Harley-Davidson CVO 1800 SOFTAIL CONVERTIBLE FLSTSE3 2012 — Specifications

They call it the Convertible, but is it really a Harley-Davidson playing chameleon? In 2012, the Milwaukee beast brought out all the stops with this CVO Softail, a machine claiming to be two motorcycles in one for the modest sum of €31,000. The concept is seductive on paper: a classic Softail base, those perfect lines that simulate a rigid frame, enhanced with a removable touring kit. The smoked windshield and buffalo leather saddlebags clip on or off without tools, promising to go from road trip to custom ride in the blink of an eye. It's the two-in-one idea, a cruiser that becomes a touring bike on demand.

But let's not be fooled, beneath its adaptable gentlemanly appearance, it's a real brick. With its 343 kilograms and deep pockets, it’s far from an agile motorcycle. The 1803 cm3 Twin Cam 110 engine, however, doesn't play games. Its 128.5 Nm of torque, available from 2500 rpm, is a slap to the lower abdomen, a frank and addictive push typical of big Harley V-Twins. The 96 horsepower are almost anecdotal; it’s about the sensation here, not chasing speedometers. The six-speed gearbox is precise, the belt drive silent, and this mechanics is a real treat for those who love raw emotions. On the other hand, swallowing the kilometers with this weight and a 65 cm high seat requires a certain philosophy, an acceptance of the mass.

Compared to a Gold Wing or even a Road Glide of the same era, the Convertible is clearly not a machine for devouring highways. It's a grand touring cruiser, with everything that implies: a relaxing position, a stunning style, but dynamics limited by its chassis and rather basic suspension. The single disc brakes, although with four pistons, must manage a liner, and the 38 mm fork is not designed for broken roads. It’s a motorcycle for beautiful roads, where you take your time, where style is an integral part of the journey.

So, who is it for? For the pure-sugar Harley rider who refuses to choose between the minimalist aesthetics of a naked Softail and the practical comfort of saddlebags. It's a luxury toy, a CVO collector's item with its exclusive paint and bright chrome. The target audience is the experienced rider looking for a motorcycle sculpture, a mechanical work to be further personalized with accessories from the Rumble collection. It's not a motorcycle for beginners, nor for the track rider seeking thrills. It's for the aesthetic touring enthusiast, the one for whom the journey begins the moment he looks at his machine.

Ultimately, the CVO Softail Convertible is an undeniable stylistic success, but a mechanical compromise. It does very well what it's asked to do: be beautiful and offer a facade versatility. It transports you as much with its temperamental engine as with its image. But at this price, one could expect more refinement in handling and equipment. It's the archetype of a love-at-first-sight motorcycle, a passionate choice far more than a rational one. You buy it with your heart, and you'll learn to live with its 342 kilograms.