2018 CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) Harley-Davidson│First Ride and Detailed Review

[@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

[@MattLaidlaw]

CORRECTION ON THE VIDEO GUYS: AT 9:10 I REFER TO THE BIKE AS A 2016. IT IS A 2017 - NOT A 2016.

[@paulmorris1150]

Thought so lol.

[@mas3292]

You did great Matt, always very informative!

[@hunterkembel9887]

Vesterman the gray one is a 18 and the red and black one is a 17

[@zookskustomz]

It's a 2018

[@rosco33ful]

Best bike reviews on youtube. Please don't change a thing.

[@CVO_MAN]

HD should “use” You as a reference for all of its dealers. Professional, informative, straight-to-the-point. The new image of an HD dealer.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. Much appreciated.

[@rodericksaunders5887]

Man, I wish I was into touring bikes at the time I bought my special.... but I enjoy wrenching on my bike. Matt you make me buy new stuff for my bike all the time! Enjoy the vids!

[@tom000]

This bike is so sick, dream bike.

[@bobellis2912]

Hmmmm...... Never thought I'd say this, much less type it publicly, but the more I look at these bangers, it's looking like it's time to trade in the night rod. This CVO is off the chain........

[@roadglideusmc]

Another great video. Matt is the most honest & knowledgeable man in the business. Just a fact.

[@mas3292]

Great job Matt! Love some of the upgrades on the 2018 CVO Street Glide. Love the new fairing gauge housings, love the color matched wheels and the six speaker 900 watt Stage 2 stereo upgrade vs the four speakers at 600 watts stage 2 stereo which still sounds awesome!! As a middle aged veteran Harley rider, I still prefer paint and chrome. I would love to see flames or even ghost flames come back or some other different cool graphics as well. I love my 2016 CVO Street Glide ( which is the White Amethyst with Black Licorice flames.) The CVO's are the top of the line of all motorcycles and are worth the money if you have the means. Truly a Harley Davidson Masterpiece!! Thank you as always.

[@theotherrobzombie]

I agree w/ you! I love the White Amethyst w/ Black Licorice flamed 2016 CVO that you’re riding! That’s my last favorite CVO color in recent years. Prior to that was the Ultraviolet Blue/Molten Lava Flames & Hard Candy Mercury/Smoky Quartz Flames in 2015. Haven’t seen anything that turns my crank since.

[@dadtrap]

CVO taken to the next level. Love the gunship grey. Keep these videos coming.

[@briancruise182]

Didn't think much of the color at first but it grows on you after you see more.

[@arthurenright4146]

+1 on being surprised at how well this bike handles. I saw this bike on the live-stream at the unveiling and took the plunge and bought it almost exactly 2 months ago. I'm going in to get the 5k service at the end of the week, I just can't get off it. I absolutely LOVE this bike. The only things I've changed are a slightly taller shield (I ride with a half helmet) and I went with the Vance and Hines 450 High Output slip-ons (which really woke the bike up in terms of sound as well as pep) The Boom Stage 2 stereo is just sick and over all handling and performance are great. I came from a '16 "Grandpa Glide" with detachable tour pack and the difference between the bikes will leave you speechless.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Arthur Enright nice man. Congrats and enjoy the bike.

[@davidkeppler56]

Another great review. Love the idea of the two bikes filming. Makes it much better to see what the bike looks like.

[@thomasangelo4219]

I'm on my 3rd Street Glide. I definitely would buy another one greatest motorcycle ever thanks Matt for the video take care

[@onedownthenup8486]

Laidlaw with the different camera angles, nice touch. Great video.

[@johnnymossville]

Harley it a home run with this bike. Stunning

[@MattLaidlaw]

+John B The CVOs are amazing this year for sure

[@rrydinhigh2452]

Matt's RIGHT! -27:25. I bought one, same color(GS Gray), after watching this vid, and trust me when I say, this CVO "tips in" wayyyyy easier than I imagined it would. I kid u not, I'm slingin it through traffic like I'm on my ZX-14 except, at a lot slower speed(lol). IMO, this '18 CVO SG handles very well. I will report again, after I hit the twisties on a nice warm day. I am VERY anxious to see how she responds to Ortega Hwy(my personal fave road), which I usually rip easily through, on my ZX-14. I also watched Matt's vid on suspension set-up, and have since adjusted the rear according to my weight. As of this writing, I have not ridden the bike on the "new" suspension setting, so it "should be" interesting, and hopefully even better than what i have experienced already(it was set from the factory at 0 preload). I run tire pressures at 40/40 cold.

[@rrydinhigh2452]

Ok, so i have taken my SG into the twisties(Ortega Hwy, Azusa Cyn), and I am happy to report this 2018 CVO "loves" the twisties! I didn't knee drag it, but I feel very confident tipping this 870+ pound, sexy beast to deep lean angles, at spirited speeds, anywhere the op presents itself. It is so much fun. I really like the tires that come on this bike. I can't imagine a better compound, but i would welcome the op to try out a "highly recommended" set, for superior traction, not so much for high mileage. Personally, I appreciate a GOOD "hookin" tire, over a high mileage tire, any day.

[@samiam5557]

I think most bikers would applaud a considerable price increase as long as the quality is kept or increased, like Chrysler did w/the hemi Hellcat, or Demon, same as modern Vette or Mustang. Get it together and build the dream worth owning Harley!!! And the public will gladly buy your bikes even at a hefty sticker price.

[@RossMalagarie]

I'm more of a cruiser clean look, no bags, no front flair, no wind shield, no dash, BUT DANG that bike looks sick!!!! The gun metal gray with the black....NICE! I don't like emblems, or decals, or pin strips but that HD badge without the words in it looks awesome.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

I've never been a Harley man ... but lately, these blacked out models and gunship grey bikes have really turned my head ... amazing looking things, and it looks like they've become more refined and better built than previous years ...

[@MattLaidlaw]

+NomadBiker HD is really advancing their machines a lot lately and they’re just getting started.

[@thienphonglu168]

The bike look so amazing. But does it have gear indicator?

[@wayneconner3315]

This is by far the best bike I have ever owned.

[@HJ-sn5gt]

The color is so nice, like wet paint and yes, due to limitations, a unicorn for sure!

[@arthurenright4146]

It's doubtful you could see it in a video, but the paint actually has a very faint, very fine fleck in the top finish that sparkles just enough to see if you look close. The paint actually looks completely different depending on the lighting, I can't get over how awesome it looks.

[@xdude2x]

Still the best looking HD to date

[@skymiller530]

EXCELLENT REVIEW & COMPARISON Matt. Thanks again buddy. P.S. Nice editing too.

[@MrXo]

Excellent review as usual. Question, (again) I wonder why HD doesn't provide for a storage space to the left of the dash, counter to the one with the USB port? RG's have symmetrical storage. What gives?

[@MattLaidlaw]

DJXO1975 yea man I️ agree I don’t know why maybe they needed the space for electrical etc behind it.

[@tank7358]

Hey Matt, another great video, thanks for all your hard work. One solution to being able to let us hear the speakers without having copy right infringement, might be to download some local musicians on a Flash drive and then just plug that in to the pigtail and play that period

[@superduty131]

Matt....thanks for another great video. I really love that seat on the R/G, so much so that I ordered one and waited almost 2 months of Back order. Well for me that seat is a torture rack. I just do not know how anyone can do more than 100 miles on it. Sad to say it has been replaced by the new Tall Boy seat. Not as sexy but far more comfortable. Thanks.

[@darkoflight4938]

A sweet, sweet bike that gunship grey CVO there. All the colors for the CVO Street Glides are awesome. The blend of flat and gloss paints is great! HDs paintjobs have almost always been great. Now they really excel keeping in mind that these are mass produced bikes. Is this years bike lighter to previous years bike? I´m thinking, losing the double cooled gizmo might light things up a bit? Or is that eventual weight loss "compensated" with other stuff? Your video production just gets better and better, sir! As somebody already wrote, this multi cam angle stuff really makes it shine. One thing that previously has lacked in your vids has been the ability to see you (a tall guy) and a norm... ahem, shorter guy (like me at 5,10") on the bikes. Really a dealbreaker. One sees the bikes in action, leaning etc at another level also. This comparison thing to previous years bikes is also a valuable thing. I´m very curious about other bikes of years past, compared to this years soft-tails. The Breakout comes specially to mind as i have trouble liking this years Breakout. Is it the tank? Is the bike shorter? Am I crazy? Don´t answer that last question, just keep up the good work an´keep em´coming sir!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Dark Of Light thank you for the comment. This type of feedback helps me a lot! Thank you!

[@normshafer5481]

Thanks for shooting this video. Really beautiful bike.

[@dennism103]

I'm getting the after market cam in my m8 next week, can't wait! Already did the screaming eagle tuner and reflash, it felt like about 25% more power with a k&n and rineharts slip ons...

[@دخيلالله_ودخيلو]

Man I love the starting, it’s a Bangor💪💪

[@quetz666]

I saw it last weekend in London. It's a stunning bike.

[@speedpig513]

Loving the side by side riding shots!

[@simonclark8176]

One High Tech machine made in the US of A ....love it !

[@tokkmmann]

Thanks for the video, hear a lot of people say good things about the Road Glide. But you pointed out some cons. Now I know what I should look and do too my bike. Thanks

[@e_g_dd7489]

Great review! Man, I need one of these in my life right now, Cheers from Australia!

[@juanv433]

I thought when you did the 2018 HD show release video. That you were going to get this bike in this color

[@jakel.7433]

This must be the perfect beginner bike! Awesome!

[@JuanTorres-dv9pe]

bike is beautiful and i want to get one in the future,you do a good job demonstrating the bike so thank you.

[@Dr.J_theCPA]

Matt, another great video; have you put any videos of your shop and the people who work for you? I would enjoy seeing your shop and a personal tour/ introduction to your staff.....I think it would be an a bonus just to see your fine establishment and those who work there.

[@chriscrossapplethots]

I really have fell in love with this bike, in this color. 40,000 though 😔 thats so expensive. But i want this bike. But 40k. But the beauty. Ohhh maaaaan.

[@gregmilona2159]

Outstanding Review Matthew..keep up the good work

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Greg Milona thank you

[@fililoboesparza5784]

CVO Wow!! That one sweet ride I want one!! lol 👍🏻

[@jikck]

I have been in love this the first bike since the first time I seen it still love every detail of this bike just changed to the new infotainment system

[@brandonellis9959]

Matt great videos man, enjoy watching them. Just got my FLHXSE a few days ago, it’s an awesome machine. I’ve been away from Harley’s for a about 15 years now but glad I’ve returned with this CVO. That being said I am still looking to give her a little more performance, any suggestions? I also did notice the heat coming off the the right side of the bike, which isn’t bad in the winter but come summer time may be a bit uncomfortable. ABS worked great as I got to test it out on one of the first rides I was on. Came around a blind corner in the mountains to find a car stopped right in the middle of the road turning left and another pick up blocking the lane, the bike handled and performed well. Great investment, looks sick, and just fun to ride. Keep the videos rolling they are great!!!!

[@TheRobSJ]

Love the bike but I’m not sure it was worth losing the Twin Cooled for more speakers. I got spoiled with it on my Limited and don’t think I could go back to roasting my legs.

[@saddle8bag]

When you gave the reason you didn't go with the Street Glide, I thought you might say "because I wanted to be able to continue to afford groceries." Well done machines. Wasn't in the Navy so the battleship thing doesn't float my dinghy, but the two tone looks swell.

[@fastone136]

looks like a great seat.i always end up buying aftermarket seat.

[@joedangelo5640]

What kind of engine upgrades can you do to that other than pipes? I am assuming there is no longer a Stage IV upgrade?

[@prevailcallswoodturning3509]

Not sure the handy cap parking was the greatest spot to shoot this intro. But I’m not busting your balls. Love your videos. Keep it up

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha maybe not. The spot is nice except for the sign.

[@DixieWhiskey]

That paint is mighty tasty, there's no denying it.

[@ashten92]

Do you know if Harley will ever use a positive neural finder.rode some other manufactures that have it and it works great.

[@Teachering]

A fabulous bike, of course. Harley Davidson offers a lot of choice. I thought I was sold on a Touring bike but my attention keeps turning to the new Softails.

[@jackmehoff8563]

Those rear long lenses would look so good in clear with that color! And ditch the bag and fork reflectors

[@petitflocon647]

this bike is crazy

[@LoneAmigo17]

Matt will there be a CVO Breakout this year do you think or a 117 softtail special?

[@Neocleese]

As always a great review for a great bike. I look forward to seeing your review of the new Sport Glide.

[@gangli398]

Hello Matt. I'm your customer with a MVP card. I have a quetion here: will I lose low-range-rpm torque, if I upgrade my '17 CVO 114 to stage IV 117 engine? flat torque output trade for more horse power in high-range-rpm? Do you recommend the stage IV upgrade? Thanks!

[@cchavira84]

Hey Matt, you mentioned in the video that the 110 engine that’s on the Softail Slim S emits a lot of heat. I know that to be devastatingly true. What remedies do you recommend to reduce that heat so I don’t cook my nether regions in stop and go traffic on my Slim S?

[@BigMoeFo]

First thing I thought of was it would be very costly to drop this bike!!!! :-))) Looks the the speakers out stretch the crash bars. Very very sick machine.

[@evandynandar9183]

Compared to the road glide which one is the most maneuverable on low speed and filtering that kind of type? Thanks

[@kenrollins9299]

Matt, on the HP and torque chart you posted mid-way through the video it referenced a 117 stage 4 with high flow exhaust. I can't see a Stage IV kit for 117 engines on the website. Is it available yet?

[@dennism103]

I luv my heated handgrips I put on my rk 1-6 settings, it's hard to stand them past 2...

[@888_Karma]

Absolutely love those CVO STREET GLIDES!!! 👊🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾💯😉👍🏾👑

[@AV8R_1]

Matt, I've been waiting for this review from you! Nice!! I'm picking mine up today! That fairing and grips better do their job, too, it will be about 30 degrees out!! P.S. what is the track playing at 0:40?

[@scootjockey]

At age 55 my last Engine will be the twin cam and when i sell the 2016RGS i will go back to basics and buy me an evo nacked HD so to speak,just saying the M8 just are that bit to much modern for me still great bikes but not my cup of tea.Once again a fantastic down to earth review ,i hope for HD the the bill works out for the new bikes from HD, especially the sport glide .Which to be honest is a litlle like the switchback which did not go down too well.

[@stugg]

I love this channel. If it's one thing I've learned from Laidlaw's vids...you don't want to live around that part of town in LA. The crosstown traffic sucks fiercely, and I'm from San Diego. 15 cars deep at every intersection in every video, yeeesh. Don't these LA folks have jobs? Lol.

[@highridinf250]

Would be nice if they do a smoked taillight over red lenses.

[@AV8R_1]

Matt, What is the name of the track you used in this video?

[@RossMalagarie]

Great videos Matt but I think if you mount your gopro at your mouth height on your helmet it reduces the wind sound a lot on the audio in the video at least that's what I find in other videos. Keep'em coming.

[@tccalvo]

Hey Matt! do you know if the 2018 CVO Road Glide will also have the same lower leg fairings/6 speakers and heated grips? Also, since you have ridden both, you mention that this bike is the pinnacle of the custom baggers... where do you leave the CVO Road Glide? Is it not on the same level? Thanks!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, it is on the same level. I should have compared the two more in the video. My bad. I didn't mean to confuse. They are a "tie" in my book. This year the RG only has the 4 speakers but who knows in the future. I believe there are fitment issues having that 21 inch wheel plus the lower leg fairings.

[@tccalvo]

Thanks for that Matt. And the heated grips? I'm laser focused on getting a Black RG but still somewhat undecided as to do the CVO or the Special plus the stuff I want (great stereo, big motor) The CVO has some great accessories and customization like the remote bag locks, tank, instruments, but as you said, it's the same bike for all that buy it, no personalization. On the other hand, a lot of bang for the big bucks... thanks again for all the videos you give us!

[@blujack100]

I can't wait for the new sport glide review.

[@dr.jamieadamspleasantph.d.1609]

Very honest and forthright review. Thanks!

[@cameroncraig771]

I would love to see a review on the 2022 street glide special in midnight crimson and vivid black. I just wanna see my bike on here😂

[@clebervieira2542]

Hey Matt do you know if it's possible to order the GLOSS BLACK exhaust headers covers??? Thx another great review!!!

[@jtrlatinist2227]

Thanks for the great content as usual! I do have a question what does your dealership use to clean and wax the bikes and what do you use to clean and wax your bikes including the engine Because whenever I see a video on your bike it’s just super clean

[@kohlriddell4423]

Hey Matt, If you put the music that plays at the beginning and end from your videos on an iPod and play it over the speakers then people would be able to hear how good the sound system is, like you said there is no better system available out there so it would be good for people to be able to hear. I assume its your own music or you have the rights to it since it is on every video you do now. Best Harley reviewer out there, keep it up and you will get your 100k followers, I know I tell everyone to watch your videos!

[@slyguyaction]

Lot of good points. Solid review. Thanks Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks Ryan

[@flyonawall6521]

Technically ... doesn't it have 10 speakers? 6 round speakers + 4 tweeters? 2:38

[@dennism103]

Very good review matt.

[@malikcarpenter579]

Matt, what would you prefer...the 2018 gun street cvo or gun road cvo and why?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Malik Carpenter tough one. Probably the Streetglide. I like Streetglide fairings better. Just the looks mostly. That’s a close one. I’d be very happy with either of them.

[@hddynaroy1111]

Matt that is a very nice bike. I have a general question comparing the 103 TC with the M8 I notice an 800 RPM difference between the two at the same speed. Nobody talks about this. Why?

[@MattLaidlaw]

They must be in different gears then. Explain your question a little more clearly.

[@hddynaroy1111]

Matt Laidlaw I have noticed it on a 2017 Road Glide tat I owned and A 2018 Road King I was testing. Both of the M8 engines run at higher RPM than a TC 103 softail and Road King. I assume the hearing is different which may be be part of the reason that the M8 feels so much more torquey. Is there a change I primary gearing or in the transmission? Just curious.

[@joeglenn7323]

Another excellent, informative, and honest video. You'll get your 100,000 subscribers with video content like this. I think the KZbin algorithm that pushes videos towards the top requires you to put out videos more frequently. Many vloggers put out about 3 per week. You would probably have to add other content such as accessories, performance modifications, etc. Just a thought on reaching that 100K subscriber goal. Another thing to consider, review any newly released motorcycles as soon as you get one. I know you don't like putting miles on a new bike, but I saw many motovloggers go into a Harley dealer and take a bike out on a test ride, as if they might be buying one, and then post the video. This gained them a lot of views and many new subscribers. Be first to KZbin with the review and you'll get the views and subscribers. Nobody is going to not buy a bike because you put 20 miles on it.

[@jaquenthlamonte5683]

AGREE!!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, that's good advice. Thanks.

[@hammersix]

Joe Glenn honesty from a dealer lol

[@sambuvca22]

I love those lower legs. I want them for my 21

[@gtownsurfcody]

Will Laidlaw ever ride up to sac town? Would be a lot cooler if ya did man.

[@rustybones99]

I’m glad this video finally confirmed that my neighbor is a moron. He has this bike and upon starting it, holds it at about 3/4 throttle for at least a minute before he lets it just idle and then actually rides it. I was afraid there was some feature that I wasn’t aware of. I’ll just patiently wait until he blows it up.

[@savagecabbage1594]

Please do the road glide. Really want to see one of those.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Savage Cabbage CVO? Already did it.

[@chadernest1471]

How can you not want every bike you review?

[@AlenP996]

Agree... Some time ago i wasn't even a touring bikes lover, but after his reviews i'm considering the idea of being one...

[@MattLaidlaw]

Chad Ernest I wish I could have 5 bikes. So the answer is I️ DO want them all!

[@scudonepercenter]

I do agree!

[@dshevack1]

What a great looking bike cool color. I hope they use that color on some of the new sportsters coming out. Need to see the X

[@gcdiver]

Matt, love your videos. I saw this bike in the exact same color at Bull Run Harley Davidson in Manassas, VA this weekend. Badass but expensive at $42k. My 02 Sporty also came in this color, which is why i bought it... love it. Want to know what full face helmet you were wearing in the opening of this video? And do you recommend it? Thx!

[@MattLaidlaw]

The Simpson Outlaw Bandit. Yes I like it a lot but it has too much wind noise.

[@markbelculfine1814]

Matt, great video. With a full face helmet, can you still hear the stereo system?

[@arthurenright4146]

Yes, I ride with a full face when it's cold out and you can still hear the stereo quite well. As Matt pointed out, the stock shield is more aesthetic than functional. I have an HD wind splitter that is a little taller and a 9.5" Klock Werks, both improve the sound clarity and volume at highway speeds

[@markbelculfine1814]

Thanks man

[@rotho282]

I didn't think I'd like that grey but it really is sweet.

[@MattLaidlaw]

yea the gray looks sick

[@Hogdriver88]

Love these honest reviews. I wasn't sure about that gray at first but by the end of the video, yes - sweet. If I could have a 2nd bike (at 40K!) this would be it. Looks like I might have to keep my geezer glide ('15 Limited) for a while.

[@AV8R_1]

What music track is that?!? I went to the site you listed in your description, but I can’t find it!

[@davypig571]

I didn't even get two minutes in with no turn signal on the lead bike (was the right one on for the second bike?!) and then you park in the handicap spots! I guess I don't get LA.

[@talkingrock7011]

really like that new color but the other bike looks great also thanks for the review

[@ADMG]

How tall are you Matt?

[@soranrix]

hi is the fairing diff. compared to the street glide speciel??? regards Sören

[@duoglide69]

On hd’s website I can find a “ultra limited” and a “CVO limited” but not a “CVO ultra limited” ?

[@MattLaidlaw]

That’s the same bike. Technically there is no CVO Ultra Limited. Just a CVO Limited.