In the big world of Harley-Davidson there is a wide variety of models, each with their own style, that cater to the wants and needs of its customer base. But there is a specific breed of motorcycles that Harley produces every year that sit at the top of the proverbial totem pole, and that's the CVO.
Short for "Custom Vehicle Operations," Harley-Davidson has been producing a very limited number of motorcycles that bring top-tier craftsmanship, design, style, attention to detail, and ultimate performance. Since 1999, the CVO has been Harley-Davidson's top-shelf selection at every dealership, and no two model years have ever been the same. All that can be said is when you've crossed paths with a CVO, you cannot help but stop and look.
That same attitude is carried with the two newest 2023 CVO motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson. Boasting dramatic and futuristic designs, the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide have set a new standard for the trim going forward. “With the introduction of the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, we’ve completely reimagined two of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic motorcycles and redefined the boundaries of CVO in the process,” says Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “By rethinking these two models from the ground up, we are ushering in a new era of innovation, design, engineering, and technology, while expanding the definition of Harley-Davidson CVO and taking the Grand American Touring experience to another level. The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide break the mold and reset the bar for the pinnacle Harley-Davidson riding experience.”
New Space-Age Design
Based on the teaser images alone, any Harley enthusiast can tell that the brand has adopted a new vision for the CVO. While some of their recent predecessors took on a modernized-throwback approach for the CVO, like ghost flames and bold two-tone color schemes, the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide appear to have taken more inspiration from the brand's future than its past. Both coated in light gray with black pinstripes, both motorcycles appear to look like the motorcycle-version of some of the star ships from Star Wars. Big, bold, and illuminating with white light from their distinct LED headlamps, both of these CVOs just may turn more heads than any of their predecessors.
“These all-new and unquestionably Harley-Davidson designs bring a cohesive and dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags,” says Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design and Creative Director. “Achieving a greater degree of visual change than any generation prior, the design of these CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models are revolutionary takes on the historical art of evolution. Like all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, these new models are meant to instill a sense of timeless desire.”
Upgraded Performance And Technology
Because a CVO is meant to represent the ultimate in the motorcycle riding experience, every inch of the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide is meant to reflect that. At the center of both of these motorcycles is the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 cubic-inch engine, which is plenty of power for even the hungriest throttle junkies. Both motorcycles will feature an all-new suspension system with inverted forks, and a pair of large, floating brake discs accompanied by four-piston Brembo brake calipers.
The all-new infotainment system will be programmed specifically to Harley-Davidson's 2023 CVO line to feature Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones, turn-by-turn navigation, the ability to take calls, constant updates to the motorcycle's health, fuel economy, oil levels, etc. It will also be tied into the two stereo speakers equipped into the fairings, as well as the additional two seen in the saddlebags. Wireless key fob with remote locking, unlocking, and alarm is also expected to be part of this new line of CVOs.
The 2023 CVO Street Glide has certainly displayed a noticeable change in its evolution. While it still presents itself with its classic "T" shape, both the fairing's silhouette and graphic outline have shown to have more updated surfacing, with the color scheme being well-integrated into the motorcycle's fuel tank, side covers, and saddlebags. Its "Omega-shaped" LED headlamp serves as the appropriate centerpiece to the 2023 CVO Street Glide, along with a pair of illuminated turn signals being integrated into the batwing's shape.
The 2023 CVO Road Glide also makes a bold statement with a more "aggressive-than-usual" take on its signature sharknose fairing. While other Road Glides come equipped with two side-by-side headlamps, the 2023 CVO Road Glide adopts a single horizontal LED headlamp, while appearing to have two separate elements. It's fair to say that both of these CVOs are literally and figuratively lighting the way for a new age of Harley's factory-custom line.
Full Reveal Later This Year
Just based on the teaser images, teaser trailer, and press release, Harley-Davidson is certainly aiming high for the new standard all upcoming CVOs will be meeting. As excited as prospective customers are about the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide, they will have to be patient for a little while longer as neither motorcycle is here yet.
According to Harley-Davidson, the official premiere of the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide will be revealed by Harley-Davidson, as well as additional details on the bikes will be revealed on June 7th, 2023. Among those details include the official specs of the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, pricing, as well as the second paint scheme that both CVOs will be available in.