The biggest news to come out of Milwaukee for the 2020 model year is the all-new LiveWire electric motorcycle, which we’ve already ridden and reviewed. Harley-Davidson has announced the wider availability of technological features that debuted on the LiveWire, as well as several new or updated models, including the Low Rider S, Road Glide Limited, Heritage Classic and three CVO models.
H-D Connect
First seen on the LiveWire, H-D Connect is a subscription-based cellular service that allows riders to connect with their motorcycle using their smartphone and the Harley-Davidson app. H-D Connect provides key vehicle information (e.g., battery voltage, fuel level, available range, riding statistics and more) as well as remote security monitoring, including tamper alerts and stolen vehicle assistance. H-D Connect is a standard feature on 2020 Touring (except Road King/S and Electra Glide Standard models), Tri Glide Ultra, CVO models and LiveWire, and it includes free service for one year.
Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS)
Also seen on the LiveWire, Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) is a suite of electronic riding assistance features, including cornering enhanced linked braking, ABS, traction control and drag-torque slip control; hill hold control; and tire-pressure monitoring. All RDRS features are standard on CVO models (though on the CVO Tri Glide, nothing is “cornering enhanced”), and they are available as options on all Touring models except the Electra Glide Standard.
2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Chopper-style, Dyna-chassis Low Rider models have been in Harley-Davidson’s lineup since the late ’70s. The Low Rider S, a dark, bare-knuckled version that entered the ring for 2016, was built around a 110-cubic-inch Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam V-twin. When Dyna models were rolled into the Softail family for 2018, the standard Low Rider got a new chassis and the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin while the S took early retirement.
The Low Rider S is throwing punches again for 2020, and it packs a wallop with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin good for 119 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm (claimed), up from 114 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm on the previous model. Its Gloss Black Ventilator air intake with exposed filter is said to improve airflow and its 2-into-2 offset shotgun mufflers look menacing in black but their sound is family friendly. Now rolling on the updated Softail chassis, the LRS has a shorter wheelbase, less rake and more trail, and claimed curb weight is 679 pounds, seven more than its predecessor. Its premium Showa suspension includes a 43mm USD single-cartridge fork and a coil-over, free-piston rear shock with adjustable preload; front travel is unchanged at 5.1 inches, but rear travel has more than doubled at 4.4 inches. Radiate cast wheels, with a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear, are finished in Matte Dark Bronze and they carry triple-disc brakes with standard ABS.
Inspired by the West Coast style, the Low Rider S has a 1-inch diameter motocross-style handlebar perched atop 4-inch straight risers, a color-matched mini fairing, a high-back solo seat and black finishes on nearly every surface. At 6 feet tall with long limbs, I had some trouble folding myself into the LRS’ cockpit. The pegs are high and set back, which put my knees well above my hips. Fortunately the seat is well padded, but an hour of riding was about all I could handle before needing to stop and stretch. Such a locked-in seating position can leave a rider’s lower back vulnerable to bumps, but the rear shock did an excellent job of softening hard impacts with no bottoming-out or jolts to the spine. With serious grunt, a responsive chassis and 30 degrees of cornering clearance, the Low Rider S is just as happy on a back road as it is cruising around town. It’s available in Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver; pricing starts at $17,999.
2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited
Replacing the Road Glide Ultra for 2020 is the new Road Glide Limited, which is mechanically identical but offers premium features such as painted pinstriping, a gloss-finish inner fairing, heated grips, Slicer II Contrast Bright wheels and new tank, front and rear fender medallions. With its frame-mounted shark-nose fairing contributing to light steering feel, we’ve always been impressed by the handling of Road Glides, and its triple Splitstream vents create smooth airflow around the rider with minimal buffeting.
I spent the better part of a day ensconced in the RG Limited’s cocoon of comfort, enjoying high-speed highways and tight turns without a care in the world. Powered by the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114, which belted out 101 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel at 3,000 rpm in the RG Ultra we strapped to Jett Tuning’s dyno last year, I cruised along with minimal vibration and heat, always plenty of grunt available to make a pass or pull me out of a deep bend. The Road Glide Limited has premium suspension, linked Brembo brakes with ABS, a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with color touchscreen, H-D Connect and dual Daymaker LED headlamps. Big, well-appointed touring bikes like these really do spoil you.
Pricing for the Road Glide Limited starts at $28,299. Options include RDRS ($995) as well as a new Black Finish Option ($1,900; also available for the 2020 Ultra Limited), which includes Slicer II cast wheels finished in Gloss Black; fuel tank, front and rear fender medallions with a Gloss Black fill surrounded by a Charcoal border; Gloss Black powdercoat powertrain, covers and exhaust; black Tour-Pak luggage carrier hinges, latches and rack, console, footboards, handlebar, gauge trim rings, hand control levers, mirrors and foot controls; black LED Daymaker headlamp and trim ring; and black fork lowers, fork covers, engine guard and saddlebag guards. So, yeah, lots of black.
Read our Comparison Review: Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra
vs Indian Roadmaster vs Yamaha Star Venture TC
2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
The Softail-chassis Heritage Classic has been re-styled for 2020, swapping the previous model’s blacked-out look for a generous helping of chrome. (The Heritage Classic 114 model powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine will retain the model’s original, blacked-out look.) The updated Heritage Classic has a bright powertrain with chrome air cleaner and covers; chrome steel laced wheels; chrome headlamp bucket and auxiliary light buckets, bright fork legs and chrome fork covers and nacelle; chrome rear fender struts and side covers; a chrome console; a polished stainless steel handlebar with a chrome riser and top clamp; and a full clear windscreen with chrome support hardware.
Read our 2018 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Road Test Review
The Heritage Classic is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin and is mechanically identical to the 2019 model. This touring-ready Softail features lockable hard saddlebags, a detachable windscreen, a two-piece skirted seat and pillion with black studs, and standard cruise control and ABS. Color options include: Vivid Black, Billiard Burgundy, two-tone Silver Pine/Spruce and Billiard Red/Vivid Black. Pricing starts at $18,999.
2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
Returning for 2020 with a new look and new premium features, the CVO Street Glide is one of Harley-Davidson’s most popular limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operations models. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin with red rocker covers, it gets premium custom paint, premium Talon wheels, custom controls and an all-new BOOM! Box GTS infotainment system with three separate amplifiers, 75 watts per channel and 900 watts of audio performance. It also includes the Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), smartphone-linked H-D Connect and a wireless Bluetooth headset interface.
Pricing for the 2020 CVO Street Glide starts at $40,539.
2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited
For the ultimate in two-up V-twin touring, the 2020 CVO Limited offers the rider and passenger plenty of comfort, luggage capacity, style and performance. Its Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 grunts out 125 lb-ft of torque. Premium suspension, premium paint and finishes, premium audio, RDRS, H-D Connect, wireless Bluetooth—the CVO Limited gets it all.
Read our 2019 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited First Ride Review
Pricing for the 2020 CVO Limited starts at $44,039.
2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide
Harley’s 2020 Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup includes three models, all powered by the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 that churns out 125 lb-ft of torque (claimed). Returning with new paint, finishes, details and features, including H-D Connect and RDRS, are the CVO Street Glide ($40,539) and CVO Limited ($44,039). New to the family is the CVO Tri Glide ($48,999), the first-ever CVO trike and said to be the most-requested model in Milwaukee’s ultra premium segment. In addition to its big power, it gets big sound from the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, big luggage capacity (193 liters!) thanks to its Tour-Pak and lower trunk and big style courtesy of premium paint and finishes, the Kahuna collection of grips, levers, pegs and footboards and Tomahawk contrast-cut wheels. RDRS, H-D Connect, wireless Bluetooth, Daymaker LED headlamps and the choice of two custom paint finishes round out the wish list.
For complete pricing, colors, options and accessories for Harley-Davidson’s 2020 lineup, visit harley-davidson.com.
Ridiculously over priced.
Yeah. You should probably stick with Yamaha and Honda.
TOTALLY AGREE! way overpriced. I own/ride 2013 Triglide 103. Love it – even tho it was in the price range of $30k I wouldn’t trade up to the new CVO Triglide Trike. I have everything it has – and don’t need more power the 103 has more than enough power for every road condition out there. I have CB Radio, AMFM, CD Player (use all of that a lot) Blue Tooth capabilities-hookup both passenger and rider. Don’t want the infotainment – heard a lot of not so good on that. Would prefer the Brake Lever (on right side) which I never use – to be the foot control on the left side cost is $600+ to put that on/take the other off. So just leave it in gear and lock the bike/have superior Security system on it – Bike came with Harley its disconnected.l Scorpio Security system is far superior.
a suggestion, I’ve been riding H-D for over 50 years never owned anything else my first was a 47 knuckle. I know ride a Trike. I bought a bagger and put an aftermarket independent suspension trike kit on it and its ten times the bike the Triglid is. I have owned a Triglid for about a month it handle so poorly I dam near gave it away. Try building your own out of a stock bagger you’ll be much happier.
And they wonder why the new bikes are not selling, look at those prices, You can buy cars a lot cheaper and you can drive it in Iowa in January, and it’s not just Harley, I guess I will be looking more at used bikes.
look how ugly most of them are staring to look. I build my own better ride
Ugly? really? Ok, the CVO maybe over priced a bit. but Ugly? Well all I can say to that is “to each his own”, In my opinion that bike is one bad ass looking ride. I just looked at one at the dealership and it is a stunning piece of machinery.
Have six used to choose from two with under 4,000 miles email loujed@aol.com
The Road Glide Limited is a much better looking bike than the CVO limited just because of its awesome and fresh looking fairing and its seat. The CVO Limited seat is hideous and grandpa looking and it’s the same old fugly fairing that has only changed minimally in recent years.
For an extra $16,000 the additional farkles and 3 stinkin’ more cubic inch larger engine don’t justify the cost.
Lol yeah unless you’ve rode that road glide!!! Wind noise is horrible wind period is retarded. Might as well just get the road king and be done with it! The seat he says? Wtf man it’s a basic crap stock oem yellow foam seat. Talk and ugly. That CVO seat is wicked awesome looking with its French stitch & gel & memory foam. Hahahahaha you are way off base. And it’s usually cause the perp can’t afford it so they rip on it. I have a RGS put lots o money into just to have it depreciate like all the rest & it’s no where near as nice as my friends CVO. I will one day have one. Hahahahaha glad you like your oem bargin wagon.
I have a 2020 limited CVO IT IS ONE BAD ASS RIDE
Agreed just got the 2020 road glide special can’t even sleep right now lol
But what a motorcycle looks like, sounds like, feels like and fits like. BMW is what a motorcycle performs like.
I’m not a Harley guy, but if I were choosing, I’d pick the Heritage Classic. It fits my mind’s-eye view of what a Harley is supposed to be.
I have ridden Harleys for 30 years. I like some of the new bikes and new options, but the price is what is killing sales.
If a long time Harley rider won’t pay the price for a new one any more (I’ve bought my fair share of new bikes), how can you entice a younger rider to spend that amount?
Incentives are what is needed at a minimum… Zero percent interest rates. College graduate discounts. Green purchase discount program on electrics. Maybe even something as audacious as purchase 2 and get 25% off….. ????
New models are a great way to go but there certainty is going to be more needed to increase sales.
I just bought 2018 Heritage 114. Fabulous bike for both local and distance travel. Got a great deal on with the release of 2019 models.
I own a new 2019 Tri Glide. The CVO is just a gaudyed up version and has NO new features except the 117 motor
The 19 and 20 Tri Glides are where it’s at, I owned a 14 and while it was a decent bike, it was plagued by brake problems as well as a 103 motor that just wasn;t up to handling this trikes demands,
if you own a 103 Tri Glide you’ll understand.
Stay away from the 2017 and 2018 “orphans” all they were is the old braking and tech with a 107 motor
and cost almost as much as a good 19 or new 20.
Do yourself a favor if you own a 2009-2018 Tri Glide, go ride a 19 or 20 model. You’ll be impressed as I was. Totally different machine and the 114 is ALL you’ll need. I also noticed the MSRP on the REGULAR 2020 Tri Glide has dropped to
34,995. If you’re a good haggler you should be able to score a NEW one in the 31000 range, and THAT my friends is a great deal. Go ride one, and see what I’m talking about.
But has H-D solved the M-8 oil sumping and oil transfer to the primary problem? NOT! A riding friend just sold his 2018 and purchased a BMW because of the problems with his M-8 and the way the dealer was blowing him off. Apparently waiting for the warranty to run out. I purchased a used 2013 twin cam to avoid H-D first 5 year model year problems. Still had to replace defective compensator sprocket. This will be my last H-D.
Goes both ways, my bmw was junk and was bought back by bmw lemon law ’18 less than 1000 miles. I’l never buy another, that was my 3rd and last.
At least BMW did the right thing and bought it back-try getting Harley to ever do that.
Can’t even mention BMW and Harley in the same breath-like comparing an F-16 to a B-17…
And I’m not a hater-ridden plenty of Harleys over my 50 years of riding. If you consider motorcycling a sport, they just don’t cut it. If it’s a conveyance to get you to the nearest bar they’re damn near perfect.
I think the 2019 and 2020 114 motors are ok, at least mine is so far.
The early 107s did have a migration problem,
that’s why I would steer clear of the 2017 and 2018 “orphan” trikes.
My 2014 had the comp sprocket going out when I traded it.
103s are good motors, I have a 2015 Police EG and it’s been flawless
But the 103 is just not enough motor for the Tri Glide it has no
torque and mine after 35000 hard two up trike miles was feelin
VERY tired and the comp sprocket was shot.. I would go with a 114 motor and new brakes, suspension
and all the rest of the upgrades or stay on the porch. That’s my .02
Pricing for the 2020 CVO Tri Glide starts at $48,999.
Are you FKM, starts at $49,000, after you buy the new muffler and some other needed parts I ‘am sure it would be over $50g. No fucking chance, I’ll kept the reliable GL1800, VFR800, VN1600 and my house and car.
I would buy the basic Tri Glide you still get all the equipment and it starts at 34900
I USED to think that if I ever owned a trike it would be a GL that is UNTIL
I actually OWNED one. I had the full DFT kit as well. My front end was light it wandered everywhere
(it had the EZ steer) wife called it lurch because if you hit a bump it jolted you.
Maybe I had a bad one but IMO I’ll take an HD which is built from the ground UP as a trike
Goldwings had their day, you can keep em all as far as I’m concerned. I’ll stick with my Tri Glide
Modern styled bikes (especially yamaha) with their arse end bitten off are all damned ugly.
Been on HARLEY bikes for 45 years. The feel and roar of a Harley is unique. Yes, there are nice bikes out there, however, a HARLEY is a Harley is a Harley. The roar, the feel, you’ve got the flick. I would never buy an electric HARLEY, or a trike. I’m either a motorcycle rider or I’m not.
Nuff Said … thanks for reading this.
I have owned a 2014 Street Glide Special, a 2019 Street Glide Special, and now a 2019 Fatboy Special. Had a few minor problems with the 2014 SGS. Had zero problems with 2019 SGS. Have not had any problems yet with FLFBS. The FATBOY has a 117 stage four engine & a lot of other options that the original owner had installed. If you learn things about your bike, you can do a lot to them yourself if you are so inclined. Have fun out tjere.
I see a lot of comments re the pricing of the CVOs here. Do you know what CVO stands for? CUSTOM VEHICLE OPERATIONS… It kills me how many can comment on something they have no idea about! Here is a little insight on to why the price of these incredible bikes is right where it should be:
– Each bike is put together by ONE singular person. A designated warehouse, ONE person takes this from frame to packaging when shipped to the dealers.
-Limited number of each model, average about 1K WORLDWIDE.
-Custom paint unmatched in the motorcycle and automotive exclusive to CVOs.
-117 is exclusive to CVO models in 2020
-Exclusive parts and features
This is just a few details too. Keep in mind any John or Jim from next door cannot get these paint colors, parts or upgraded features either. You have to OWN a CVO and show confirmation to get anything. The purchase of a CVO is an honor. Yeah, the HDMC overprices just about everything, but they have earned it, just like any other brand out there. HD is an American staple. Deserves to be recognized the company pulled through very difficult times and is still standing at the top. Bike sales are perfectly fine and the buyer is old, young, new, rich, poor, fat, skinny, just as it has been the past 117 years!
Totally Agree!!
I paid 35 K for my FLHTK with a stg 3 dealer build. I test rode it first and slapped down the $ right away. My third HD and couldn’t be happier. Then I saw the CVO model and said Wait!!! I want that one! .. If I had the cash I would get one. The quality, the Fit and finish is far above anything the competition has to offer.
I don’t know why peoples complaining about Harley Davidson reliability and prices.
I own a 2007 FLHRSE3 and have 0 problems
I paid for it 30k long time ago, yes it is a lots of coins, but when I go out with my buddies (which they ride newer models, road glide, ultra classic) everyone still complimented me on my bike, awesome paint, the 110 with stage 1 is powerful enough.
If you can’t afford something you don’t have to bash it!
Cant BELIEVE they took away the Lowers on the CVO Street glide!!!!!! Takes away 2 speakers!!! My personal opinion is that Harley is finding ways to cut cost, which I think is a HUGE mistake in the CVO
They Put the extra speakers in the saddle Bag Lids
I think all of you negative nay sayers should start riding metrics, or get in cages, or just walk!! You are riding a fantastic piece of machinery that just happens to have become an American Icon. Its no different than Ford, think they can look like the Model A and sell today? Get off your Iron Butt horse and enjoy the safety and comforts of what technology has made. My congrats to all of the HD employees who design, build, and create an awesome machine.
These days Harley builds solid bikes and the CVO is the cream of the crop. After 40 years of scorn, I went back to Harley in 2010 (police Road King), had 2012 V-Rod, 2018 SG Special and now a 2020 SG CVO, which has amazing fit an finish, a powerful engine, comfortable seat and tons of tricked out goodies and modern safety tech.
I also currently own 10 other motorcycles, BMW, Triumph, Honda, Suzuki, Ducati & Yamaha, and feel the paint and build on the Harley surpasses them. I’m actually surprised how much I appreciate H-D (and am indifferent to BMW).
In the old days, Harley deserved the kicking it got. I traded my 1969 Sportster on a Honda 750-4 and never looked back. However, the new rides are generally very good and some, like the CVO, are flat-out exceptional. For all the complainers and bashers, Harley is the one brand you can actually test ride. Take advantage.
Yes 30k for an Ultra limited with rider defense. The fit and finish as well as paint is as good as anyone in the industry, maybe better. The wheels are new and tires are now 18s front and rear. When matched with the new inner fork cartridges…the ride and cornering are first class. Oil sumping…first all 3 holes take the same fluid, that is a great idea, no cross contamination possible. The main shaft from the transmission to primary had an oil transfer problem, maybe a seal issue , where tans oil would migrate to the primary, maybe a few ounces in a few thousand miles….repaired with a vent….end of story. The bike has a ton of electronics on it and they work. Ever been to the plant, a million square feet, mostly robotics, very impressive, and the union workers there make a great wage and retirement, and I hope the employees at the dealership and the owners, make a living as well. Do you want Jiffy lube quality employees working on your bike?? You are not buying a Honda civic here, you are buying at the top of the hill, and it costs money, if you want to pay 13 k buy a Yamaha or a Suzuki. I have owned 40 different bikes since the late 60’s and now have a 2020 ultra limited with a 114, 5 years in, great engine, great bike, traded in my 2015…this bike is a huge upgrade from 2015…and only 2 thousand more, I got a good trade and moved up for 14k, staying current before my trade was too low, getting in to one without a trade , 30k for a bike, most top tier touring bikes are right there, and yes that is a lot if you are getting your first bike, but none of these are first bikes.Oh, did I mention this is AMERICAN MADE AND I AM VERY PROUD TO SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY !! Also, nothing runs like this Milwaukee Iron and the camaraderie and friendship form other owners is perhaps second to no other product in ou country, a very nice feeling!!
I have a 2011 Road Glide Custom. The first one to come with a 103 motor. It’s been all over the states and was my primary ride to work and back ( I lived in California until I retired). It has over fifty thousand miles on it and has only let me down one time ( corrosion on two pins stopped me). This is my second Harley since 2004 and there is nothing like em. I rode my friends Suzuki (the one that tries to be a Harley) and I will take a Harley hands down over the other cruisers. Most of the ones criticizing Harley are the ones that never rode or had one. If they did, they would see the difference.