2018 CVO Road Glide Harley-Davidson (FLTRXSE)│ Detailed Review w/ Riding footage

Get a detailed look at the new 2018 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide. This year Harley outfitted this popular bagger with a 21 inch front wheel and new graphics with engine highlights etc. Matt Laidlaw does a detailed walk-around on the bike as well as a test Ride with commentary.
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[@MattLaidlaw]

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@kingfamous8464]

Matt Laidlaw I'm 6feet 6 what do u recommend as far as seat and handlebars for taller Riders like yourself

[@carvealegoff]

Matt Laidlaw I just ordered the gunship grey in Canada, a little over $60000 out the door. I don't understand why Harley didn't include the heated grips for the Roadglde and why not put the 120r in the cvo?

[@JohnDoe-mh8tm]

Enough money for a 2019 custom build would be interesting

[@roadglide]

For some it’s a ZR1 or a ZO6 Corvette or Mustang Cobra. For me this bike represents my having Haagen-Dazs before going to heaven. All I’d ever want in. Harley Davison. A CVO Road Glide. Road Glide forever. Beautiful bike Matt. Ride safe & Ride often.

[@timmurphy2825]

I rode directly behind a guy who bought one. Our group did a long ride across states and riding curvy mountain roads including the Dragon 129. This bike will do it all even with that big 21" front wheel. These big, heavy bikes aren't the best for really tight, switchback type of curves but will do them. His take on the 2018 CVO Road Glide. Pros: It will do anything his asks from it. Looks awesome. Radio is great, puts out a damn good sound and will rock you. He is SURE it will lift the front end off the ground with ease but he doesn't want to try it. Cons: Seat looks great but hard as a rock, he ordered another one. Exhaust is meh. Issues with bluetooth and info system but that is the standard info system used on all these touring models and not specific to the CVO. This is coming from a guy with many years experience riding Harley's, especially the touring models, across country, etc. He is in his 60's and traded in his 2013 Ultra Limited for this 2018 CVO. Why I asked and his reply "You only live once".

[@Big2Wheeler]

Thanks for all your detailed, honest, knowledgeable reviews Matt. This is definitely a hot new model and I love the look. I've always been a bat wing guy like you though. I'm in the Midwest of Nebraska, and in Oct. '16 I traded my treasured, over personalized and wore out '05 Electra Glide Standard for the two-tone blue "custom-color" 2017 Ultra Limited. Wow, what an upgrade! I finally realized you need to buy to your wants & needs and customize less. I love my new ride. All I've done is swapped my Bar & Shield brake pedal and shift pegs over from my old bike, added the remote rider adjustable backrest with organizer, a Stage 1 kit with CFR single fluted mufflers, perimeter fed Stage 1 air cleaner with stock cover, (because I love the fitment), and gained 6 HP & 9 Ft Lbs.Tq. with dyno tune. Just the Stage 1 opened it up enough that it doesn't stumble at acceleration like it did stock, and I'm good to go! I'm ready to roll on some serious miles and proud as ever to continue to represent the all American version of freedom! I think I did good ending up in the mid $30's for what I've got.

[@kakhidzeoto]

this bike, gunship grey and dark earth - are the best looking bikes Harley Davidson has ever produced. they are way too expensive for me, but having "extra" 40 grands - I will get one of these immediately, without second thoughts. just pure perfection. because I already have 2018 chromed out red low rider, would get blacked out CVO RG for long distance riding. what a piece of art it is

[@slyguyaction]

Thanks for bringing us the honest review Matt. Best Harley reviewer on KZbin. Period.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Ryan's V-Twin Vlogs thank you sir. That means a lot coming from you.

[@TheRider_1229]

Hey Matt, truly outstanding 👍🏼 My humble opinion, CVO models not only comes with beautiful paint work, it performs very well. I bet you this will be your next Motorcycle ~ 😁

[@Cometocanadabut]

Thank you Matt, you reviews always the best. One point I like about CVO and you have mentioned. I have a softtail Breakout and I customized it with over 20K. I didn't like the CVO Breakout but it's a different story when I saw the new Street and Road Glide. I am thinking to buy CVO Road Glide. I know I will pay a lot of money for a bike, but still cheaper than to customize it myself.

[@carholic5776]

Great job Matt, nice coverage love that you back the camera off so the viewer can see the hole bike. hate when guess film right up close so you only see bits and pieces of the bike.

[@badbeatking80]

This is how you do a review. People want to see all the nitty gritty like inside the cubby hole... Great Job Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+badbeatking80 thanks!

[@davidknows3320]

I'm a batwing kinda guy too. I just can't love that Road Glide fairing. The other myth about the Road Glide vs Street Glide fairing is the weight on the front end. Frame mounted or head stock mounted the weight is still on the front end regardless. Good review, thanks!

[@hamitcampos4989]

Last weekend we went to the dealer here in Danbury. I touched the FatBob and the StreatGlide but first the RoadGlide. Mom loved this bike.

[@darkoflight4938]

An honest review filled with integrity and a great vid as always Matt (ever get tired of hearing that from me and others?) . You nailed it with a fellow biker following you there. It gives, if used right, the best of both world´s. More footage and a second view both picture wise and as a second opinion. Why not use that possibility in the future more. Yeah, the thing has a steep pricetag but if you want the best... Keep them coming!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Dark Of Light Thanks again. I appreciate the suggestions and feedback

[@dadtrap]

Awesome bike awesome review. Only thing that would make it sweeter is a throaty exhaust. I got to test ride a 2018 Heritage with the 114 and it screamed. I was with my friend on his 110 Road Glide and he was impressed as to how deep the power went on the soft tail.

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Cool video Matt.. Sweet Harley I would probably go With the Street glide also.. funny your pop’s saw you coming and got out of the way quick lol😂 Thanks for the video. Can’t wait to see the 2018 Softail Slim review video.. 👍🏻

[@davidestanisci3324]

Whatever you say about the 2018 softails/dynas (R.I.P.), the baggers got better, a bit more expensive but they look great. Good video as always

[@Scrubrebel]

Hey there just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know you do the best job at explaining the Harley bikes. Thanks for the hard work!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Scrubrebel thank you!

[@Cocktail_Kvltist]

Another great review, thanks Matt. I want to point out that the best thing for folks interested in the Street Glide/Road Glide to do is demo them side by side. It's what I did and I found I preferred the Road Glide Special over the Street Glide Special.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Chris Myers agreed. You can learn a lot from a test ride.

[@robertcurtis9449]

The '18 CVO Road Glide is a very special bike. I prefer the gun metal grey and black version over the red and chrome though. Great video Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for checking it out

[@mas3292]

Awesome review Matt. My favorite color combo for the 2018 CVO'S. Great Job as always!!

[@TUCKANDROLLE]

Harley Enthusiast gunship grey is better ✊🇺🇸

[@yambor44]

Another consideration between a CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide is the screen on the infotainment center. On the RG you get way more times where you get blinding glare based on the placement of the screen away from the rider and the slant. I have one of each and I get the glare on the RG more often than I'd like and never have an issue on the SG. YMMV.

[@davidmckale5506]

Matt, Laidlaw 2009 was the last year the CVO was hand built on a separate assembly line in York PA. I had one of those bikes an 09 FLTRSE3. I went to York that year to see the CVO's being built. I also went again in 2010 and the CVO's were being built on the regular assembly line. Same in 2012 when I went, I had a 2012 FLTRXSE, the Skunk. I have also had the 15 FLTRUSE and currently have the Gunship Gray FLTRXSE. I have been to York many times as its only a day ride away. Again 09 was the last year for the separate line, hand built by a team of two CVOs . 2009 and Prior they were built by two people, in a building next door to the regular line at York. The two people had to be very experienced, and only two people worked on the bike. 2010 they run down the same assembly line as the other bikes

[@MattLaidlaw]

+David Biker good to know. I guess I'll have to check my information. Thanks for the update.

[@mattlaughlin1231]

Hey Matt. Just got the 2018 CVO Road Glide. Is there a way to open up the slip ons with new ones without baffles and remapping without dynoing it? I love it so far it's just got 450 miles on it but want to hear it more. Thanks for this video.

[@kenrollins9299]

Thank you for all the great reviews Matt. I'm looking at buying one of the CVO models this year, primarily for touring. When you compared the Road Glide CVO vs. the Street Glide CVO you said the main difference is the big front wheel versus the extra two speakers. Is there also a difference in suspension? A dealer told me the Street Glide (but not the Road Glide) has the slammed suspension and is therefore a rougher ride and not as good of a touring bike as the Road Glide. However I've checked the specs online and can't tell that there is a difference in suspension. From a suspension standpoint is one better than the other if I'm looking for something I'll be riding all day long? Both are inferior to the Ultra from a suspension standpoint, correct?

[@sherifhamdy9229]

I have a 2014 breakout and I was thinking of getting this one, I'm a casual rider who prefers weekend sunny rides and not into long trips; maybe a 1 hour or 2 max with one or two stops. I really like how responsive and low my bike is and the same time I think the road glide is the ultimate versatile bike for many purposes but it lacks the low seating position of the breakout. Any opinions guys

[@sherifhamdy9229]

Same here and same breakout model 14

[@MrHSIE]

Thanks Matt. I had really not considered a CVO before this video. Their price point is well beyond what I would consider a rational price for a bike but they are really an ultra enthusiast bike where riding is everything and you don’t really own a car or if you do you ride say Sundays and maybe a few big luring trips a year. I commute daily so I would be really worried about the kilometres (miles in your case) and the wear and tear and depreciation in such a high end bike. Second to that I prefer a great sound system and that’s where I guess the Streetglide has it over the Roadglide although both would be awesome. Thanks for the comprehensive review. I for one really appreciate the time and effort. Harley themselves should be commissioning you to be making PR material on the differences between each of the models. Well done on the review. Thanks again. (Steve in New SouthWales,Australia)

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Steve Williams thanks for the comment Steve. Yea you make a good point. It's definitely not a daily work horse. People don't buy it for that. It's a great day tripper or a bike night type motorcycle.

[@bryanfrederick6384]

Sweet Matt, I'M on the road riding eastern Tn mountains digging that lava color but ya didn't sell me on the 21 incher maybe next June when I come to CA YOU can show me 😎 take care an have a great weekend !

[@doylee469]

The two tone paint and graphics are sooooper cheeseyyyy

[@TheKen95360]

Great review Matt. I went with the StreetGlide CVO and will take delivery next week. Quick question, any truth in the rumor the the CVOs produced this year are less then in the past? My dealer said he was only getting a total of 6 between the models for the year. Anyway to find out how many are or will be produced for 18? Ride Safe

[@twolaneblacktop8034]

Holy crap Matt ! a ride that actually fits you. Another great review, thanks, keep em coming. (still waiting to hear what you think of the Deluxe, just sayn) lol

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Two Lane Blacktop That review probably won't come for a couple months. Harley isn't giving us any!

[@Mainecat21]

Thanks for the detailed explanation on the handling with the 21" front wheel. I've been waiting for HD to produce one, specifically one which does not negatively impact the overall handling. Now if they could only explain why it does not fit with their own chisel low's!

[@apota000]

Hi Matt! Great videos, keep’em coming! Just a quick question - how to clean those saddlebag and fairing speakers? They obviously collect road dust, rain etc..also, an occasional bird may fly by and leave some nasty spots on speakers?

[@adnanshams5603]

Your videos are all wonderful, totally owned, thank you very much 🌹

[@simonclark8176]

Great review once again Matt , and sweet ride !

[@charlesdavid5137]

Hey Matt, I think that's the same CVO Road Glide I got to ride in Arizona when I helped with the demo truck. She's a real head Turner. I couldn't decide if I liked the CVO Street Glide or CVO Road Glide better. Did you make up your mind about your next H-D?

[@DTMFJeff]

As always, lots of details and great commentary. Is it true that HD is limiting the production numbers of the CVO this year over last year and why? Thanks.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Jeff Lovell yes. They cut production on all models. The CVO production seems like it was cut by like 50 percent. Atleast at our shop.

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for another excellent review of a American 🇺🇸 classic 👍🏻👌

[@RatherBePrivateThanTell]

Great looking bike!! Great Video Matt

[@BrandonAKAKillahB]

You really know your stuff. The info you give on these motorcycles are more accurate than the Google search engine. I know where to go when I need some info on a motorcycle. Keep it up bro! (Subscribed)

[@danilojones7193]

Loving the kool road glide, clean concept nice.

[@BobsGT235]

I hope I am incorrect, but the CVO lineup is built on the same assembly line as the rest of the bikes. I think when the Screamin Eagle bikes first came out decades ago, they were built on a different assembly line. And never one guy assembling one bike at a time.

[@klh3244]

I road this bike today at the demo rides at BBBBQ what an awesome machine!

[@klh3244]

Oh and this was a great review! Spot on I road this bike and the Road Glide Ultra and a Heritage 114 the new Fatboy 114 and the Fatbob 114 at the demos at Bikes Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville Arkansas.Planning on purchasing the Road Glide Ultra in the spring loved that bike! Thanks Matt!

[@droptine5520]

It's a good looking bike, but after having test rode a 2017 M8 107 ci Road glide ultra and disappointed with the engine, I still thought it's a great improvement over the 2015 RG, I rode a couple years ago. I'm curious why they don't do a CVO in an RG Ultra. Either way, I wouldn't by one because I'm more into sport touring bikes. But, Matt, if you really want "hot rod" bagger, bone stock, the new BMW K1600B will out perform it even if you upgrade the HD to a stage 4. Granted, a two cylinder 850 pound bike will not keep up with a 6 cylinder 700 pound bike, and is just a little over 1/2 the price of a CVO, granted it won't have the resale value of the HD, but most people hold on to their BMW's for a long time where it won't matter to them.

[@hamitcampos4989]

The StreetGlide I touched had the bat wings thing. Way too cool.

[@will1luv]

Hey Matt, I noticed on your hard acceleration, you were not using the quick shift. You were always using the clutch. Is there any particular reason?

[@andrespuente87]

Hey Matt! Quick question, where did you purchase your gloves? Thanks! And keep up the great content

[@MattLaidlaw]

+andres puente At Laidlaws HD man. Of course. They are genuine HD.

[@saddle8bag]

Look how close the front fender is to the oil cooler. I think that's why the lowers will interfere. Nice looking bike.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, that's exactly what I was thinking too. Good eye.

[@paulofbastos]

Thank you Matt, for this great video.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Paulo Bastos Thanks for watching.

[@alexralston22]

Great video! What's the price of this bike? Did I hear 41k?!

[@masonryjoe]

There is more colors to pick from on the Harley site,The rock candy red I think it's called is real nice ! Beautiful looking bike and great vid , Thanks !

[@MattLaidlaw]

+masonryjoe No you're thinking of the Roadglide special. That's a different bike. You're thinking of hot rod flake.

[@masonryjoe]

Yes you are correct sir , my bad ,I love the new look , gorgeous !

[@kenmcindoe6366]

Excellent video. I especially liked the test drive. It would work me if you had voice on more driving. Do the gamit. City traffic, Some freeway. Maybe comments from public? Take a rider too. Woq!!! You could have the greatest videos on you tube. I relly like your sales style.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Ken McIndoe Good suggestions. I'll try to do some of that stuff.

[@e.simons6964]

SWEET! Still..I like a slighter smaller front wheel. Just my preference.

[@mopar21]

Love it! Wish they had deleted the decorative cap on the rest of the models since they no longer serve a purpose.

[@fluffykittynoodles]

Wasn't the CVO Roadglide the model that was sporting like a 33/34 degree lean angle? Thanks for the last video, Matt.

[@TheLaki62]

Wow, great review! Matt, are you going to one on the 2018 CVO SG as well?

[@MattLaidlaw]

TheLaki62 yea, I think so.

[@kennethwise7108]

Matt, i just came back from 2018 Daytona bike week. While there i demo'd this exact same bike (CVO RG) for 3 hours. To be honest with you the bike seemed VERY under powered. I would think that for a 117" motor it would throw me back in the seat more but it didn't. I would think for 40 grand it would pull harder. Is this due to the fact that it was a "demo" bike and given a different performance download for demo purposes? Other than that its was REALLY an AWESOME bike.

[@MattLaidlaw]

It has nothing to do with being a demo. The CVOs are so choked from the factory. They need a tune and a cam and they wake up a lot. Unfortunately HD needs to comply with a bunch of countries regulations etc so they are shipped a certain way. To really appreciate what it is, you need to open it up and get it at higher speeds on the highway. Out of the hole with that wheel(s) it can seem slower when you compare it to lighter bikes. It performs great for a big heavy bagger with a 21 on it. It handles good for all things considered as well.

[@kennethwise7108]

sounds good Matt thank you. By the way I sent you some pictures from my 2018 trip to Daytona. I managed to get Willie G Davidson's autograph on my Road Glide side bag. Check your work email when you get to work this week. Kenny Wise

[@joacovl]

Matt, all cvo comes with those mirrors?? They dont come with backrest seat?

[@nicodemus7784]

Matt, I left you a comment on the fat bob video, not sure if you saw it. Sport bike riders perspective on it.

[@The_Great_Hejaz]

Thanks Matt You wonderful as always

[@agungagga2411]

My dream bike 🏍 🙏🙏

[@mixalis6168]

Stunning bike !

[@Chris_L034]

hey matt the last i heard about your bike ( a light tan color streetglide special) was you sold it. what are you riding now?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Chris L. Yes. It's sold. I don't have a bike right now. Im buying a new 2018 very soon. I'll be doing videos on it in the coming months.

[@jlostinwi3894]

yea I need a new one!!!I will take this one!!!

[@kenh9097]

I am waiting for a 114 ci to go in the new baggers.., softails are getting them why not touring bikes?

[@fatboystudios08]

I love the black earth. =)

[@BaloMega]

Great job sir but, I wish you had given us a chance to hear the Bike roaring.

[@bobclapper2672]

Great info , as always . Thanks

[@TruckerMall]

My dream bike

[@jednorman4743]

Why won’t Harley come with a bada$$ shield for their best riding bike, the Roadking? Maybe heads up display or something.

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

I think the ONLY thing I don't like about this bike is the front wheel! But other than that it's pretty awesome!

[@don2s355]

Say Matt Laidlaw I would like to see you do a review on the 2018 CVO limited .Ps thanks for the great video's.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Dray Busa I'll try to do one of those. I have to get the bike first though.

[@FXDLS-ot1wq]

What if you really really want the 117, don't want the 21' wheel on the road glide and don't want the extra speakers on the street glide? Street glide and take off the speakers? Or road glide and change the wheel?

[@MattLaidlaw]

+FXDLS1990 uh that's an interesting question. Probably the Streetglide and take that stuff off

[@telace1]

They should include the bag liners and glove box liners to

[@MattLaidlaw]

Telace Johnson I agree man. I didn't even notice they weren't included.

[@telace1]

Is that 125lbs before a high flow exhaust system or after

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

its crazy to think the heritage is a quicker bike over something with a 117. interesting.

[@johnprice8625]

I own a new 2018 CVO Road Glide. I order a chopped tour pak and Harley has sent 5 broken pak to my dealer and can not get the help for customer service.

[@badshodi]

I have a friend that got into an accident three days ago. He totaled his Harley special that he paid 24k. Now I have this fear of riding even though I love riding my Harley. Any tips how to deal with this fear?

[@markmaese1599]

Hope your friend is OK. BUT I'm pretty sure you wouldn't stop driving if you knew someone who totalled their car. Keep riding if that's what you love.

[@jhughes3385]

Matt can you put highway pegs on that chopped crash bar

[@KevinAtwood79]

So when you gettin your new street glide??

[@affiliated4life]

I just wish they upgrade the exhaust and sound. Yes they placing 107 114 and 117 but the bike sounds crappy.

[@riteshmathur23]

Is it possible to get a 117 engine and put it on a say 2018 roadking?

[@thomasangelo4219]

Does the CVO holds its value Matt UCM a year old and the dealerships for 10,000 less and they went for new great description of the bike thank you Matt take care

[@road_king_dude]

Generally speaking how big of a difference do the 2 extra speakers in the fairing lowers make???

[@MattLaidlaw]

Road Glider It's hard to quantify that with a percentage increase. If I were to guess I'd say about 30-35% more volume. Definitely noticeable at slower speeds though. I haven't tested it much at highway speeds.

[@easyglide301]

Yes big difference, no cooling, perhaps back to roasting chestnuts.

[@nathanielwillisjr8891]

Gotta start saving!!!!

[@MrFlyboygully]

Do you think it’s worth the price tag @mattlaidlaw

[@MattLaidlaw]

+michael nelson I do considering it's basically the worlds premier factory custom bagger.

[@greenbullitt6999]

What are your recommendations when people think of a M8 120" Big Bore Kit from fuelmotousa. They claim 130+hp

[@MattLaidlaw]

I haven't looked into those personally. I would guess that the reliability and comfort for every-day use goes down considerably. They are probably best for racing application only.

[@Lex-Rex]

I have a 21" front wheel on my 04 Road Glide with a single disc conversion and I did not change up the front suspension and it handles freaking great. This is coming from someone that used to race liter sport bikes. I also have stretched bags and different rear fender with built in tail/break lights meaning that if you run your hand down the fender you cannot feel the lights, and legend suspension. I am not including all the engine work as well. That said, I was able to do this for a hell of a lot less then 40k including a total high-end respray. See for yourself: imgur.com/a/pHQMV

[@roberthicks7819]

The things dream's are made of

[@POWDERNPELLTS]

Hey Matt I'm currently looking at getting a 2017 road glide with about 109 miles on it dealership I will be going to is Bruce rossmeyers Daytona Harley they are asking 20999 is that a reasonable price tag figured I would ask an honest reviewer/salesman such as yourself

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Bagger Nation21 Is it a special or a standard ? Yes, that's a fair price assuming great condition etc. If it's a special, that is.

[@POWDERNPELLTS]

It's is a standard and I was mistaken on the mileage it has 9 miles not 109

[@liamstandish878]

suppose you buy a fatboy S can u bump up the engine to a 117?

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Liam Standish Yes you can.

[@isellcatlitter]

this is the one i want... unfortunately i am an unemployed veteran, so i will just have to ride my AMF shovelhead until i cannot ride anymore

[@WTZReal]

can u guys still get this bike?

[@MattLaidlaw]

We have a few more of the gray ones coming but they are all spoken for.

[@ONLY_FXRS]

Please review the 114" heritage

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Tyler Ford that's probably coming next Thursday.

[@tommartin1223]

Gunship grey is awesome

[@d.b.rackstrawd.b.rackstraw1785]

i have a flhtcui , my next scooter will be a INDIAN !

[@LifesJoys]

What’s the cruising range per tank

[@tom73055]

GIVE ME THE CHOICE I WOULD RATHER HAVE THE PERFORMANCE AND LESS WEIGHT FROM THE WHEELS .LOOKS IS ONE THING BUT HANDLING IS MORE IMPORTANT

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

Lol so much for the recommended break in of keeping the rpm's 3k and under for the first 500 miles.

[@TheChuck1960]

If you’re spending as much money on a bike as these cost, you shouldn’t need to do anything more to them.

[@Games.Gadgets.Sports]

U don't really need too.

[@Jrtowns1]

Up until the current generation Harley front suspension has always been suspect. Most people that I've seen that put bigger wheels on their bikes toss the Harley stuff and go right to a progressive suspension. In my opinion Harley let the aftermarket perfect the big wheel bagger and their coming in late to copy and claim perfection. The same thing their doing now with all the blacked out bikes.

[@tccoup355]

Rich mans toys.