The Motor Company has already unveiled a significant portion of its 2023 model lineup in anticipation of its upcoming 120th anniversary. However, fresh news has emerged from the high-end Custom Vehicle Operations unit in Milwaukee. The rumour mill has been buzzing with reports of an upcoming touring model, and Harley-Davidson has now confirmed it. Introducing the brand-new 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide.

According to H-D, both motorcycles boast "striking new visual designs, advanced technology, and dynamic performance." In practical terms, this means that the Street Glide receives a revamped batwing fairing, while the Road Glide features a restyled frame-mounted fairing. Both models also receive new wheels, suspension upgrades, and updates to their infotainment systems. However, the most noteworthy upgrade that catches the attention of most enthusiasts is the inclusion of the eagerly anticipated Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, which both CVO models now possess.

Furthermore, Harley-Davidson introduced the new 2023 CVO Road Glide, which receives similar mechanical upgrades and new bodywork just like the CVO Street Glide.

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

While some tweaks have been made to the bodywork of both models, the resemblance to previous Glides remains unmistakable. Starting with the CVO Street Glide, visual changes are evident in the flatter and redesigned batwing fairing, which retains its iconic "T" shape but now showcases a more modern silhouette with updated surfaces. Notably, the fairing features a squarer "Omega-shaped" headlight positioned at the center, recessed farther back into the fairing compared to the current Street Glide's round unit. The new fairing now fully encompasses the square multi-LED unit, with a lower edge that angles forward. Expect revised aerodynamic properties with the updated windscreen.

The fairing also incorporates running lights in the form of long, horizontal strips resembling eyebrows. Additionally, the turn signal elements have been integrated into the left and right headlamp, replacing the external "bullet" units found in the previous model. This new design achieves a more cohesive and dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags, complementing subtle profile tweaks made to the side covers and saddlebags. Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson's vice president of design and creative director, explains that these all-new designs create a harmonious and fluid transition.

Moving lower, a sharper front-fender design floats above a new wheel that combines wire spokes with an alloy rim, similar to the existing Combo Cast wheel available as a CVO accessory. This front wheel is connected to an inverted fork as part of the new suspension system, featuring large floating brake discs clamped by four-piston Brembo calipers—a fitting choice for a bike in Harley-Davidson's premium CVO range. It is likely that this system will eventually make its way to the main line.

The major highlight, however, is the introduction of Harley-Davidson's new VVT 121 engine, which powers both the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide. Emphasizing its displacement of 121 cubic inches (equivalent to approximately 1,983cc), the engine proudly displays this information on the intake and clutch cover badges. The variable valve timing system equips the air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight engine with a new lifeline in meeting stricter emissions regulations. Beyond these external cues, Harley-Davidson has remained tight-lipped about other powertrain specifics.

Both the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide will be available in two color options, with no further details disclosed at this time. The official launch for both models is set for June 7, 2023.

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide

Similar to the 2023 CVO Street Glide, the 2023 CVO Road Glide also boasts an "all-new" status and receives a more aggressive update to its distinctive sharknose design. The upper and lower sections of the fairing have been redesigned for better integration with the fuel tank, side covers, and saddlebags, with the upper part protruding further forward.

The single LED headlamp now adopts a wide, horizontal shape, cleverly creating the illusion of twin elements as a nod to previous "twin-beam" Road Glide models. On the CVO Road Glide, the turn signal lamps are integrated into the outer sections of the signature light, and the fairing-mounted running lights, like those on the Street Glide, extend to the edges of the fairing. However, on the Road Glide, they create a more mischievous expression compared to the surprised look of the CVO Street Glide.

Just like the CVO Street Glide, the 2023 CVO Road Glide features the same upgraded infotainment system, suspension, brakes, wheels, and the new VVT 121 engine. Both models will be offered in two paint/finish options, although specific details have not been disclosed yet.

While we can only speculate about other potential modifications, such as to the inner fairings, reshaped fuel tanks, and the rear of the bikes, as no additional images were provided, it's worth mentioning that no further information was given about the infotainment system updates. However, it is reasonable to assume that a new digital display will replace the aging analog dials found on previous models.

According to Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO of Harley-Davidson, "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."

Unfortunately, the bikes are not yet available, which is why Harley-Davidson used the term "announced" instead of "revealed" in the press release. Apart from the highlights mentioned above, no specific specifications, pricing, or additional images were provided. Milwaukee only stated that full details will be announced on June 7, 2023, with the official unveiling of the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide.