Harley-Davidson CVO for motorcycles are a family of models created by Harley-Davidson for the factory custom market. For every model year since the program's inception in 1999, Harley-Davidson has chosen a small selection of its mass-produced motorcycle models and created limited-edition customizations of those platforms with larger-displacement engines, costlier paint designs, and additional accessories not found on the mainstream models. Special features for the CVO lineup have included performance upgrades from Harley's "Screamin' Eagle" branded parts, hand-painted pinstripes, ostrich leather on seats and trunks, gold leaf incorporated in the paint, and electronic accessories like GPS navigation systems and iPod music players.
History
During a chance afternoon meeting in 1997, Jim Hoffman a Parts and Accessories veteran responsible for the design of show bikes for the motor company catalogs and Todd Manifold a recently transferred York Assembly Plant leader discussed the historical allure of the FXR by fringe riders and law enforcement. The major FXR components were still available and the short run assembly line in York was idle due to the completion of contract production of military motorcycle. Jim Hoffman picked out the custom components including the color scheme. The first prototype model was shown to company leadership in late 1997 and the decision to move forward was approved.
Design and manufacture
CVO models are produced in Harley-Davidson's York, Pennsylvania plant, where touring and Softail models are also manufactured. In each model year, CVO models feature larger-displacement engines than the mainstream models, and these larger-displacement engines make their way into the normal "big twin" line within a few years when CVO models are again upgraded. Accessories created for these customized units are sometimes offered in the Harley-Davidson accessory catalog for all models in later years, but badging and paint are kept exclusively for CVO model owners, and cannot be replaced without providing proof of ownership to the ordering dealer.
Model history
1999
FXR2 - Based on FXR frame with familiar 80-cubic-inch Evolution motor, added limited-edition billet and chromed components
FXR3
2000
FXR4 - Last of the Evolution-powered production motorcycles
2018 CVO models introduced the motor in all models
CVO Street Glide
CVO Road Glide
CVO Ultra Limited
2019
CVO Street Glide
CVO Road Glide
CVO Limited
2020
CVO™ ROAD GLIDE®
CVO™ TRI GLIDE®
CVO™ LIMITED
CVO™ STREET GLIDE®
Critical reception
Although CVO models carry a higher manufacturer's suggested retail price than the models from which they are derived and than the competing touring and cruiser motorcycles with which they compete, reviewers generally note that the price is a good value for the customizations they buy:
