Harley-Davidson has faced a shortage of performance-oriented ST models in recent times, currently listing only two on its US website: the Low Rider cruiser and the Pan America 1250 adventure tourer. However, the brand appears to be addressing this gap with plans to introduce three additional models in the coming year. Among these anticipated additions are the Road King ST, Road Glide ST, and Street Glide ST, all categorized under the ‘Grand American Touring’ segment.
Currently, Harley-Davidson offers the Road Glide and Street Glide exclusively in their Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) form. In addition to the Road King ST, four more Harley models are also expected to launch in 2027. The Road King ST is projected to feature the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, making it more powerful than the 2025 version of the Road King, accompanied by a ‘sporty’ suspension setup.
Understanding Harley-Davidson’s Model Designations
To clarify the nomenclature used by Harley-Davidson, the designation ST stands for Softail frame, signifying a performance-driven approach with enhanced engine power and advanced suspension systems compared to their non-ST versions. CVO models represent a higher tier of customization, typically limited in production and featuring exclusive upgrades, unique finishes, and color schemes not available on standard models.
Since the inception of the CVO program in 1999, Harley has often tested new accessories and color options through these limited models before broader releases. The Road King ST is expected to join the lineup next year, indicated by Harley-Davidson’s temporary creation of an accessories page for the model, which has since been removed.
What to Expect from the Road King ST
While the design specifics of these new models remain under wraps, the accessory pages suggest that the Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST will also be offered outside the CVO range in the upcoming year. The last time non-CVO versions were available was in 2023, prior to the introduction of the current touring platform.
The last appearance of the Road King was in 2025 as a Special model, featuring the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with side cases but lacking a windshield. In contrast, the standard Road King was last seen in 2022, equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, side cases, and a windshield. The upcoming Road King ST is expected to utilize the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, aligning with other touring models in the Harley lineup.
Performance Enhancements and Future Releases
As is characteristic of ST motorcycles, all three anticipated models are expected to come with performance-focused suspension and braking systems. For reference, the CVO versions of the Road Glide and Street Glide are powered by even more potent Milwaukee-Eight 121 engines. However, the non-CVO variants may lack some of the carbon components exclusive to CVOs and will likely feature a slightly less powerful engine, possibly the Milwaukee-Eight 117.
The recent establishment of website pages for these models indicates that Harley-Davidson is gearing up for their imminent release, likely accompanied by new color options. In addition to the three models mentioned, accessory pages have also been set up for other non-CVO models, such as the Deadwood and Super Glide, suggesting their market entry is also on the horizon.
Source: Autocar India
