Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide vs. Suzuki 25th Anniversary Hayabusa: A Tale of Two Icons

I’ve spent a lot of time around motorcycles, and when it comes to iconic bikes, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Suzuki 25th Anniversary Hayabusa are in a league of their own. These two machines represent the best of two very different worlds — long-distance cruising versus high-speed performance. But as different as they are, each bike has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them stand out — and where they might leave something to be desired.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide is the pinnacle of long-distance touring luxury, representing the cream of Milwaukee’s crop. It’s powered by the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine, delivering 115 HP and a reasonable 139 lb.-ft. of torque. That low-end grunt is what Harley does best — it’s the kind of power that made my recent 3,000-mile journey to the Harley-Davidson rally in Senigallia a genuine pleasure. The torque is smooth and steady, making the CVO Road Glide feel effortless, particularly when eating up the miles across Europe. This is where the Harley starts to show its limitations. The maximum speed, while adequate for most touring scenarios, certainly isn’t breaking any records. Weighing in at 391 kg, this is a substantial bike, and while that weight helps with stability on long stretches of motorway, it makes the bike feel cumbersome in the narrow streets of Senigallia’s historic centre. Manoeuvring through busy Italian traffic or parking at the rally can feel more like a chore than a pleasure. It’s not built for quick, nimble movements, and if you’re used to lighter, more responsive rides, the CVO Road Glide can feel sluggish.

The comfort factor is, without doubt, where Harley shines. The riding position is relaxed — low seat, feet forward, arms at an easy reach. You can ride for hours without feeling fatigued, which I can personally attest to after covering those 3,000 miles across Europe to reach the rally. However, there’s a trade-off for all that comfort. The ride can feel a little too smooth, a bit detached. Even with the CVO’s premium suspension and components, it’s still designed for stability and comfort rather than sharp handling. It’s a fantastic bike for covering serious distance through Europe, but if you’re looking for an exciting ride through mountain switchbacks, it may leave you wanting more.

Where the Harley is built for laid-back cruising, the Suzuki Hayabusa is built for speed and excitement. With 190 HP and 111 lb-ft of torque, the Hayabusa is a pure performance machine. Every twist of the throttle delivers a rush of adrenaline, and the bike’s lighter frame (264 kg) means it responds to every input with precision. This is a bike that’s all about engagement — you feel everything, from the road beneath you to the sheer force of acceleration. Having recently completed 2,000 miles on the Hayabusa, including international travel, I can confirm that while it’s known for its speed, it’s also surprisingly comfortable. The Hayabusa handles long distances better than you’d expect for a performance machine. Sure, it’s no plush cruiser like the Harley, but it’s a lot more forgiving than people give it credit for. Despite the aggressive riding position, I found that it works well as a long-distance cruiser, allowing you to cover miles without feeling fatigued.

The handling is where the Hayabusa really sets itself apart. The bike feels planted and precise at any speed, thriving in environments where the Harley’s weight would hold it back — like twisty roads or high-speed straights. It’s a machine that rewards active riding, and every moment on it feels fun.

For all its comfort and torque, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide has some notable drawbacks. The weight is a major factor. It’s great for stability at high speeds, but it makes the bike feel like a burden in traffic or when trying to manoeuvre in tighter spaces. It’s not built for agility, and if you enjoy carving through twisty roads or cutting through traffic, the Harley will feel slow and heavy compared to more nimble bikes. Another issue is the lack of engagement. While the CVO’s premium features and sophisticated electronics package add to the experience, the fundamental character remains focused on smooth, steady rides, which is ideal for long-distance comfort but can make the ride feel a little sterile. You don’t get the same connection to the road or the machine that you might with a sportbike. The CVO Road Glide does what it’s supposed to — it’s comfortable, luxurious, and stable — but it doesn’t feel exciting.

In contrast, the Suzuki Hayabusa is all about engagement. It’s a bike that demands your attention, and in return, it rewards you with incredible performance. The lightweight frame and sharp handling make it agile and responsive, and every twist of the throttle is a thrill. Unlike the Harley, which feels like it’s doing most of the work for you, the Hayabusa puts you in control. It’s a bike that keeps you on your toes, and that’s where the excitement comes from. And, as I discovered on my recent tour through France, it’s surprisingly comfortable for longer trips. The riding position, while aggressive, isn’t as punishing as you’d think, and the bike’s ability to cruise at speed for extended periods makes it a capable long-distance rider in its own right.

At the end of the day, the choice between the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Suzuki Hayabusa comes down to what kind of rider you are and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle long-distance touring in supreme comfort, as I discovered during my 3,000-mile journey to the Senigallia rally, the CVO Road Glide is hard to beat. It’s stable, luxurious, and makes those long European tours feel effortless. However, if you crave a more engaging ride, you may find the Harley’s smoothness a bit too detached. If, on the other hand, you’re chasing speed, precision, and adrenaline, the Hayabusa is in a league of its own. It’s a bike that keeps you engaged, delivering excitement at every turn. And after 2,000 miles of riding, I can say with confidence that it’s also surprisingly comfortable as a long-distance cruiser. Both bikes have their place, and for me, it’s about matching the bike to the rider. You may want the relaxed luxury of the Harley or prefer the rush of the Hayabusa. The choice is yours…


By Paul Brothwood


Paul Brothwood
Paul Brothwood

Location: Birmingham, UK

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