2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST Mid-Season Tune-Up Tips for Riders in Friendswood, TX
Halfway through the riding season in Friendswood, TX, the summer heat has already started to show its hand. The pavement is hotter, the skies are heavier, and your 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST has likely clocked more than a few hundred miles along the Gulf Coast and local highways. If the bike has been your steady companion through weekend rides, daily commutes, or early-morning escapes down winding roads, now’s the time to give it the mid-season attention it deserves.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is a top-tier machine. Its design and performance strike the kind of balance that appeals to riders who demand power with control. But no matter how advanced the engine or high-tech the suspension, consistent upkeep plays a bigger role in performance than any single spec sheet claim. This guide breaks down the tune-up tips that make sense this time of year, especially for riders here in Friendswood, where local riding conditions have a personality all their own.
Even the most robust motorcycle benefits from a reset halfway through the season. The summer elements in Texas don’t go easy on bikes. Heat, humidity, and sudden downpours can have a long-term impact, especially on fluids, electronics, and suspension components.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST, equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engine, is built for performance touring. It has the chops to cruise at highway speeds with confidence, but to keep that level of response intact, you need a detailed checkup once the season starts to wear on.
Let’s walk through what that looks like.
Clean the Belt Drive and Inspect the Sprockets
Dust and road debris are constant companions here, especially after long rides through Friendswood’s outer roads and highways. The final belt drive on your 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is efficient, but grime build-up and debris can cause wear over time. Take the time to thoroughly clean the belt using a Harley-recommended belt cleaner. While you’re there, inspect for uneven wear or visible damage along the edges.
The sprockets also deserve a glance. Look for any signs of pointed or deformed teeth. If something doesn’t look or feel right, it’s worth getting a second opinion from a tech at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson®.
Get Up Close with Your Tires
Mid-season rides often come with fluctuating road conditions from hot, dry asphalt to unexpected rain slicks. Those shifts wear tires down quickly, especially when carrying the weight and torque of a fully-loaded touring bike like the 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST.
Run your hand along the tread. Are there any flat spots or unusual ridges? What about small punctures or embedded gravel? Tire pressure should always be checked when the bike is cold, since heat can temporarily inflate readings. Keep the pressure in check to ensure your bike stays responsive through corners and smooth on long straights.
Refresh the Fluids Across the Board
If the oil hasn’t been changed since spring, now is the time. Long rides through high temperatures stress the oil faster than usual. Fresh oil helps the engine run cooler and quieter, which are two things every Friendswood rider appreciates during summer traffic.
Transmission and primary fluids often get overlooked, but they’re just as vital. You’ll notice smoother shifts and less drivetrain noise when everything’s running clean. Brake fluid, too, should be checked for clarity and consistency. If it looks dark or feels soft at the lever, a flush is in order.
Retune Your Suspension Settings
Your 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST comes with a premium suspension system that includes an inverted SHOWA® front fork and dual outboard SHOWA® Remote Reservoir shocks. These components aren’t just for show, they’re made to respond to how and where you ride.
If you’ve changed your riding habits since spring, maybe added a passenger, luggage, or more highway miles, the settings may need a tweak. Reset the rear shock preload using the accessible adjustment knob, and don’t be afraid to visit the service team at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson® if the ride starts to feel less composed.
Inspect the Brake System
Brakes tend to get less love than they should. But when you’re piloting a machine that weighs in at nearly 850 pounds, reliable stopping power becomes a serious part of your ride.
Check your brake pads for wear. Most have wear indicators, but it’s smart to do a visual inspection anyway. Look at the rotor surfaces, do they appear scored or discolored? If so, it may be time to resurface or replace them.
Clean and Check All Switches and Electronics
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST features a high-end infotainment system with a 12.3-inch TFT display running Skyline™ OS, complete with integrated navigation, Bluetooth®, and selectable ride modes. While the tech itself is reliable, grime and corrosion from everyday riding can cause small interruptions in performance.
Check that all handlebar controls are responsive. Make sure the screen boots up quickly and the rider modes toggle as expected. Confirm your phone still connects, music plays through the speakers, and navigation syncs without issue. If you notice delays or malfunctions, it might be a firmware issue or moisture exposure, which is something a dealership tech can handle.
Test the Battery and Charging System
If your 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST is slow to crank in the mornings or you’ve noticed dimmer lights than usual, the battery could be showing early signs of fatigue. The Friendswood heat can wear batteries down faster than expected.
Use a multimeter to check the resting voltage. Anything below 12.4V could be a red flag. Also inspect for signs of corrosion on the terminals. If you’re not confident in your battery’s health, bring it in for a load test.
Thoroughly Clean the Bike
Detailing might not seem like a maintenance task, but it’s a surprisingly important one. Residue from insects, tree sap, and salt carried by coastal breezes can dull your paint and pit exposed metal.
A mid-season wash helps protect surfaces and makes it easier to spot potential problems like fluid leaks, loose fasteners, or small cracks in plastic trim. Don’t forget the undersides and tight corners, especially around the fairing and wheel wells.
Tighten the Hardware
Riding long distances over time can loosen bolts gradually, even on a bike engineered for high-performance touring. Take a few minutes to check the hardware around your handlebars, exhaust system, fairing brackets, and saddlebag mounts.
If anything feels loose to the touch, it likely needs a torque check. A little effort here saves a lot of grief later, especially when you're deep into a weekend ride and something starts rattling without warning.
There’s a lot you can do in your own garage, but there’s no replacement for professional eyes. Stay ahead of the season by booking a mid-season service at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson® near Friendswood, TX. Our expert team will get your 2025 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Road Glide® ST tuned, tested, and ready for everything the road throws your way.
While you're there, take a few minutes to schedule a test ride on the latest models and experience how a perfectly tuned Harley-Davidson® feels at full strength. It’s the ideal time to fine-tune your current ride and maybe find your next one. Contact or visit us today to set it all up.