Flew to Orlando to pick up my new 2017 CVO Limited – Black Garnet/Electric Red Pearl with Carbon Dust. I added just 2 upgrades for the 1000+ mile ride home to NJ – 3 pocket windshield bag and 360 highway brackets. Closed all the paperwork by lunch. If you’re interested in more details on the actual deal just send me a PM. It was definitely worth the trip to Florida.
First impressions. I was a little unsure on the paint scheme but after seeing it in person it’s really spectacular. I wasn’t sure about the black and chrome wheels but I’ve come to really like them. No less than a half dozen people said the paint was outstanding on the trip home.
Break-in: First 50 miles were kept between 2-3000 rpms. I took my time getting familiar with the bike. I’m coming from a 2010 SE Ultra with 60K miles so I’m comfortable with the CVO Limited. I increased rpms to 3500 after the 50 miles and kept in that range for the next 300-400 miles. After that I rode the bike like I would my other bike.
The Outstanding:
- The sound system is just so perfect. At any speed including over 90, the fidelity is simply excellent. I was still amazed at the end of a 470 mile day just how good it sounded.
- The engine is remarkable for stock. If you hit the throttle hard at 60, the bike jumps forward, same thing at 70, 80 or even 90. It really is a strong performing engine. I make my comparison to my current bike with serious engine upgrades. It fades after 4000 but for a stock compliant engine it is sweet.
- The shifting is smooth and precise. No clunk. Just a satisfying, barely noticeable click.
- Personally, I like the clutch throw. It felt perfect for me and I wouldn’t change it at all. Even though others had an issue with Neutral I found it easily each and every time.
- Headlights were amazing. There’s almost no need for high beams except in deep woods. I had the dealer flash the software to use both hi-beams and passing lights together.
- The heated grips are also remarkable. I had several mornings in the mid 50’s and the grips can crank out incredible heat. I never needed to go above setting #1-2. Same for heated seat. Tons of heat.
The Good:
- The suspension is sure-footed. Slow speed parking lot maneuvers are very stable and backroad twisties just felt…. so easy.
- The seat is good. Deep with slightly more back support than my 2010 Hammock, but they increased the nose width of the seat. It was OK for me at 6’3” but I really can’t see how shorter riders will find the width of the seat to be acceptable.
- Hand controls are OK as I’m still learning them. I didn’t use the CB but I can see how it will be a nightmare having the PTT button on the throttle hand.
- The vented fairing does help somewhat but its only slightly better in my opinion than the vent closed. The windshield is very good. Perfect height for me.
- There’s still lots of heat from the water-cooled engine. It was 94 when I left Florida and the fairing fans were cranking to keep the engine temps down. I’ll be installing the CoolFan shortly. Still better than my 110 CVO.
- The 1-handed tourpak and saddlebags are very good, but you all new that already.
The Ugly:
- The floorboards are just too close. I’ll be getting extenders to get more comfortable.
- The rear brake position is ridiculous. Its nearly impossible to use if you have a size 12. I’ll be getting either the Soft Brake or EZ brake right away.
- Overall the brakes are excellent. Strong performance, just a poorly designed position with your foot under the rear brake when resting on the floorboard.
- Finally the overall design of the Boom system needs to have a complete remake. Some lawyer needs to be fired. It feels like a GPS system from a decade ago. The system will tell you to exit the highway in 2 miles but give you no idea if its right or left. Insane. At least they should pop up an arrow for which side you’re getting off. The system can’t even pronounce the road you’re getting on to. Garmin’s systems have been doing that for almost 10 years.
- And locking out the ability to enter a searchable destination is just insane. They expect me to get off the road to type a city name on my route so I can look for a restaurant up ahead??? Come on, that’s ridiculous and more dangerous than just letting me click an OK button so I know it’s dangerous to enter a destination.
- And maneuvering with the HK menus is just too darn complicated. Too many steps to get to basic functions. Just downright poor design.
- Sadly I’ll be solving this immediately with a bracket for my Garmin 665.
Summary:
Damn good piece of machinery. Other than the GPS setup, you can tell lots of smart engineers and techs designed an excellent, well-balanced, luxurious and powerful touring motorcycle. Now they need to just find a way to keep the lawyers away from hand-cuffing the technology.
Next steps:
Even though the stock performance is excellent, I’ll be upgrading to the 117 performance kit with Street Cannons within the first 60 days so the upgrade is covered under the factory and ESP warranties. Can’t wait for my next ride…… later today!!!!
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Topic: Review of 2017 CVO Limited after 1077 mile ride home this week (Read 8147 times)