DON’T SHOOT ME • I’M JUST THE MESSENGER
Yesterday was the big day. The 2023 Harley-Davidson models were officially introduced to the public. There was ample media coverage of the big event and the internet is already awash with extensive coverage. We’ll confine our coverage to the important announcements. If you missed the live rollout you can still watch the 18 minute long video right on the Harley-Davidson website homepage. We’ll confine our coverage to the important announcements.
The Great American Motor Company is billing their 120th anniversary as a year-long event. The biggest event on the year’s calendar will be the 120th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival. The event takes place in Milwaukee (of course) from July 13-16, 2023 and will be highlighted by big name concert entertainment, demo rides, police skill demos, museum tours and a closing motorcycle parade on the final day.
The Star Of The Show
There can be no denying the centerpiece of yesterday’s 2023 Harley-Davidson models event. The 2023 CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary Model, offered with what the company says is “one of the most intricate paint schemes ever offered by Harley-Davidson.” The custom paintwork features panels of Heirloom Red paint applied over a base coat of Anniversary Black; each panel outlined with a red pinstripe and a hand-applied gold paint scallop. Subtle details added within the panels portray the head and wings of an eagle. A separate gold-plated tank medallion depicts an Art Deco rendition of the eagle, with the Harley-Davidson name.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Harley’s paint quality is second to none. Though I haven’t seen this CVO superstar in person yet, I have no doubt that the paint quality will be anything less than genius. Other unique features of the 120th anniversary CVO Road Glide Limited model include gold-toned inserts on some powertrain components, red rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars and Alcantara seating surfaces with gold and red stitching.
The Price For The Privilege?
MSRP for the 2023 120th Anniversary CVO Road Glide Limited has been set at $51,999…the first time a Harley MSRP has breached the $50K threshold. (The 2022 CVO Tri Glide came up a dollar short at $49,999). Production will be limited to 1,500 serialized examples. You are cautioned to keep in mind the official pricing disclaimer which is published right on the Motor Company’s materials: “Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, surcharges attributable to raw materials costs in the product supply chain, added accessories, and additional dealer charges. Dealer prices may vary.”
Will you be able to get one of these 2023 Harley-Davidson models? I made a call yesterday to the dealer that sold me three of the six Harleys I’ve owned over the years. They have already started a waiting list for the bike and casually said don’t expect to roll one out the front door for under $60,000.
Don’t Want A Road Glide?
You don’t have to opt for a CVO Road Glide if you want a 2023 120th Anniversary commemorative model Harley. Limited production runs of special 120th anniversary models will also be made of the following models:
• Electra Glide Ultra Limited (1,300 units)
• Street Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 units)
• Tri Glide Ultra Anniversary (1,100 units)
• Road Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 units)
• Heritage Classic Anniversary (1,700 units)
• Fat Boy Anniversary (1,700 units)
Other News From Yesterday’s Event
A new middleweight Nightster Special was announced featuring the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T V-Twin engine. It boasts four ride modes (Road, Sport, Rain, or user-customized), traction control, drag-torque slip control, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control and Brembo axial-mount 4-piston calipers on a 320mm disc for the front binders.
The handlebar and its new riser move hand controls 2 inches up and 1 inch back to give the rider a much more ergonomically appealing position on the motorcycle. Its 3.1-gallon fuel cell is located below the seat which moves the weight of the fuel lower in the chassis. This lowers the center of gravity for better handling and an easier lift off the side stand. This is the same fuel storage configuration that my 2016 BMW has and I can personally attest to its effectiveness. The drawback on the Nightster is that you must unlock and lift the hinged seat to gain access to the fuel fill.
The Breakout Is Back
Removed from the U.S. market in 2020, the Harley-Davidson Breakout model will return as one of the 2023 Harley-Davidson models. It will be powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, which makes a claimed 101 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
Among other features the new Breakout will have a 26” front wheel and lots of new shiny bits. Chrome has been applied to the muffler shields, rear fender supports, body side covers, turn signals, mirrors and the big engine’s intake breather.
A Big Year For Three Wheelers
It was just a matter of time before the factory fitted the Road Glide frame-mounted fairing to its Tri Glide three wheeler. The aftermarket customizers got to work on that years ago. Enter The Road Glide 3. The frame-mounted fairing features triple split stream vents to help reduce rider helmet buffeting fatigue, dual Daymaker LED headlamps and a low-profile windscreen. The inner fairing houses The Boom! Box GTS 6.5-inch color TFT touch screen navigation/infotainment system which powers two 5.25-inch fairing speakers, and supports standard Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile device.
The Road Glide 3 features the Milwaukee-Eight 114, electric reverse gear, and three wheeler-specific rider safety enhancements which include electronic linked braking and ABS; traction control, and drag-torque slip control – all of which are enhanced for the specific cornering characteristics of three wheelers.
A Three-Wheeled Hot Rod
The 2023 Freewheeler got a blackout restyling this year. The front forks, headlamp nacelle, tank console, hand and foot controls and exhaust all have black finishes this year in place of previous bright finishes.
Other new features of the 2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler include mini-ape handlebars, custom bobtail rear fenders, dual mufflers with slash-down tips, and a weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door and 2 cubic feet of capacity. New rear 18-inch wheels replace the previous 15-inch variety.
New 2023 Tech
Yesterday’s announcements about 2023 Harley-Davidson models also included the following. Electronic cruise control will be a standard feature for the Fat Boy, Fat Bob, Breakout, and Low Rider S models. It will remain standard on Low Rider ST and Heritage Classic models. Also, a switchable traction control system will be offered as a new option for the Breakout, Low Rider S and Low Rider ST models.
That’s the real meat of the news that came out of Milwaukee yesterday. There’s lots more coverage online if you’re interested in Harley’s Motorclothes lineup, accessories offerings and such. As always we encourage you to leave a comment below with your reactions. If you have any specific questions you would like answered, please feel free to contact us directly via email. Be sure to subscribe to Roadcraft USA to stay up to date. We send out occasional email notifications when new features hit the blog.
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