Harley-Davidson preview 2023 CVO models
While Harley-Davidson have revealed details on almost all of their 2023 range, they’ve held back on the CVO lineup. That’s set to change shortly, with two MY23 models in this premium family previewed in late April and set to be revealed in June.
In January, Harley-Davidson announced a CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary, but details on the main CVO range were only released on 27 April, when the CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide for 2023 were previewed. The two models will have their official unveiling on 7 June, followed by a public debut on 13-16 July at Harley’s 120th Anniversary ‘Homecoming’ event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Described as offering “exclusive and dramatic new visual designs, advanced technology, and dynamic performance,” the MY23 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide will feature a larger engine and debut new features and technology.
“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,” said 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 mould and reset the bar for the pinnacle Harley-Davidson riding experience.”
2023 CVO Street Glide
The most obvious point of difference on the MY23 CVO Street Glide is the redesigned batwing fairing that retains the same basic ‘T’ shape of this traditional, fork-mounted windbreaker, but modernises its look in several key areas.
Turn indicators are now integrated into the fairing in the form of LED strips, instead of being external units. There’s also a swept-back treatment of the windshield, while undercuts beneath the headlamp are more pronounced, giving the batwing a ‘chin’.
The headlight has flattened upper and lower sections in what’s called an ‘Omega-shaped’ design, while the overall look of the fairing is better integrated to the fuel tank, side cover and saddlebag designs, according to Harley-Davidson.
Further details and full specs were still to be released at time of writing, but Harley-Davidson did reveal that the MY23 CVO Street Glide will feature a new Milwaukee-Eight engine with variable valve timing and of 121 cubic inch capacity. The current CVO Street Glide runs the Milwaukee-Eight 117.
Other details revealed so far include all-new suspension and an all-new infotainment system, while two colour options will be available.
2023 CVO Road Glide
As with the new Street Glide, the MY23 Road Glide will arrive with a new-look to its sharknose fairing, but still with the modern look and frame-mounted style that has defined the Road Glide against the Street Glide since its introduction.
Instead of the dual headlights of the current model, the MY23 CVO Road Glide introduces a single LED headlight that takes up approximately the same amount of space. Indicators are now incorporated alongside this new-look headlight on the fairing, instead of being separately mounted.
The redesigned fairing on the 2023 CVO Road Glide also introduces a more pronounced brow over the headlight array, and like the fairing on the CVO Street Glide, is said to be better integrated into the styling of the fuel tank, side covers and saddlebags.
The MY23 CVO Road Glide will also run the new Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine, along with new suspension and a new infotainment system.
Colour options were not listed, but presumably there will be two, one of which is likely to be shared with the MY23 CVO Street Glide.
“These all-new and unquestionably Harley-Davidson designs bring a cohesive and dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design and Creative Director, commenting on the design of the new motorcycles.
“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 instil a sense of timeless desire.”
Whether a 2023 version of last year’s CVO Road Glide Limited and CVO Tri Glide will join the new CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide was not confirmed at time of writing.
Further details on the 2023 CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide will be released following their official unveiling on 7 June.
