Paul Brothwood: Hayabusa vs Harley CVO Road Glide

Paul Brothwood riding his Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition.

Paul Brothwood has travelled thousands of miles across Europe and the United States by motorcycle, riding everything from high-performance sports bikes to large touring machines. After long-distance journeys on both the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition, I found two motorcycles built for completely different types of riding. One puts comfort and stability first. The other puts speed, control and rider involvement first.

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide: built for distance

The Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide represents the luxury end of long-distance American touring. Its Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine produces 115 hp and 183 Nm of torque, with strong pulling power available low in the rev range.

On my 3,000-mile journey to a Harley-Davidson rally in Senigallia, Italy, the Road Glide’s strengths became clear. It felt settled on motorways, offered strong wind protection and covered long distances without demanding too much from the rider.

The engine delivers its power smoothly, making overtaking and sustained motorway riding feel effortless. The fixed fairing, relaxed seating position and luggage space also suit extended European tours.

At lower speeds, its size works against it. Riding through Senigallia’s narrow historic streets required far more effort than riding on open roads. Tight turns, busy traffic and parking all highlighted the weight of the motorcycle.

Comfort is the Harley’s greatest strength

The Road Glide has a low seat, forward foot controls and a relaxed reach to the handlebars. This riding position reduces fatigue during long motorway journeys.

That comfort comes with a trade-off. The ride feels calm and isolated, even with the CVO’s premium suspension and electronic equipment. On twisting roads, I wanted more feedback and a stronger connection with the motorcycle.

The Road Glide performs its touring role well. It is comfortable, stable and well equipped, but it lacks the excitement and precision of a lighter performance bike.

Suzuki Hayabusa: performance with touring ability

The Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition takes a different approach. Its 1,340cc engine produces 190 PS and 150 Nm of torque, giving it far stronger acceleration than the Harley-Davidson.

Every movement of the throttle produces an immediate response. The Hayabusa feels precise, stable and closely connected to the rider. Its performance is always present, yet the power delivery remains smooth enough for long journeys.

Having completed several European tours on the Hayabusa, including around 2,000 miles through France, I found it far more suitable for touring than its hyperbike reputation suggests.

The riding position is more forward-focused than the Harley’s, but the fairing offers useful protection and the motorcycle remains comfortable over distance. Regular breaks make long touring days manageable without taking away the character of the bike.

Handling and rider involvement

Handling is where the Hayabusa separates itself from the Road Glide. It feels planted at speed and responds accurately through bends. It rewards active riding and gives clear feedback through the handlebars, seat and footrests.

The Harley prefers smooth roads, steady progress and relaxed inputs. The Hayabusa feels happier on fast open roads, mountain routes and sweeping bends.

The Road Glide often feels as though it is managing much of the journey for the rider. The Hayabusa demands more attention, but it gives far more involvement in return.

Which motorcycle is better for long-distance riding?

The answer depends on the journey.

For relaxed motorway riding, luggage capacity, wind protection and low-rev torque, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide is the stronger choice. It makes long distances feel calm and controlled.

For performance, sharper handling and a stronger connection with the road, the Suzuki Hayabusa is the better motorcycle. It also handles serious touring distances without losing the excitement that makes it distinctive.

My verdict

Both motorcycles fulfil their intended purpose. The Road Glide provides comfort, storage, stability and presence. The Hayabusa delivers acceleration, accuracy and greater rider involvement.

For long journeys dominated by motorways, the Harley-Davidson has clear strengths. For routes chosen because the roads are enjoyable, I would take the Hayabusa.

For me, the Suzuki offers the more rewarding combination. It has enough comfort for European touring while retaining the performance and handling that make every journey memorable.

Further reading

Paul Brothwood | Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

Paul Brothwood | Honda Adventure Roads 2026

Paul Brothwood | Chartered Environmentalist

About Paul Brothwood

Paul Brothwood is an Operations Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and an experienced motorcyclist. He writes about leadership, operational excellence, sustainability, motorcycle touring and adventure travel, drawing on journeys across Europe and the United States.