New 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO models unleashed

After previewing the new models in late April, Harley-Davidson has released full details of its two latest up-spec CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models.

The 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide will both be powered by the largest-capacity volume-production factory engine ever to grace the Motor Co’s line-up, the unit also producing the most torque. To that end, the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 is a 121-cubic-inch, 45-degree V-twin that pumps out a claimed 183Nm of torque at 3500rpm, along with 115hp (86kW) at 5020rpm.

Harley-Davidson says it offers approximately eight per cent more torque and nine-and-a-half per cent more power than its predecessor, the Milwaukee-Eight 117, while utilising variable valve timing (VVT), improved cooling, new cylinder heads, a high-performance camshaft, a new intake tract and a new airbox.

The models’ charging output has been increased while the newcomers also feature a high-performance exhaust and improved shifting courtesy of a new shift drum. And a performance lift has also been achieved through shaving weight from both models: now 14kg less for the CVO Street Glide and 15kg less for the CVO Road Glide.

Harley-Davidson says the newcomers represent “a transformative revision of the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform”, with a look that “respects and is clearly evolved” from that of their forebears.

The CVO Street Glide’s batwing fairing continues but it has been refined with a splitstream vent that is fully integrated into the design, with more pronounced undercuts beneath the headlamp. The LED lighting is a major design element, while integrated amber LED turn signals give a cleaner overall look.

Harley says the CVO Road Glide’s ‘sharknose’ fairing has come in for an aggressive update. Also now sporting integrated indicators, the fairing flows seamlessly into the fuel tank design.

Across both bikes, the front fender has been trimmed at the rear and has less skirt depth, while the fuel tank has a distinctive shoulder bevel. The side cover design now flows through to the saddlebags, which look more compact but in fact have greater volume to accommodate the speakers and luggage. And the bikes roll on new Combo Cast Laced wheels, with a 19-inch diameter at the front and 18 inches at the rear, which give a “rugged and exclusive” look while also affording tyre pressure monitoring on a spoked wheel.

Both bikes are available in a standard Dark Platinum with Bright Smoked Satin colour scheme, or the optional Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic two-tone hue.

The pair roll on a 47mm-diameter Showa front fork while the rear suspension travel has increased to 76mm – that’s 50 per cent more than 2022 Grand American Touring models. Braking is handled by a Brembo package, but the front rotor has increased in diameter from 300mm to 320mm.

And in a first for the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, selectable ride modes are standard. Riders can choose from Road, Sport, Rain and a Custom mode, each offering a different mix of power delivery, engine braking, cornering ABS and cornering traction control.

Harley-Davidson says it’s also put in a heap of time in the wind tunnel in developing these new models, resulting in major gains in aerodynamic and thermal efficiency. Helmet buffeting is said to be down by 60 per cent compared to 2022 models, while new and adjustable venting allows riders to tailor airflow as conditions dictate.

Redesigned seating is said to further enhance rider comfort, while long-haul travel is made that much more enjoyable by the all-new infotainment system, powered by Skyline OS.

Featuring a massive 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen that offers 400 per cent more screen area compared to predecessors, the system replaces all the analogue instrumentation and most switches found on previous CVO models.

The system is customisable and has three different view options (Cruise, Sport and Tour), while also being compatible with both Apple and Android devices. Harley-Davidson says screen mirroring is available via Apple CarPlay, while Android users can still stream music and place or receive calls. Some features require a compatible wireless headset, with one headset provided per motorcycle. And the new voice command system is said to be more ‘conversational’, rather that purely relying on fixed prompts.

Complementing all this is a Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio system with four-channel, 500-watt amplifier, along with a DAB digital radio, and an embedded satellite navigation system that allows owners to upload route planning via the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner website and the H-D App.

“With the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, our mission is to advance every aspect of the Grand American Touring motorcycling experience,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson.

“These models set a new standard for Harley-Davidson performance, technology and style, accelerating the evolution of the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand.”

Both the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide are priced from $62,495 ride away, or $70,305 ride away in two-tone paint. The models will go on sale globally from mid-July. See your nearest Harley-Davidson dealership or click here for more information.