2006 Harley-Davidson CVO Bagger - Road Test

Harmon/Kardon designed and built the audio system that fits into the fairing. In addition to AM/FM, the system receives signals from XM, Weather Band, CB, single-disc CD, MP3 player, and intercom. Mounted in the lower portion of the passenger backrest is a pair of speakers. Making sure there is enough power to really pump out the sound is a 40-watt-per-channel amplifier.

The bike is available in three different paint schemes. Ours wore the Autumn Haze and Vivid Black paint combination. In addition to more chrome and billet goodies than you can shake a stick at, the bike is set up with a chrome-covered oil cooler, braided brake and clutch lines, cruise control, pushbutton gas-cap door, rider backrest, dual-bulb halogen headlight, front air deflectors, and 4-inch chrome mufflers complete with billet end caps. We could go on and on, but you get the idea. Check out Harley's website for all the details.

Anyone who has ridden any of the bikes in the touring family will feel right at home on the CVO Ultra. This bike was meant to be ridden, and ridden hard. The firm saddle is a great place to navigate from. All the controls are within easy reach, but like so many other Harleys, this bike seems to be set up for folks under six feet tall. A quick flip of the ignition switch, and the On switch set the fuel pump in motion as the EFI system anxiously awaited. Once started, the bike ran smoothly with only an occasional cough when cold, but performance once warm was flawless. The additional 15 inches of displacement makes a huge difference on the heavy bike, especially when hauling a passenger or while loaded down. Speeding down the highway at 70 mph, the tach indicated the motor was spinning at 3100 rpm-not bad, but for a bike of this magnitude there is no excuse for anything other than a six-speed transmission.

For a big bike, the CVO Ultra is deceivingly nimble at both high and low speeds. We did scrape the floorboard mounts on a regular basis, but that's what happens when you ride the bike hard. Fortunately, when the mount touches down it does not seem to upset the bike all that much. The short windshield has a tendency to swirl the air coming off it, resulting in a bit of buffeting around your head. This may or may not be an issue, depending on the height of the rider as well as what type of helmet (if any) is worn.

The ride comfort on this bike is second to none. The suspension's ability to soak up bumps makes long days in the saddle a pleasure. Between the rear air shocks and the cartridge setup in the front, the bike eats bumps for lunch while leaving the rider able to enjoy his surroundings.

When you're ready for a blast, just turn on the stereo and crank it up. The audio system does a very good jpb blasting out the tunes even at a high rate of speed, which is where many other systems begin to show their flaws.

If you're looking for a bagger that will certainly stand out in a crowd while having the muscle to lead the pack, the Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic just might be right up your alley.