How to Maintain the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST’s Suspension and Brakes in Houston
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is built to deliver a ride that’s both powerful and responsive, thanks in no small part to its cutting-edge suspension and brake systems. For seasoned Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts, maintaining these systems is not simply about preserving performance; it’s about enhancing the overall riding experience. In Houston, where the weather, traffic, and road conditions can vary wildly, keeping the suspension and braking systems in top shape is crucial to ensuring the bike continues to perform at its peak. Here’s a guide to maintaining these key systems so you can keep your ride smooth and controlled, no matter where the roads take you.
The suspension on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is nothing short of impressive. It’s engineered to offer both comfort and performance, with fully adjustable front and rear shocks that can be tuned to your exact riding style. The front forks are SHOWA® 47mm inverted forks, offering 4.6 inches of travel. For riders who enjoy the twisty roads around Houston or a more aggressive ride, these adjustable forks allow for precise tuning of compression, rebound, and preload. Adjusting these settings based on the weight you’re carrying or the type of riding you’re doing— an urban commute or a weekend cruise along the Texas highways—will ensure you maintain optimal comfort and control.
Houston’s hot and humid climate can put extra strain on suspension components. Regular maintenance of the front forks, such as ensuring the oil and seals are in good condition, will prevent premature wear and ensure smooth performance. It’s also important to regularly check for any signs of leakage around the fork seals, as this can significantly affect handling and comfort. From hitting the open road to stopping for a coffee, you’ll want to make sure the suspension keeps the ride as smooth as possible, absorbing the inevitable bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces that Houston’s roads tend to throw at you.
The rear suspension, which features dual outboard SHOWA® Remote Reservoir shocks with 3 inches of travel, is designed to handle the rougher, more demanding conditions riders often encounter. These shocks are particularly well-suited to Houston’s varied road conditions, from the occasional rough patches on city streets to longer stretches of freeway. These shocks not only provide comfort but also keep the bike stable and responsive, even at higher speeds or during more aggressive cornering. To keep them in top condition, regularly check the gas and oil reservoirs to ensure they’re separated and properly sealed. If the shocks start feeling soft or less responsive, it’s time to adjust the preload or consider a fluid replacement.
The braking system on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is equally advanced and deserves careful attention. Featuring Brembo® dual floating rotors at the front and advanced Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System (C-ABS), the bike’s braking system is built for precision and reliability. In a busy city like Houston, where frequent stops and starts are inevitable, the ability to confidently engage the brakes without fear of locking up is critical. The C-ABS system allows for smooth, controlled braking, even when cornering, by adjusting brake pressure based on lean angle. This makes it easier to maintain control on Houston’s sharp curves or during rainy days when road conditions can be slippery.
Regular brake pad inspection is key to maintaining performance. Worn brake pads can compromise your stopping power and cause damage to the rotors, leading to costly repairs. For riders in Houston, it’s especially important to check the brakes after longer rides or in conditions where you’re likely to use them more heavily, such as during wet weather or in heavy traffic. Keeping the rotors clean and free from debris is also essential, as dirt or road grime can impact braking performance and lead to wear.
One of the standout features of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST braking system is the Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) system, which automatically applies braking force to both the front and rear wheels when the front brake lever is engaged. This system helps improve braking efficiency by optimizing brake pressure distribution, reducing the effort needed for the rider to achieve maximum braking power. For riders in Houston, where quick stops in urban traffic are frequent, this system ensures a smooth and controlled stop every time.
Another system that’s integral to the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST braking performance is the Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS). This feature helps prevent the rear wheel from locking up when the throttle is suddenly released, which is especially useful when decelerating quickly. On Houston’s busy highways, where abrupt changes in traffic speed can happen without warning, DSCS enhances safety by keeping the bike stable during sudden deceleration.
The bike’s maintenance also involves checking the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you to any changes in tire pressure. Proper tire pressure is vital not only for tire longevity but for ensuring optimal handling and braking performance. Incorrect tire pressure can negatively affect both your suspension and brakes, leading to a less responsive ride. Be sure to keep an eye on the TPMS alerts and adjust the tire pressure as needed to maintain the perfect balance for your ride.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST suspension and brake systems are designed to work in harmony, offering a ride that is both smooth and responsive. Maintaining these systems ensures not only the longevity of your bike but a consistently safe and enjoyable experience on Houston’s diverse roads. From the heat of summer to the occasional rain, the suspension and brakes are your first line of defense against unpredictable road conditions, keeping you in control every mile of the way.
If you’re ready to experience the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST and all the advanced features it offers, contact us today or visit Stubbs Harley-Davidson® in Houston, TX. Get up close with this cutting-edge machine, check out its suspension and brake systems firsthand, and schedule a test ride to feel the performance for yourself. Your next ride is waiting—make sure you’re ready to enjoy it to the fullest.