New Harley

Oct 01, 2023

MILWAUKEE, WI – June 8, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Harley-Davidson elevates the motorcycle riding experience with the mid-year introduction of two premium 2023 models from Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™). The new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models showcase advanced technology, enhanced rider comfort and dynamic performance propelled by the powerful new Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 engine. Exclusive and dramatic new visual designs present a transformative revision of the Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring platform.

"The mission of the new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models 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."

Harley-Davidson annually presents an aspirational collection of CVO™ limited-production motorcycles that deliver the ultimate in refined styling and design, detailed craftsmanship, and thrilling performance. The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models will make a U.S. public debut in Milwaukee during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival, July 13-16, 2023, when both will be available for demo rides at the Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility.

The new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models open a new chapter in the canon of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle design. The stunning new design creates dynamic flow among the key components of the motorcycle – the fairing, fuel tank, side covers and saddlebags. The result is a dramatic visual transformation that respects and is clearly evolved from the familiar shapes of previous Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring motorcycles.

Other new design elements are featured on both the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models. The front fender is trimmed at the rear and has less skirt depth to reduce visual mass at the front of the bike and to reveal more of the distinctive wheel, the inverted forks and Brembo™ radial brake calipers. The 6-gallon fuel tank presents a new taut and stretched surface, with a distinctive shoulder bevel. The side covers are shaped to create a linear pull through the center of the motorcycle to the saddlebags, which have three-dimensional shape in harmony with the fairings and fuel tank. While the new luggage appears more compact, it actually has slightly more volume for speakers and cargo. The new Combo Cast Laced wheels (19-inch front/18-inch rear) make a bold custom statement, with a black machine-cut cast-aluminum rim and laced spokes for a look that is both rugged and exclusive. This design also enables TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) on a laced wheel.

The new CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models will be offered with two paint/finish choices:

The bragging rights of riding a motorcycle powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 powertrain are exclusive to owners of the 2023 CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models. This 121-cubic-inch 45-degree V-Twin engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson® Touring motorcycle – approximately 8 percent more torque and 9.5 percent more horsepower than the Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine – while further improving thermal comfort for the rider and producing an intoxicating exhaust tone. The Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 is equipped with a number of new features, including optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), and a new intake tract. A single counter-balancer is tuned to cancel undesirable vibration.

Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 Specs

New features of the Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 engine:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) broadens the overall powerband, improves torque management and enhances efficiency to increase range from each tank of fuel (compared to the same engine with fixed valve timing). Through computer control, VVT advances or retards camshaft timing infinitely through a potential range of 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation (20 degrees of camshaft rotation). Riders may experience a 3 percent to 5 percent improvement in fuel economy* over a standard drive cycle compared to similar motorcycles powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine.

An improved cooling system focused on the exhaust valve area of each cylinder head further improves thermal comfort for the rider, especially in low-speed riding situations and hot weather.

Redesigned four-valve cylinder heads incorporate new channels for coolant flow around the exhaust valve areas. An electric pump circulates a coolant solution first to the hotter rear cylinder head, then to the front cylinder head, and then to a new heat exchanger (radiator) located low on the front of the frame and backed by a thermostatically controlled fan. Air flow from the fan is directed below the motorcycle for enhanced rider/passenger comfort, especially at low vehicle speeds.

New cylinder heads feature a combustion chamber reshaped with oval intake ports, low-profile intake valve seats and an enhanced squish band, which combined increase intake air velocity and tumble and accelerate combustion to improve performance and fuel economy. The compression ratio is increased to 11.4:1 from 10.2:1 (2022 Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine) enhancing torque at lower RPM and improving fuel economy*. Higher compression is enabled by improvement of the cylinder head cooling design, the burn rate in the combustion chamber, and enhanced knock sensing to protect the engine from pre-ignition.

A high-performance camshaft with higher lift and longer duration than the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 camshaft contributes to increased power and torque. The valvetrain is updated with high-capacity lifters and inner cam bearing, and valve springs capable of higher lift, to maintain durability with the more-aggressive camshaft in place.

A new intake tract contributes to increased power and lower exhaust emissions. The throttle body diameter is increased to 58mm from the 55mm used on Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engines, and the throttle body is positioned closer to the center of the cylinder spacing and to the intake valves to enhance intake air flow.

The new contoured aluminum intake manifold offers a more-direct air path and creates a smooth transition from the round throttle body to the oval intake ports. New induction components improve tumble and increase mass flow by 7.5 percent and port velocity by 10.3 percent. High-capacity (5.5 gram/second) fuel injectors match fuel demand of the engine.

A new airbox replaces the Heavy Breather intake used on previous CVO™ Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engines. Airbox volume is 4.0L, approximately 50 percent more than Heavy Breather. The new intake is lighter, requires fewer parts and has no exposed fasteners, and significantly muffles intake sound compared to the Heavy Breather.

Charging output increased by 20.8 percent to 58 peak amps from 48 peak amps (Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine output). Current capability at both idle and cruising speeds is increased to support added vehicle content and accessories while maintaining optimal battery health.

High-performance exhaust unlocks engine performance. Muffler diameter is increased to 4.5 inches from the previous model 4.0-inch diameter. A high-flow design complements the engine tuning. Exhaust tone and level are enhanced to produce an exhilarating sound, especially on acceleration, that set the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models apart from other Touring models equipped with stock exhaust.

An improved shift drum with redesigned neutral pocket geometry in the 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission makes it easier to select and find neutral on the first attempt.

To complement the power of the new Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 engine every aspect of design that could impact overall performance and the comfort of rider and passenger was carefully considered during the development of the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models.

Dry weight has been reduced significantly, by 31 pounds for the CVO™ Street Glide® model and by 35 pounds for the CVO™ Road Glide® model, compared to the models they replace. This reduction was achieved by shaving ounces whenever possible. For example, the fuel tank is formed from lighter-gauge steel and a new triple clamp is manufactured using a liquid aluminum forging process reduces component weight by about 7 pounds. The result is an improvement in every aspect of performance – braking, handling and acceleration – and in rider comfort in regard to lift-off the side stand, balancing at a stop and even moving the bike around the garage.

High-performance suspension components are designed to promote confident handling and provide a dramatic improvement in rider comfort compared to previous CVO™ models.

Braking provided by premium Brembo™ components offer outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence. Dual front disc brakes feature new radially mounted four-piston Brembo calipers designed to offer the rider more braking power. The front brake rotor diameter is increased to 320mm from 300mm (previous models). The single rear brake features a four-piston Brembo™ caliper. Rear brake rotor diameter is 300mm.

Lighting is all-LED, designed to deliver style, outstanding performance, and to help make the motorcycle conspicuous to other motorists. The LED headlamps are designed to produce an even spread of light, eliminating distracting "hot spots."

New signature lighting on both models includes one element surrounding the headlamp plus elements extending along the left and right sides of the fairing. The result is signature lighting with a distinct appearance that identifies these motorcycles as the new CVO™ models. A shutdown sequence keeps the signature lighting illuminated for 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off, a dramatic effect curbside.

Front turn signals are integrated within the fairing behind the same lens used for the signature lighting. The signals are eye-catching and create a smooth, integrated look for the front of the motorcycle. Combination rear brake/tail/signal lighting is located between the rear fender and the saddlebags.

Ride Modes For the first time the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models offer selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of technology intervention. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering-Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. The rider may use the hand control MODE button to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions. A unique icon for each mode appears on the display when that mode has been selected.

Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson, a collection of technologies designed to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions, are featured on the CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models. Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology. These models include the following elements of Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson:

Aero and Thermal Comfort are informed by all-new fairings with a "floating" windshield design, part of a completely new aerodynamic system. Each aero system element was created using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tools, wind tunnel analysis and real-world subjective testing with an emphasis on reducing rider helmet buffeting at highway speed. Many riders will find that the combination of improved aero design and adjustable elements results in a significant improvement in overall aero comfort compared to the fairing/windshield combination of previous Grand American Touring models.

The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models introduce an all-new suite of infotainment technology powered by the new Skyline™ OS. A TFT color touch screen is the most tech-forward display ever offered for a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. It replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches as found on previous CVO™ motorcycle models. This premium display is bright and well-organized, is customizable within three distinct view options, is compatible with Apple and Android devices, and offers technology that was either previously not available on a Harley-Davidson® system or required a separate app on the owner's device.

NOTE: All Apple CarPlay projection services from the rider's device may be applied through the display. Android Auto projection services are not available, but Android users may stream music and place/receive calls through the system. Use of some features requires a compatible wireless headset. One headset is shipped with each motorcycle.

The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models each feature the following new infotainment features:

Screen Display Options

The rider can choose from three screen display options:

High Contrast Mode: The rider can change the display appearance to High Contrast Mode. If Auto Day/Night Mode is enabled with High Contrast, the display will automatically change between High Contrast and Dark Mode based on ambient lighting conditions.

Widgets: The rider may use the Trip Switch to select the widget they want shown. In addition, there is a "Blank" widget for users that want to display minimal content.

Harley-Davidson® Ride Planner: Routes configured on the Harley-Davidson® Ride Planner website can be transferred to the embedded navigation system using the H-D™ App. The H-D™ App also informs the owners of any firmware updates available for their infotainment system.

The CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealer showrooms globally in mid-July, with a base MSRP of $42,999 (U.S.).

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® apparel and accessories, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

* Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.

Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.