Why the new Harley-Davidson Trike, Limited and CVO models will shake up America

Harley-Davidson is trying to put what has been a pretty bad year for the esteemed company in the rearview mirror. In 2025, turnover fell by 15.9 percent. Of all the major manufacturers, only KTM had a worse year – largely thanks to a self-induced crisis. By launching in early 2026, Harley clearly wants to regain customer trust.

Late last year, Harley released the first chapter of its 2026 reveal video, which focused on all the carryover models. The second chapter of the 2026 story is out and we can now see the full picture. For the most part, the touring program has gone under the knife (as the Softails did last year) and we are now getting more fully equipped bikes than ever before.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Harley Davidson. While the opinions are ours.

Harley-Davidson gives the Touring class variable valve timing

Power: 105 – 106 hp

The only update that applies to all new touring motorcycles concerns the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. In previous years, only the 121 CVO models received variable valve timing, but now all 117-equipped motorcycles will have this. While this may not provide significant power gains, it will smooth out power delivery throughout the rev range and theoretically improve fuel economy as well. This adds a level of refinement that the 117 has lacked in the past, and is a change that may not be seen but will certainly be felt as soon as you hop on one of these bikes and take it for a test ride.

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 and Street Glide 3 Limited receive significant updates

Enthusiasts don’t often give Trikes the time of day, and as a result, Harley usually doesn’t pay much attention to the lineup. This year that all changed, with all Trikes getting a completely new rear end. A dash to match the updated Grand American Touring bikes sweetens the pot. It’s the most significant update we’ve seen in this underserved space in recent years. Harley is already one of the few brands offering three-wheelers, and while it’s a niche market, we’re happy to see the trikes getting a much-needed update.

Revised suspension provides better ground clearance

The new De Dion rear axle provides more wheel movement, something that all trike models lacked in the past. Previous models only offered a paltry 2.3 inches of travel compared to the new three-wheelers that now offer 5 inches of travel. This is a big difference and will definitely improve adjustability and comfort. In addition, the rear also has a different design than the outside, and the rest of the bike has been updated to match the other new touring models.

Pricing has always been a sticking point for Trike models, and it’s one of the reasons why these motorcycles occupy a niche space in the broader market. The all-new Road Glide 3 (pictured above) has a starting MSRP of $36,799, which is a lot of money. The Street Glide 3 Limited is even more expensive, with a starting MSRP of $39,199.

New CVO and Limited models deliver a complete Harley-Davidson experience

Harley Davidson Road Glide Limited

Although Harley frames these bikes as “all new,” the only one of the three that is truly new is the Road Glide Limited. It adds a Grand Tour-Pak top case, lower fairings with integrated LED lighting, new heated seats and a larger windshield to the already impressive standard Road Glide model. You also get a wide selection of new colors to choose from, and prices start at $32,999.

Harley Davidson Street Glide Limited

The Street Glide Limited, on the other hand, is essentially the Street Glide Ultra with a new name and a new paint job. It also benefits from an updated seat design and the same Grand Tour suit top case. Pricing for the Street Glide Limited also starts at $32,999, so the choice between the two essentially comes down to which type of fairing you prefer.

Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Limited

The CVO Pan America is actually being replaced by the new Pan America 1250 Limited. The changes are largely cosmetic, with the obvious omission of a few nice features you’d find on the CVO model. The big news is actually the price. The price of the 2025 CVO has been reduced to less than $30,000, and the new Limited will retail for $26,499.

Harley-Davidson CVO Streetglide ST

Most CVO models only get a few minor cosmetic tweaks and new paint, except the CVO Street Glide ST. It gets the same powerful Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine with 127 hp. Like all CVO models, it has a striking paint job and promises to bring enthusiasts one step closer to the ‘King of the Baggers’ racing series. Prices start at $44,999.

Harley still lacks a real entry-level option

While all of these new and updated models are fantastic, there is still one glaring omission. Deep down we had hoped that Harley-Davidson would surprise us by launching an entry-level model, but that hope has been dashed for at least a year. Some might point to the Nightster, but that’s still a pretty powerful bike and not something that could ever really be considered new rider friendly.

Realistically, you should still start with a different brand of bike and then move up to the Nightster. Others may point to the Livewire S2 Del Mar, but that’s still an expensive bike with an MSRP of $12,000. If Harley is serious about appealing to new riders, an affordable entry-level option is needed. Fortunately, all signs point to a new ‘Sprint’ in 2026.