2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Assessment [18 Fast Facts]

2023 is a major milestone for Milwaukee’s personal Harley-Davidson, who occur to be ringing in 120 years of cranking out all-American V-twin equipment proper within the good ol’ US of A. That anniversary deserves a hearty bash of its personal, which the Motor Firm threw at its hometown—a metropolis brimming with baggers, brats, and breweries, so far as the attention can see. However what turns our heads is the novel replace to the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide fashions. Save for the body, the top-shelf of H-D’s Grand American Touring lineup is all new and sporting large modifications throughout the board.

Harley-Davidson’s Customized Automobile Operations (CVO) fashions signify the MoCo’s better of one of the best, from efficiency to expertise to luxurious ending. These factors are foundational to CVO fashions. 2023 brings huge updates to the 45-degree V-twin powerplant, much-needed chassis enhancements, an all-new infotainment system, and styling set to steer future efforts.

We packed our baggage and joined H-D for its a hundred and twentieth Homecoming hoopla, the place we had an opportunity to pattern the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide in its pure habitat, exploring Midwestern nation roads and taking in each fried cheese curd alongside the way in which. For these questioning in regards to the CVO Street Glide, we turned reacquainted with SG’s sister machine on the identical journey, and we’ll have extra on that quickly. For now, let’s get on with the quick details.

1. You start a Harley-Davidson evaluation with the engine, after all, and the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 is the model’s newest centerpiece. We’ll dive into the technical bits in a second, however we have to concentrate on what this 121ci (1977cc) mill represents, and that’s progress. Torque is the cornerstone of American V-twin motorcycling, which sees the Massive Twin pumping out 139 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm and 115 horsepower at 4500 rpm. These numbers are spectacular, however the takeaway is how crisp, clear, and highly effective the pull is wherever within the revs—we will thank Variable Valve Timing (VVT) expertise for that attribute. The sheer on-demand grunt is outstanding, and so, too, is its smoothness, because of new counterbalancing methods that go away simply sufficient rumble on the pallet to let you understand it’s one in all Milwaukee’s finest.

2. New tech involves the Milwaukee-Eight structure. Beginning on the high, the CVO Road Glide boasts a 50-percent-larger airbox than the Heavy Breather consumption, but it’s tucked away from the rider’s leg. From there, air works by a straighter consumption tract to a bigger 58mm throttle physique relocated between the V, passing by redesigned consumption ports and valve seats that enable larger circulation, lastly resulting in an up to date combustion chamber. Collectively, these modifications enhance the compression ratio in comparison with the M8 117 whereas bettering energy and gas financial system stats. VVT operates the solo cam that includes greater elevate and longer period through 40 levels of adjustment, taking a lot credit score for the 121’s broad energy distribution.

3. Cooler heads prevail. Summertime within the Midwest is synonymous with humidity, and new liquid-cooling methods go a great distance in coping with radiant warmth. New cooling channels within the revised heads play a major function right here. A pump feeds coolant to the usually hotter rear cylinder first, then cycles to the entrance cylinder financial institution and again to the discrete radiator parked behind the entrance wheel. The compulsory plumbing isn’t obvious for essentially the most half, although the CVO Road Glide betrays that thread with a filler tube on the left aspect.

4. Trip modes and rather more meet the attention. Three preset trip modes—Sport, Street, and Rain—modify throttle maps, engine maps, engine braking, and lean-angle-sensitive TC settings in a single fell swoop. Naturally, Sport offers the zestiest throttle response and heaviest engine braking, letting the Massive Twin flex its muscle, although the preliminary roll-on is a contact overzealous. In any other case, the fueling is superb. Street mode chills issues appropriately, and Rain cools it off solely. Two customizable modes allow you to tailor settings as wanted. Tapping into the beautiful V-twin energy through the Sport engine map and including some throttle softening is my most popular configuration. TC might be disabled solely on the left switchgear, as is custom when seeking to go away your mark at bike evening. Cruise management, drag-torque slip management, hill maintain management, and cornering ABS with linked braking spherical out the rider aids.

5. Shifting continues to be a hearty affair, and a bit simpler today. There’s nonetheless a chunky, masculine high quality to the six-speed gearbox, although a brand new shift drum makes discovering impartial much less of a chore than different big-inch H-D transmissions. A brand new gear place indicator shows what gear the Cruise Drive is in, even with the clutch lever pulled in—no extra perplexing disappearing act.

6. The modernized batwing fairing is the tip of the styling iceberg. The fork-mounted batwing design was launched in 1969 and is an H-D fixture, sticking inside its well-defined strains since its inception. There have been modifications over the many years, however nothing as brash because the smooth and back-swept look seen right here.

7. From entrance to again, the brand new CVO Road Glide has a complete new vibe. Harley-Davidson is thought for aesthetic consistency; relying on who you ask, that’s both a web constructive or destructive. A significant aim of this yr’s CVO Road Glide and Street Glide was to create larger visible distancing between iterations, which has remained fairly linear through the years. Whereas the fairing actually units the tone, the tear-drop gas tank retains traditional cues and provides refined twists with an alluring crease on either side, selling the CVO vary’s sharper appears to be like. That thought course of extends to the high-and-tight saddlebags, ditching the prolonged baggage discovered on prior CVO fashions, with the shapelier design accommodating a barely larger quantity.

8. Past the styling staff’s imaginative and prescient, there’s performance baked into the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide’s fairing. There’s a claimed 60 p.c discount in helmet buffeting in comparison with prior iterations—we’ll run with that quantity because the redesigned fairing and windshield create a turbulence-free air pocket. Adjustable skirt deflectors on the fork fine-tune airflow and work nicely with the large Splitstream central vent; it’s a noticeable distinction. Sweeping built-in flip indicator gentle strips exchange the longstanding bullet flip indicators, sitting abreast of a brand new major LED headlamp to create an eagle silhouette. Contemporary-faced because it is perhaps, it’s nonetheless unmistakably Road Glide.

9. The fairing additionally has a roomy storage drawer. The ten-by-8-inch house accommodates your cellular gadget with room to spare. It additionally features a USB-C connection, simply integrating your cellphone with the bike to stream music and revel in different functionalities. Remember, it isn’t lockable.

10. An all-new cockpit structure and infotainment system make its touring brethren appear Stone Age. Gone are the standard spherical clocks and primary LCD readouts of yesteryear, changed by a 12.3-inch diagonal touchscreen TFT show with info instantly in your line of sight. Three customizable layouts—Sport, Tour, and Cruise—are simply explored by the in depth swap gear buttons discovered at every hand, though these sporting smaller gloves would possibly discover reaching a few of the controls a stretch. Frequent types of connectivity, together with Apple CarPlay, can be found; disappointingly, Android Auto has bowed out of bike help. A Bluetooth module is normal, so riders can use voice instructions for navigation and different niceties, not in contrast to what’s seen within the automotive house. Let’s hope that the remainder of the touring lineup receives these updates, as the old-fashioned immediately feels decidedly dated.

11. An up to date seat greets us on the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide. As new as the overall cockpit structure is, tried-and-true Road Glide ergonomics are nonetheless in play. The saddle is reshaped and is alleged to rotate the rider’s hips ahead, lowering stress from the backbone, though including some shock journey does lead to a slightly greater seat peak of 28 inches in comparison with choose SG fashions. The Road Glide and Street Glide are birds of a feather, although the SG’s handlebar pulls the rider nearer to the fairing, leading to a greater front-end really feel. Crosswinds can affect the fork-mounted Road Glide fairing, and there’s a little additional heft within the fork itself, however it’s negligible for me. Glorious wind safety, a comfortable seat, and floorboards—what else do you want for a cross-country tour? 

12. Rockford Fosgate Stage II 500-watt audio system is right here to kick out the jams. In a phrase, the twin 6.5-inch three-way fairing-loaded audio system are spectacular. Naturally, a seven-band EQ is on the market to tweak issues to your ear’s want, although presets are supplied for individuals who aren’t audiophiles. In brief, the sound system is superb. Fortunately, the brand new 500-watt amp will assist homeowners take issues additional through elective six-by-nine-inch saddlebag audio system.

13. New Showa suspension brings the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide the place it must be. Becoming a member of the get together for the primary time on a touring mannequin is a non-adjustable 47mm inverted fork providing 4.6 inches of journey, accommodating niceties corresponding to radial-mounted calipers—huge stuff within the American V-twin world. The shocks have spring preload (lock-and-collar on the correct aspect, with a distant preload adjuster on the left for fine-tuning) and rebound damping adjustment. The suspension presents improved trip high quality in comparison with different H-D baggers through appreciably enhanced damping, absorbing tough stuff properly. The stiffer inverted fork and barely greater rear-ride peak add a contact of enthusiasm when cornering to the SG’s gentlemanly dealing with traits—prepared, steady, and succesful by the few midwestern bends we discovered. The massive bagger positive factors a single diploma of lean angle (as much as 32), and the Dunlops confidently use all of it.

14. We may give a slight nod to the load loss regime for the CVO SG. Shedding 31 kilos is nothing to sneeze at, which brings this touring machine’s curb weight to 838 kilos. We dealt with the brand new light-weight aluminum cast triple clamp items throughout the tech presentation, shaving off seven entire kilos over prior iterations. Engineers nipped and clipped issues the place they may; tidying wiring underneath the fairing saves a couple of ounces, for instance. Lastly, the six-gallon gas tank makes use of lighter gauge metal and maintains its capability. The brand new bolt-on chassis bits are doing their work; as they are saying, it takes a village.

15. Possibly Harley’s efforts in MotoAmerica’s King Of The Baggers racing collection are rubbing off on the model. Apart from the inverted fork and weight discount, we’re getting radial-mounted four-piston Brembo calipers gripping bigger 320mm rotors. Really feel on the lever is a lower above, as you would possibly count on, with a modest two-finger pull handily halting the enormous beast. That’s not even the half I’m most enthusiastic about—it’s lastly adjustable, hallelujah! On the rear, a single four-piston caliper and 300mm rotor operate as successfully as ever.

16. Suspension credit score the place credit score is due, however let’s take it additional, H-D. There isn’t a doubt that the chassis is a lower above the prior technology. Nonetheless, I received’t mince phrases right here saying that the complete touring lineup ought to have met this bar years in the past—hopefully, the non-CVOs will obtain the identical package quickly. Adjustability is proscribed, however let’s skip over the guide clickers because the CVO is primed for semi-active suspension. Options corresponding to computerized trip peak adjustment and semi-active damping solely match the bagger invoice—all commonplace amongst European and Japanese tourers of this caliber. The American V-twin touring class hasn’t embraced such developments but, and the MoCo doesn’t must look too far past its R&D division, seeing as these options have been confirmed profitable on the Pan America ADV platform.

17. Particulars matter to CVO designers, and consumers. Carrying H-D’s highest three-letter honor comes with an expectation that finishes will probably be immaculate and never a single high quality level is missed, even within the “base” Darkish Platinum with Vibrant Smoked Satin Pinstriping colorway. Those that demand much more opulence will go for the jaw-dropping $6000 hand-painted Whiskey Neat/Raven Metallic Two-Tone livery. On this space, the Bar-and-Defend model tends to stroll away from the competitors, with elegantly designed machined cast-aluminum wire-spoke wheels and crowd pleasing components discovered at each contour and curve.

18. The 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide raises the stakes for American V-twin touring. Massive miles, huge twins, and massive character is the bread and butter of any red-blooded American V-twin touring machine; it’s one thing that the Milwaukee-based model has down pat with its CVO Road Glide. Now, the VVT-equipped Massive Twin is a shining gentle upon the hill, illustrating that immense torque and class can journey in the identical circles. In the meantime, longstanding chassis shortcomings can safely be faraway from the complaints listing, even when we’d wish to see semi-active suspension be part of the get together, and the brand new infotainment takes an enormous step ahead. These are options we hope and count on the broader bagger households will inherit in some vogue. One reality stays, the Road Glide’s future is trying vibrant.

Pictures by Brian J. Nelson and Kevin Wing

RIDING STYLE

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide SpecsENGINE 

• Kind: Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 V-twin
• Displacement: 121 cubic inches (1977cc)
• Bore x stroke: 4.075” x 4.625”
• Most torque: 139 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm
• Most energy: 115 horsepower @ 4500 rpm
• Fueling: EFI w/ 58mm throttle physique
• Compression ratio: 11.4:1
• Valvetrain: Single cam w/ pushrods; 4 vpc
• Exhaust: 2-1-2 twin
• Cooling: Air, liquid, and oil cooling
• Lubrication: Pressurized dry sump
• Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive
• Clutch: Mechanically actuated moist multiplate w/ help and slipper features
• Main drive: Chain
• Remaining drive: Belt

CHASSIS 

• Body: Delicate tubular metal w/ two-piece stamped and welded spine
• Entrance suspension; journey: Non-adjustable Showa inverted 49mm Twin Bending Valve fork; 4.6 inches
• Rear suspension; journey: Rebound-damping and spring-preload adjustable Showa emulsion shocks; 3 inches
• Wheels: Combo Forged Laced
• Entrance wheel: 19 x 3.5
• Rear wheel: 18 x 5
• Entrance tire: 130/60 x 19; Dunlop Harley-Davidson Sequence D408F
• Rear tire: 180/55 x 18; Dunlop Harley-Davidson Sequence D407T
  Entrance brakes: 320mm floating discs w/ radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calipers
• Rear brake: 300mm fastened discs w/ Brembo 4-piston caliper
• ABS: Normal

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES 

• Wheelbase: 64 inches
• Seat peak: 28.4 inches
• Rake: 26 levels
• Fork angle: 30 levels
• Path: 6.7 inches
• Gasoline capability: 6 gallons
• Estimated gas consumption: 45 mpg
• Curb weight: 838 kilos
• Colours: Darkish Platinum w/ Pinstripe; Whiskey Neat w/ Raven Metallic (+$6000)

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Worth: $44,199 (MSRP plus Surcharge)

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Assessment Picture Gallery