The big news from Harley-Davidson today is the release of two new Harley-Davidson CVO models that feature significant styling updates to the popular Street Glide and Road Glide models. Just as important, if not more, is the introduction of the new 121ci Milwaukee-Eight engine that includes a new variable valve timing system.
HD’s premium CVO line regularly features new components that will eventually make their way into MoCo’s regular product portfolio. These mid-2023 models will be revealed to the public at the grand Harley-Davidson Homecoming event in July.
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“With the introduction of the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, we have completely reimagined two of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic motorcycles and redefined the boundaries of CVO in the process, ” said Jochen Zeitz, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson.
Full details on the new bikes won’t be announced until their official launch on June 7, but here’s what we know so far.
The Street Glide’s iconic batwing bib has been reimagined into a more edgy design, with a cropped headlight panel that closely resembles the LiveWire One. The windshield is repositioned for a quicker profile, and it’s likely that it now includes electrically adjustable capabilities. Turn signals are now integrated into the apron instead of using unsightly external signals.
The Road Glide’s shark-nosed bib has also received a new treatment with additional pleats in the design to create a more modern look. The LED headlights have been styled to emulate the twin headlights of previous designs, and the turn signals are integrated inside the outer parts of the apron. An electric adjustment to the windshield is also possible here.
“These all-new designs deliver a seamless and dynamic flow from the front fender to the saddlebag,” said Brad Richards, Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer, Harley-Davidson. “Achieving a greater degree of visual change than any previous generation, the design of these CVO models is revolutionary for the art of historical evolution. Like all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, these new models are meant to evoke a sense of timeless longing.”
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Both models feature new upside-down forks and radial Brembo brake calipers, along with a new spoked wheel design that allows tubeless tires to be used. There will be two paint/finish options, but we only see gray lines in these photos. The new infotainment system is also teased but not seen. We expect a large TFT screen, perhaps around 10 inches, to navigate the controls and settings. A six-axis IMU is likely to be included to provide information for electronic driver aids such as cornering ABS and traction control.
The most exciting item in these new CVOs is the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, a huge step up from the 117ci engine that was once the domain of CVO exclusives but has now made its way to regular Harleys. So far, HD has not provided details on the new V-Twin engine, but certification records in Australia reveal that the engine is 1,923cc and has a maximum capacity of 103 horsepower. Its variable valve timing is intended to extend the engine’s power range to pull hard from the bottom and also accelerate upwards. It could also be a way to extend the life of air-cooled V-Twins in the face of stricter emissions regulations.
“By revisiting these two models from the ground up,” added Zeitz, “we are ushering in a new era of innovation, design, engineering and technology, while expanding the definition of Harley- Davidson CVO and brings the Grand American Touring experience to another level. The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide break the mold and set the bar for the ultimate Harley-Davidson driving experience.”
Prices for the new CVOs have yet to be announced, but they will certainly carry an MSRP higher than last year’s CVO Street/Road Glides $42,000.
Details will be announced on June 7, 2023. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson website.
