Using both brakes is essential for heavy retardation, as the low maximum lean angles (33o on the right and 30 o on the left) limit total braking effort, so that corner entries must be planned in advance, and braking completed in a straight line as your pace goes up. On the very positive side, the RGU uses three four-piston Brembo calipers, a net improvement over older ones.

The very complete and easy-to-read dashboard takes on a unique look when the red lighting takes over at night. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Now on to an area where the RGU really shines: ergonomics. Once you learn how to mount the machine without kicking the right-hand rear speaker, the RGU turns into a delight to sit on (In??) over great distances. The wide saddle lets the typical rider place his legs vertically – rather than stretched out too far forward - on the wide floorboards, with hands falling straight onto the grips, and eyes looking at least 10cm above the top edge of the newly designed and placed windshield.

“Fully equipped” is an understatement when it comes to this bike, as only a list can begin to tell the whole story.

Here is that impressive list:

• Heated leather seats for rider and passenger, with matching adjustable backrest for the rider and full backrest on the Top Case for the passenger
• ABS
• Adjustable pneumatic rear preload
• Hammock-style suspension for the rider saddle and a spring-board suspension for the pillion, under comfortably thick padding
• Air-adjustable lumbar support that can be set at four different heights
• Deluxe Tour Pak top-box with interior lighting and internal 12-volt power port
• Colour-matched LED brake/tail lamps
• Remotely operable lock for the ignition, saddlebags and Top Case
• Carry-out luggage liners
• Luggage rack on the Top Case
• A full set of admittedly gorgeous analog instruments, especially the red internal lighting
• Cruise control
• Four BOOM! speakers driven by a Harmon/Kardon 40-watt-per-channel system
• An 8GB iPod nano that automatically charges itself when stored in its saddlebag pouch
• An audio system that includes XM radio, an intercom and an iPod interface
• Road Tech zũmo 660 GPS navigation system

A tri-phase charging system generates 650 watts feeds all these convenience and safety equipment.

The goodness start adding up: all this equipment, exclusive decoration, paint and accessories, and exceptional quality of fit and finish. When you add things up, the “Package” you buy with the CVO RGU represents great value for money when compared to the cost of adding even a fraction of this equipment piecemeal to a standard Road Glide.

On the road, exhaust noise remains unobtrusive at any speed as you enjoy the bike’s stability and comfort. Intake noise rises when you crack the throttle open, then disappears as you reach a steady speed. Full throttle runs – just to see what it has – produce a nice flow of power that you can hear as it fights with the bike impressive total mass.

I did notice excessive turbulence above 90kph despite recent aerodynamics development work, enough to cause discomfort and for me to reach for earplugs and look for a different windshield to calm things down.

The Motor Company is working hard to keep old customers and gain new ones, and has recently made great strides in the 18-to-35 buyer bracket. Add an emphasis on international sales, women riders and Hispanic riders in the US, and there will be some light at the end of the tunnel.

In the meantime, this CVO is an attractive bike that may cost more up front but that does provide great value for the money as it depreciates more slowly than less glorified models. A good deal if you can swing it!

Loved that comfy seat - wide a the back, narrow at the front, with electric heating and full trampoline-like suspension to absorb most of the hits on bumpy roads. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

+
Great looks, quality and finish
Excellent torque and power
Superior ergos
Reasonable cost of ownership for a high end product

-
Very top-heavy
No reverse
Rough ride on bumpy roads
Needs more rear travel and Öhlins-level damping all-round
Too much turbulence over 100kph