Harley-Davidson 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide

[Hugh Janus]

After teasing a few photos in April, Harley has officially released the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, both featuring the Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine. (Harley-Davidson/)

H-D dropped the usual vague teaser for its upcoming CVO models back in April, citing a new, bigger 121ci powerplant and improved suspension as the main changes for the mid-year bikes. Now, as promised, comes the full info dump, with Harley filling in the blanks for us and providing detailed specifications for the 2023 CVO Street Glide and 2023 CVO Road Glide. The full announcement touts the aforementioned new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine that appears on both new 2023 CVO models, as well new, beefier Showa suspension components front and rear, new ride modes, a fresh infotainment system, and reworked key external surfaces like the fairing, fuel tank, and saddlebags to create a more “dynamic flow,” as The Motor Company puts it. There’s lots more to discuss, so let’s get into it.

The new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine features liquid-cooling, displaces 1,977cc, and is said to produce 115 peak horsepower at 4,500 rpm. (Harley-Davidson/)

The main mechanical upgrades are on both CVO models. The marquee feature for both is obviously the new Milwaukee-Eight 121ci V-twin engine, which H-D claims yields approximately 8 percent more torque and 9.5 percent more horsepower than the Twin-Cooled M-8 117 engine. For context, we’re talking a claimed 115 hp at 4,500 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm from the 1,977cc mill, which also employs variable valve timing (VVT). Digging deeper into the M-8 121 engine reveals redesigned liquid-cooled cylinder heads with new channels for coolant flow around the exhaust valves; the aim here is to reduce heat transfer to the rider, especially in low-speed and hot-weather scenarios. A high-performance camshaft with higher lift and longer duration also adds to increased power and torque; compared with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, compression ratio is increased to 11.4:1 on the 121. A single counterbalancer is tuned to cancel any unwanted vibes.

Other refinements to the big 45-degree Vee include a new intake tract and a larger throttle body diameter (now 58mm) positioned closer to the center of the cylinder and to intake valves to enhance airflow. A larger and lighter airbox also replaces the Heavy Breather intake used on previous CVO engines, and is matched to a new high-performance exhaust featuring a larger-diameter muffler (increased to 4.5 inches from the previous 4.0 inches) with a high-flow design.

Related: Harley-Davidson Teases All-New 2023 CVO Street Glide

New inverted Showa fork adds 50 percent more travel than on previous CVO model; beefier brake discs with four-pot calipers also appear up front. (Harley-Davidson/)

Another plus for both models is the new suspension, with an inverted 47mm Showa fork offering 4.6 inches of travel up front, but alas, no option for adjustment (believe it or not, that’s still an improvement of 50 percent over the outgoing model). At the back is a pair of Showa outboard emulsion shocks offering a more modest 3 inches of movement, though at least they’re adjustable for preload via a remote hydraulic adjustment knob near the left saddlebag. Rebound damping can also be adjusted for the rear, but it means you’ll be looking at the removal of those saddlebags to gain access.

Braking performance on the new CVO Glides also gets a boost thanks to larger-diameter front discs and premium Brembo components. The dual front disc brakes—now 320mm—are gripped by radially mounted four-piston Brembo calipers, while the single rear brake features a two-piston Brembo caliper with a 300mm disc.

2023 CVO Street Glide features a redesigned front fairing with new LED lighting as a design element; fenders and redesigned tank and saddlebags follow more cohesive design flow. This is the standard Dark Platinum with Bright Smoked Satin pinstriping color. (Harley-Davidson/)

2023 CVO Street Glide

The visual changes on the CVO Street Glide may feel minor at first glance, but there’s substantial refinement from its immediate predecessor. Unmissable is the Glide’s updated batwing fairing which retains the iconic “T” layout, but streamlines its silhouette, with the split-stream vent now fully integrated into the design. As a distinctive design element, the LED headlamp takes on a new shape with its amber LED turn signals now integrated into the left and right lamp elements for a cleaner overall look. Additional LED elements swoop outward from the main lamp along the left and right sides of the fairing for a dramatic effect. The combination rear brake/tail/signal lighting now moves to between the rear fender and the saddlebags, and for even more drama, the lighting stays illuminated for 10 seconds after you shut the bike down.

Related: 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 121 Revealed

The batwing fairing‘s slip-stream vent is now integrated and a new adjustable center allows riders to dial in airflow. (Harley-Davidson/)

The new fairing also gets a “floating” windshield design with a new adjustable control vane in the fairing center vent of both models, allowing the rider to dial in their airflow, thus balancing air pressure behind the fairing to minimize helmet buffeting at speed. Air deflectors on the fork skirts of the CVO Street Glide can be tweaked to reduce wind turbulence to the rider’s head as well.

There are other subtle design details on both as well, including briefer front fenders, a new 6-gallon fuel tank with a distinctive side bevel, and reshaped saddlebags designed to better flow with the fairings and fuel tank. The new Combo Cast Laced wheels make a bold custom statement with a black machine-cut cast-aluminum rim and laced spokes. Like the CVO Road Glide, the Street Glide will come in two finish options.

Improved ergonomics include a redesigned seat for both models, set at 28 inches off the ground. The new saddlebags appear more compact, but actually have slightly more volume for speakers and cargo. (Harley-Davidson/)

Ergonomic issues have been addressed on the new CVO Street Glide as well, with a redesigned seat and padding shaped to place rider’s hips in a neutral position reducing fatigue on the back and neck. The front brake lever is also adjustable for reach to better match rider hand size or preference, and the standard heated grips can be temperature-adjusted on the grip or through the infotainment display.

As for that infotainment, say goodbye to the Boom! Box; you’re now looking at a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen that’s 90 percent larger diagonally than the outgoing unit and replacing most of the switches on previous CVOs. It’s powered by a new operating system called Skyline which has a fancy new voice recognition system and supports Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay (but not Android as of press time) as well as a host of other add-ons. Both CVO models are also equipped with a premium, high-performance Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio system buttressed by a new four-channel, 500-watt RMS amplifier and supported by 6.5-inch fairing speakers and Stage II three-way 5 x 7-inch saddlebag speakers.

Related: Harley Releases Ride Routes to 120th Anniversary Festival

Say hello to a new 12.3-inch touchscreen on both CVOs, powered by the new Skyline OS. The four ride modes (a CVO first) can also be accessed from this screen. (Harley-Davidson/)

That new touchscreen is also the gateway to four new selectable ride modes, a first for the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. Each mode (Rain, Road, Sport, and Custom) is configured to deliver a specific combination of power, engine-braking, Antilock Braking (C-ABS), and Traction Control (C-TCS) intervention.

In addition to the cornering ABS and cornering traction control systems, both of the new CVOs also include Cornering Electronically Linked Brakes (C-ELB), Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control (C-DTSC), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).

Classic sharknose fairing gets a bold new update on the 2023 CVO Road Glide, with a more aggressive snarl and new LED headlight arrangement with integrated turn signals. (Harley-Davidson/)

2023 CVO Road Glide

The 2023 CVO Road Glide model gets all of the same engine, suspension, lighting, and electronics improvements as the Street Glide, and many of the ergonomic ones to boot. Where things clearly diverge is in the visual arena and some styling differences and smaller details.

The classic Road Glide sharknose fairing, for example, gets an aggressive update with more angular shapes. You can see how the rear edge of the new fairing ties in with the fuel tank shape, and the lower part of the fairing to the front engine cylinder, while the pinstriping echoes some of the saddlebag design.

A single LED headlamp gets a wide, horizontal shape and gives the illusion of having twin elements, riffing on a key feature of previous Road Glides. The “W” shape of that forward lighting is a dead giveaway, though the amber turn signals are now integrated with the outer part of the main lighting, thus ditching the previous bullet turn signals.

The new saddlebags appear more compact, but actually have slightly more volume for the Stage II 5 x 7-inch saddlebag speakers and cargo. (Harley-Davidson/)

The CVO Road Glide shares most of its other basic surface shapes with the CVO Street Glide too, though it gets new adjustable vanes at the rear edge of its fairing which H-D says can be used to adjust airflow air to the rider’s torso for desired comfort.

The CVO Road Glide handlebar has a wider, flatter bend than the previous shape, which puts the rider’s hands in a more natural position for long-haul riding and also enables 27 degrees of adjustability.

On both bikes, Harley says dry weight has been reduced quite a bit by using different materials and processes. Weight savings are 31 pounds for the CVO Street Glide and 35 pounds for the CVO Road Glide, compared to the older models they replace.

Like the CVO Street Glide, the CVO Road Glide will be offered in two options. This here is the higher-priced Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic color. (Harley-Davidson/)

“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.”

The new 2023 CVO Street Glide from the rear. Base MSRP is $42,999. (Harley-Davidson/)

The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models will be offered with two paint/finish choices. The standard Dark Platinum with Bright Smoked Satin pinstriping and color-matched inner fairing is set against a black powertrain and air cleaner with chrome accented engine inserts. Lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes, and exhaust are also finished in Scorched Chrome; Adversary Collection accessories are finished in black powdercoat with machined highlights.

The next option triggers an additional charge, though H-D does not give that cost. The Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic two-tone color is hand-applied and gets a color-matched inner fairing. The powertrain and air cleaner are black with orange accents on the engine inserts, while lower rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars are painted Whiskey Neat. Pushrod tubes and exhaust are chrome. Adversary Collection accessories feature a black and orange double anodized finish.

The CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models are set to reach Harley dealers globally in mid-July, with a base MSRP of $42,999. Both will make their US debut in Milwaukee during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, July 13–16, 2023, and will be available for demo rides at the H-D Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility.

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide/CVO Road Glide Specs

MSRP:	$42,999 (base)
Engine:	1,977cc, liquid-cooled, 45-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	103.5 x 117.5mm
Compression Ratio:	11.4:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Claimed horsepower:	115 hp (86kW) @ 4,500 rpm
Claimed torque:	139 lb.-ft. (189 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame:	Steel tube w/ two-piece backbone and bolt-on rear subframe
Front Suspension:	47mm inverted Showa fork; 4.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Dual emulsion shocks, spring preload, rebound damping adjustable, 3.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston radial-mount calipers, floating 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast laced; 19 x 3.5 in. / 18 x 5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop H-D Series bias blackwall; 130/60B-19 / 180/55B-18
Rake/Trail:	26.0°/6.7 in.
Wheelbase:	64.0 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.5 in. / 5.7 in.
Seat Height:	28.0 in. / 28.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	6.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	838 lb. / 862 lb
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

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