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[KGB]

I saw this on Matt Laidlaw's YouTube channel and thought it was interesting, Phil you also might find interesting, watch to the end!

 

[Twolanerider]

He be full of chit. 

The top four CVO bikes of all time (and he's wrong about when CVO began being a referenced name) are (in order by production):

1) 1999 FXR2
2) 2000 FLTRSEI Triple Red Road Glide
3) 2002 FLHRSEI Candy Brandywine Road King
4) 2005 FLHTCSE2 Candy Cherry Electra Glide

This is an unbiased and well referenced / researched order of all the various models that might be considered (in perpetuity).  A Moderator might as well lock this thread now since any other offering would be invalid and a waste of bandwidth.

[TN]

Interesting list there, 2009 was the last year of hand assembled CVO’s which deserves to be mentioned. My one owner FLTRSE3 will hopefully make it after she leaves my custody, which will be over my cold dry riding boots. While his top pick is a nice bike the solid color paint scheme lacked the CVO wow factor, BWTFDIK.

RideOn

[iski]

The "top CVO of all time" has not been manufactured yet.  Do not figure on getting much agreement here, since most everyone knows the CVO they own/ride or used to own/ride was/is the best of the best ever as well as the best color ever produced.  Except it is not.  Old tech fails to perform to the new tech standards is one reason, and it's a big one.  People will disagree.  Also the sun will rise & set tomorrow.  But yeah, old tech gets surpassed by new tech.  Not all new tech, but enough to make a big difference.  And some like the old tech better even when it's not as good.  See:  old conventional brakes vs ABS systems. Carb vs injected.  And so on. New tech prevails because it's better.  Otherwise we would all be riding around in buggys pulled by horses  & arguing about which chrome buggy whip holder was best. Bikes in the next few years will be better than the bikes now. That includes CVOs. 

[FLSTFI Dave]

Well I have owned three on his list:
#7  13 CVO Road King Anniversary edition.  Loved the paint, and loved that it had a sound system.

#3  09 CVO Road Glide, the Silver.  I agree it set the direction for future CVO baggers and baggers in general, a great paint job.

#1  18 CVO Road Glide Gunship Gray.  Not sure I agree or not, its a top ten but not number 1.

I also agree with his putting the 99 FXR3 and the 00 Screaming eagle Road glide in top ten.

I thought the skunk would have made the cut.

[CVOStreetglide]

In my experience the best CVO’S were;

    2000 SE   Roadglide
    2009 CVO Roadglude

    2010 CVO Streetglide
    2012 CVO Streetglide
    2015 CVO Streetglide

The attention to detail and paint and graphics during these years was outstanding.

Unfortunately when the CVO joined the regular production line it was relegated to just another model.

Jerry

[Ironhorse]

Let’s not forget the one off 2006 CVO Ultra. Last of the dependable 103 engine in an Ultra package. First of the leather “Camel Hump” tour pack. It was only produced for one year.

[fastfreddy]

mine made it on to his worst list.... kiss my butt mat     

[Twolanerider]

Let’s not forget the one off 2006 CVO Ultra. Last of the dependable 103 engine in an Ultra package. First of the leather “Camel Hump” tour pack. It was only produced for one year.

Was that the year with the paint problems? 

[99 Blue flame]

 He only made 5 mistakes. OBVIOUSLY the FXR3 should be number 1. 2009 Roadglide number 2, 2018 Roadglide should be number 3. And the Cvo Breakout is WAY to loud of paint to make the top 10. And the biggest mistake of all. Eric Buell DID NOT DESIGN THE FXR. That is straight from Eric Buell's Mouth, that can be heard in many of the interviews he has done. Just My humble opinion.

[Ironhorse]

Was that the year with the paint problems?

I believe so. The previous owner of mine (WrongWay Dave) said warranty replaced some parts. Not sure which ones

[ultra13]

Yes an interesting look at the CVOs. The only 2 cents I have is "personally" the 2018 CVO RG is my bottom feeder because of the cheap looking paint and being blacked out. So much for 1 of a kind special paint being that there are a couple of 22 models have the same paint on a regular bikes. Also there are 3 vehicle manufactures that have the same color on newer cars. I have always thought the 2009 CVO (silver) had the best paint on the RG..

[Wrongway]

I believe so. The previous owner of mine (WrongWay Dave) said warranty replaced some parts. Not sure which ones

 All the painted parts with multiple colors were replaced, only the inner fairing, rear fender, lowers, and saddlebag lids stayed.

He also said the 2000-2001 was the only bike to come with a chopped tour pak, wrong, the 2005 CVOs came with them as well. And the CVO name wasn't used until 2009, wrong again, my 2005s and 2006 hall had CVO on them.

[Twolanerider]

All the painted parts with multiple colors were replaced, only the inner fairing, rear fender, lowers, and saddlebag lids stayed.

He also said the 2000-2001 was the only bike to come with a chopped tour pak, wrong, the 2005 CVOs came with them as well. And the CVO name wasn't used until 2009, wrong again, my 2005s and 2006 hall had CVO on them.

The 2004 bikes didn't get that chopped tour pak.  That's (another reason) why the 2005s were better!  Mostly because 2005 could be had in red.  But also the tour pak. 

Red 2005 SEEG.  Awesome bike.

[Yellow09SERG]

I got to stick with the 09 Roadie.....yellow by the way

[Ironhorse]

That's (another reason) why the 2005s were better!  Mostly because 2005 could be had in red.  But also the tour pack. 

Red 2005 SEEG.  Awesome bike.

That's why I like the 06 CVO Ultra.  All the dependability of the 05 with the 103 engine, in an Ultra package.

[Cvostu]

It was a good video to watch. I think number one should have had a more special paint choice. I'm glad mako fade made honerable mention. 😁. Stuart

[FLSTFI Dave]

Yes an interesting look at the CVOs. The only 2 cents I have is "personally" the 2018 CVO RG is my bottom feeder because of the cheap looking paint and being blacked out. So much for 1 of a kind special paint being that there are a couple of 22 models have the same paint on a regular bikes. Also there are 3 vehicle manufactures that have the same color on newer cars. I have always thought the 2009 CVO (silver) had the best paint on the RG..

The 09 Silver was great, got lots of attention with that bike.  I think the 12 Skunk was even better.  Could not believe the attention I got with it.  Honestly the favorite bike I ever had.  18 Gunship gray got a ton of attention.  I really liked it, but the 19 Red Pepper spoke to me so I traded.

[Yellow09SERG]

One that has always grabbed my attention and sure don't make any list anywhere is the 12 Maple Metallic Roadie. Probably be my #2 choice

[quicked]

laidlaws #2 complaints dumpin worst trashtalk on the 2010 cvo softail convertible was preposterous!

[acevtwin]

laidlaws #2 complaints dumpin worst trashtalk on the 2010 cvo softail convertible was preposterous!

Agreed!
And just for the Record; Top 3 CVO's of all time,
1. 2022 CVO Road Glide       Wicked Orange
2. 2009 CVO Road Glide       Orange
3. 2004 CVO Electra Glide    Orange
(just my opinion, of course)

[smkymtnboy]

i think the 04-06 were the dependable mechanically best built. i really liked the black fade ghost look of the 2010! some others the 2012 antique gunstock flhx. the 2015 hard candy mercury flhx.

[smkymtnboy]

did harley not have a history page for cvos. this would be a good place to post the link as i could not locate it.

[DCFIREMANN]

You all forget history. The 2004 SEEG set the standard for CVO sales in the future. The entire allotment was sold within 1 week after the Dealer Meeting. You couldn't get one for MSRP, and if you did you were petty lucky. A lot of dealers marked them up 10k and got it.

So you can believe all you want. The number 1 title will always go to the 2004 SEEG Models. And that would be BOTH colors. 2005 will come in a close second!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Fired00d]

You all forget history. The 2004 SEEG set the standard for CVO sales in the future. The entire allotment was sold within 1 week after the Dealer Meeting. You couldn't get one for MSRP, and if you did you were petty lucky. A lot of dealers marked them up 10k and got it.

So you can believe all you want. The number 1 title will always go to the 2004 SEEG Models. And that would be BOTH colors. 2005 will come in a close second!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Preach Brotha.... and let the church say Amen!!!

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[DCFIREMANN]

Preach Brotha.... and let the church say Amen!!!

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Well it's all facts. The Screamin Eagles were out there but not a huge hit till the 2004 Sport Touring Models hit the Dealer Meeting. Then all hell broke loose!!!! FACT!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[kojak]

I’ve liked all the ones I’ve owned. Out of the ones I didn’t own, I always thought 2012 was one of the best years for paint with the Skunk and the Maple. The 2022 Envious Green is amazing as well.

[LunchboxTAMC]

Of course I think mine is the best 2016 CVO Ultra Limted SilVer/Blue

But I al really like the 2019 Mako Shark

[2smoke]

He was totally hatin' on the 2010 Softail Convertible. I have a 2010 and have owned it since new. It's basically a gussied-up Fatboy. They were waaaay over-priced at the time. I got a little over $4,000 off sticker. On top of that I got Sweety's discount so that put me at $18,400 plus tax,title, license. A total bargain. As time went on they had a good following. But man are they low!!! Both foot boards are majorly ground-down from scraping the pavement. Good deals still come around on low-mile used units. The paint on my 2012 is incredible! I believe it's called the "Catacomb graphics". You have to get up close to see what it is. Totally CVO!

[dayne66]

Based on looks alone.....The '12 flhxse3 in Ruby Red/ Typhoon Maroon....mechanically, not so much.

[BigLew55]

I have never been a CVO owner, but I may be one some day.  Not because I don't love to drool over them, but because they rarely tip the pro/con scale in the right direction based on my type of riding.

That said, as a spectator, I agree with most of this video.  I like Matt's videos in general.  I think there were some CVOs over the years that missed the mark, and the Deluxe with those ugly ass wheels deserves its place at number one.

Other than my lack of appreciation for the wide-big front tire, and my reinforced opinion that (quality) chrome is the appropriate finish for a vehicle exposed to any sort of miles, I agree with most of the 'winners' too.

I would add to my list the 2010 Scarlet/Grey Ultra.  Best color combo for my eye.  The 2009 Road Glides also earned their spot for the beautiful aesthetic, which is reinforced by my opinion of the 2022 bikes. 

I do love these bikes though.  Maybe I'll go watch the video again...

[jamala00]

Well I have the best one of course...  '18 CVO Street Glide in Orange Lava / Black  Denim. Beautiful bike...! Worst? Is there a worst? I wouldn't know which one would be on a worst list.

[Ironhorse]

Worst? Is there a worst? I wouldn't know which one would be on a worst list.

The first generation 110s that had a myriad of problems.

[SHRADER]

You all forget history. The 2004 SEEG set the standard for CVO sales in the future. The entire allotment was sold within 1 week after the Dealer Meeting. You couldn't get one for MSRP, and if you did you were petty lucky. A lot of dealers marked them up 10k and got it.

So you can believe all you want. The number 1 title will always go to the 2004 SEEG Models. And that would be BOTH colors. 2005 will come in a close second!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

I got one for 5k back of MSRP. Of course I was GM of the dealership at the time

[ultra13]

Looking at all the CVOs in the past, the paint was 2 tone, pretty much straight line graphics or maybe a little flame job. Not knocking them by any means because there are some nice sets out there. But the 2013 CVO ultra had the best graphics IMO. The tribal type graphic was 2nd to none.

[Violeiro]

The best is mine


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dayne66]

It was the best of times.....it was the worst of times....

2012 FLHXSE3....best paint scheme.....drive train (110 and 5 comps)

[aclass]

Enjoyed watching this video.  FLTRSE3 FTW!!

[Scott7d]

Based on looks alone, the 2013 CVO Road King in burgundy blaze is my favorite of all time. It was that way before I had one, and I still feel that way now that it's gone. Trading that bike in literally made my eyes water a little bit, haha. It's hard to hate on the skunk of course, and the 2019 Road Glide CVO's are all great, especially the red pepper.

One I can't click with is the gunship gray. I even love the color gray, but something about it looks incomplete and generic. I have a 2020 Sand Dune currently, but will admit its a rather bland color for a CVO. I'm happy with the bike in general but I'd trade someone tins from a 2019 if given the opportunity

[rbaker]

The first generation 110s that had a myriad of problems.

Yes Sir, My 2007 Springer , FXSTSSE had 6 recalls before the HD FACTORY REP replaced the 110 engine with a 2009 engine!
Not a problem since.

[rayson56]

One I can't click with is the gunship gray. I even love the color gray, but something about it looks incomplete and generic.

I love the Gunship Gray and thought the same about the monochromatic/generic look of these bikes. After some thought, my personal opinion would be swapping out the Gray wheels to the black that is on the Black Earth and Vivid Black. I think that would make a world of difference. 

[Scott7d]

One I can't click with is the gunship gray. I even love the color gray, but something about it looks incomplete and generic.

I love the Gunship Gray and thought the same about the monochromatic/generic look of these bikes. After some thought, my personal opinion would be swapping out the Gray wheels to the black that is on the Black Earth and Vivid Black. I think that would make a world of difference. 

The gray wheels are definitely a little much with an already gray bike. Black wheels to contrast would look better in my opinion.

[Frank FX]

My vote is for the 2009 CVO Springer in Blue Flames

[Veeflys]

I have one of the worst, 2014 FLSTNSE in crimson red.  Love it!  I am sure the dealer was jumping up and down when I said I wanted to buy it last year with 1,712 miles on it. But, that is how it is, finally able to afford a CVO that fit me.  I agree, the wheels are awful, but I can't see them when riding.  Angelo

[blacktop]

I have one of the worst, 2014 FLSTNSE in crimson red.  Love it!  I am sure the dealer was jumping up and down when I said I wanted to buy it last year with 1,712 miles on it. But, that is how it is, finally able to afford a CVO that fit me.  I agree, the wheels are awful, but I can't see them when riding.  Angelo

There are no bad CVOs, IMO.

[dayne66]

My 2012 FLHXSE3........both the best and worst for me........gorgeous...but Barne's rendered it unreliable...worst.

[Ironhorse]

My 2012 FLHXSE3........both the best and worst for me........gorgeous...but Barne's rendered it unreliable...worst.

Barnes,....is that a dealership?

[Twolanerider]

Dan and Barne's Harley are both in Victoria, BC.  So that's likely the culprit in question.  What happened at the dealership Dan?

[dayne66]

Basically ....a rebuild that smoked.....a second one that made awful 'normal' noises......and 5 compensator
s because they would not address the excessive crank run-out...all under warranty......all a faded memory now!

[2018_FLTRXSE]

Great article...

If I had room I'd keep them all... but alas, I'm almost glad I don't have that much space!

2001 FLTRSEi2 Black/Charcoal/Silver
2009 FLTRSE3 in Silver/Platinum
2012 FLTRXSE in Maple/Black
2018 FLTRXSE in Gunship Grey

I still have my 2001 and the 2018... Still on the fence about the Whiskey/Silver 2023 CVO Road Glide.

[Mr D]

2022 wicked orange CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE last of the original design & beautiful Harley colors

[acevtwin]

2022 wicked orange CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE last of the original design & beautiful Harley colors

Agreed. It is hard to think that this bike is now the "Old Style".

[Mr D]

Agreed. It is hard to think that this bike is now the "Old Style".

Beautiful 

[Grizzly]

You all forget history. The 2004 SEEG set the standard for CVO sales in the future. The entire allotment was sold within 1 week after the Dealer Meeting. You couldn't get one for MSRP, and if you did you were petty lucky. A lot of dealers marked them up 10k and got it.

So you can believe all you want. The number 1 title will always go to the 2004 SEEG Models. And that would be BOTH colors. 2005 will come in a close second!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

I agree with your comments, except I would put the '05 SEEG ahead due to them having a tour pack and the '04's did not.  Both years are still the hottest looking CVO paint schemes IMHO.

My dealer was so certain I would buy an '05 after seeing the 2-tone teal at the dealer show, the first thing he claims he did when returning to his office was to fill out my bill of sale (including my signature)      then phoning me to drop off a minor deposit.       I of course didn't mind at all because it was my first CVO and I loved riding it for 10 years, even though I added an '08 Duracell along the way and ended up keeping the '08.

[yellow fxr-4]

They are all nice when new but my choice is still the FXR as I have 2 FXRD'S  , 1 92 FXRT and 2 FXR-4'S 1 Yellow 600


 made and 1 Tangerine 300 made

once again just my oplnion

Swanny