in the day, all a Harley rider needed to hear was the familiar “potato-potato” song to help the miles roll by. The CVO bikes don’t just play that (muted to 80 dB) tune, they play iTunes, literally. Three of the four models come with a complimentary 8GB iPod Nano; the fourth (Ultra Classic Electra Glide) has an auxiliary MP3/CD input. All of the bikes except the Softail come standard with XM satellite radio (including a three-month trial subscription). And all four feature impressive sound systems: The Softail Convertible has a simple but effective player with speakers that are sufficiently loud at normal speeds; at the other end of the spectrum, the Street Glide’s “BOOM!” stereo system has eight speakers flowing 100 watts per channel (x 2). The Ultras both have stout systems that generate nice, clean sound up to freeway speeds.
Bright and brash, each bike in the CVO quartet sports an expensive multi-layer paint job, as well as tons of chrome and billet bolt-ons. And as such, they represent the polar opposite of Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom line.
The typical CVO buyer is used to GPS, ABS, cruise control, integrated audio entertainment, plush seating and top-of-market exclusivity. So he expects to get it all in a ready-to-ride package. Even if you aren’t in this exclusive club, Harley is betting there are about 11,000 high-end, V-Twin touring customers worldwide who are.
