Harley-Davidson has recently made an exciting announcement about their latest additions to the model range for 2023. The two new motorcycles, the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road, are the epitome of Grand American Touring, showcasing the impressive Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine with variable valve timing. This advanced system allows for precise adjustments to camshaft timing, providing a potential range of 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation (equivalent to 20 degrees of camshaft rotation).

The redesigned four-valve cylinder heads in these models incorporate improved channels for coolant flow around the exhaust valve areas. To ensure optimal cooling, an electric pump circulates coolant from the rear cylinder head to the front cylinder head and then to a new heat exchanger located low on the front of the frame. A thermostatically controlled fan assists in directing the air flow below the motorcycle, enhancing rider and passenger comfort, especially at lower vehicle speeds.

The new cylinder heads feature a reshaped combustion chamber with oval intake ports, low-profile intake valve seats, and an enhanced squish band. These modifications increase intake air velocity, enhance tumble, and accelerate combustion, resulting in improved performance and fuel economy. The compression ratio is raised to 11.4:1 from the previous 10.2:1 (found in the 2022 Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine). The higher compression is made possible by the enhanced cylinder head cooling design, improved burn rate in the combustion chamber, and enhanced knock sensing for added engine protection against pre-ignition.

A high-performance camshaft with increased lift and longer duration, compared to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 camshaft, contributes to greater power and torque. The valvetrain is upgraded with high-capacity lifters, an inner cam bearing, and valve springs capable of handling higher lift, ensuring durability with the more aggressive camshaft profile.

Enhancements to the intake tract further amplify power output and reduce exhaust emissions. The throttle body diameter is enlarged from 55mm to 58mm, and it is positioned closer to the center of the cylinder spacing and intake valves, optimizing intake air flow.

A newly designed contoured aluminum intake manifold creates a more direct air path, facilitating a smooth transition from the round throttle body to the oval intake ports. These improvements, along with updated induction components, increase mass flow by 7.5 percent and port velocity by 10.3 percent, improving overall performance.

The CVO models introduce a new airbox that replaces the Heavy Breather intake used in previous CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 engines. The new airbox boasts a volume of 4.0L, approximately 50 percent more than the Heavy Breather. This increased volume allows for a larger in-molded velocity stack radius and greater intake air capacity, resulting in improved power. The new airbox is also lighter, has fewer parts, lacks exposed fasteners, and significantly reduces intake sound compared to the Heavy Breather. Additionally, the muffler diameter has been increased to 4.5 inches, further enhancing performance with approximately 8 percent more torque and 9.5 percent more horsepower than the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.

The 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission in the new CVO models features an improved shift drum with redesigned neutral pocket geometry. These enhancements make it easier to select and find neutral on the first attempt. Compared to equivalent Grand American Touring models, the new CVO models offer a smoother ride, as the stock rear suspension travel is increased by 50 percent to 76mm.

Integrated sweeping LED lighting adds a striking visual element while eliminating distracting "hot spots" and providing a more even spread of light.

For the first time in Street Glide and Road Glide models, riders can choose from three Ride Modes – Road, Sport, and Rain – to adapt to different riding conditions. Additionally, two Custom maps are available, allowing riders to fine-tune the functionality according to their preferences.

The new CVO models prioritise safety with features such as Cornering Electronically Linked Brakes, Cornering ABS, Cornering Traction Control, Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control, Vehicle Hold Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.

A computer-redesigned fairing enhances the exclusive Street Glide batwing fairing, giving it a sleeker silhouette. The iconic Road Glide "sharknose" fairing receives an aggressive styling update. Wind tunnel testing has demonstrated that both updated fairings reduce subjective helmet buffeting by 60 percent.

The CVO models introduce a suite of advanced infotainment technology powered by Skyline OS. The centerpiece is a much larger 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay compatibility, touch screen functionality, and a Voice Recognition System.

In terms of weight reduction, the CVO Street Glide model sheds 14 kilograms, while the CVO Road Glide model reduces weight by 15 kilograms. The ready-to-ride weight of the Street Glide is 380 kg, and the Road Glide weighs 391 kg. Both models have a fuel capacity of 22.7 liters.

To enhance their visual appeal, both models offer two eye-catching paint schemes. The standard strip is Dark Platinum with Smoked Satin, while an extra charge allows for a hand-applied, two-toned Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic option.