HD Bike: 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Road King

Price: $29,999/$30,999 anniversary model
Worldwide Production: 3,620 units including 900 anniversary models
Performance: 118 ft. lbs. @ 3750rpm

Colors:
• Burgundy Blaze with Hot Fusion Graphics
• Crushed Sapphire with Cold Fusion Graphics
• 110th Anniversary Edition Diamond Dust/Obsidian with Palladium Graphics

The Road King isn’t new to the CVO scene, having received the customized treatment on four other occasions, but at $29,999 next year’s CVO Road King is priced nearly the same as its last iteration in 2008, but with 2013 model-year amenities.

The new CVO Road King is the first Road King to receive a factory-installed audio system with a 200-watt amplifier. The system features handlebar controls for operating the included 8GB iPod or your personal iPod/iPhone. Sound is pumped through two 5.25-inch speakers mounted in the fairing lowers and two 5x7-inch speakers located in the saddlebag lids. A handy carrying pouch in the saddlebag keeps the iPod/iPhone safe and dry when riding.

The 2013 CVO Road King is distinctive by way of its vented Wind Splitter windshield. The detachable windshield was developed in the Wichita State University’s wind tunnel.

Using computational fluid dynamics, the H-D team was better able to determine the flow of air over and around objects thus significantly reducing wind buffeting to the rider. The vane within the vent is adjustable to match air flow to a rider’s preference. Not a breakthrough technology, the vented windscreen does, however, work as described while its swoopy design distinguishes it from lesser aftermarket options.