Road Glide CVO Stage 3: Two Months to a Performance Bagger

Some builds take a weekend. This one took grit. Over nearly two months of long nights, trial-and-error, and patience, we transformed a Road Glide CVO into a Stage 3 performance bagger that looks mean, rides planted, and pulls hard from the very first crack of the throttle.

The Goal

The vision was clear from the start: keep the soul of the CVO intact but elevate everything else. That meant real-world power, sharper control, and a cockpit that feels purpose-built for riders who push their bikes hard. The result needed to be as rideable on long stretches of highway as it was thrilling when the pace picked up.

The Heart: Stage 3 Power

The Milwaukee-Eight engine is where this build truly came alive. The foundation was the S&S Stage 3 Big Bore kit, a setup that delivers a massive torque increase and keeps it pulling across the rev range. The bike already had an S&S 475 cam, but we refined it further by installing the S&S cam chest kit, improving oil flow and cooling to keep things reliable under heat and load.

To complement the big bore and cam, we fitted a 55mm S&S CNC intake manifold paired with a high-flow intake. For the exhaust, the customer opted for a Somsong Custom Titanium 2-into-1 system—a lightweight piece that not only looks incredible but helps reduce backpressure and lets the motor breathe the way it should.

Finally, the bike was dialed in with a ThunderMax ECU tune, ensuring the fueling and ignition matched the upgraded hardware perfectly. The result is a fatter, more usable powerband that makes roll-ons addictive—whether you’re riding solo or fully loaded.

Chassis & Handling

Power means nothing if the chassis can’t keep up. For this Road Glide, we turned to Öhlins suspension front and rear—NIX-style cartridges in the forks and STX shocks out back. The difference is night and day: tighter control in sweepers, more support under braking, and a planted feel that makes the bike inspire confidence at speed.

We also upgraded to a billet aluminum swingarm, powder-coated in a deep red finish. Beyond the visual impact, it adds stiffness and stability, tying together the bike’s sharper handling character.

Drivetrain & Primary

With more power comes the need for strength and reliability. The stock clutch was swapped for a Barnett Scorpion unit, known for its holding power and smooth engagement. We paired it with an S&S compensator ramp for better driveline durability and smoother power delivery.

To round it out, we performed a Trask chain conversion—a move that not only adds durability for big-power setups but also brings a raw, mechanical edge to the way the bike feels.

Braking & Control

When you’re adding this much speed, stopping power has to be just as serious. We upgraded the braking system with Galfer Waved Floating Rotors paired with Galfer Sintered Pads. The combination delivers a stronger initial bite, better heat dissipation, and consistent lever feel—even when pushed hard. Together, they bring confidence-inspiring stopping power to match the bike’s new performance envelope.

Cockpit & Finish

The cockpit is the command center, and we wanted it as clean and functional as possible. We deleted the stock ignition switch, streamlining the setup so the bike now starts directly from the hand-control buttons. That small change makes a huge difference in everyday usability and contributes to the stripped-down, performance-first vibe.

Visually, we kept the CVO DNA intact but sharpened the aggression. Tighter panel gaps, a purposeful stance, and component choices that will still look right years from now. No gimmicks—just parts that earn their keep.

The Build Timeline

From teardown to final road test, this project stretched across nearly two months. Parts sourcing, mock-ups, tuning sessions, and real-road validation all had their place. Every step was measured, documented, and test-ridden before sign-off. 

Final Thoughts

This Road Glide CVO represents what we love about building bikes—taking something already great and pushing it further. With a Stage 3 motor tuned through ThunderMax, a chassis that’s razor sharp, Galfer brakes that stop with authority, a billet swingarm that ties it all together, and a cockpit reimagined for pure rider focus, this bagger is built to be ridden hard and admired up close.

Who This Build Is For

• Riders who want instant, everywhere torque

• Long-distance bagger pilots who ride hard and value control

• Anyone who believes a CVO can be both luxury and lethal

FAQ

Why Stage 3 (not Stage 1/2/4)?
Stage 3 strikes the sweet spot for street: serious torque gains and high-RPM pull without the maintenance demands and heat of wilder builds.

What about reliability and heat?
Calibration and airflow are everything. A correct tune and efficient exhaust keep temps in check and protect longevity.

Can I order this as a package?
Yes—reach out and we’ll spec a Stage 3 kit for your exact model/year, riding style, and budget, including suspension and brake options.

Work With Us

Thinking about transforming your bagger? Tell us how you ride—highway pulls, canyon days, two-up touring—and we’ll build a Stage package around your reality. From parts to install and post-build support, we’ve got you.