2017–2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLHTKSE Limited)

The 2017–2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLHTKSE Limited) represents a significant era for the manufacturer’s top-tier grand touring motorcycle. As part of the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program, the FLHTKSE CVO Limited served as the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson’s factory-custom offerings, combining luxury appointments, exclusive paint schemes, and the most powerful production engine available from the company during this period. The introduction of the Milwaukee-Eight engine platform in 2017 marked a substantial evolution from the preceding Twin Cam engine, focusing on improved power, reduced heat, and enhanced rider and passenger comfort.

The primary difference from its predecessor, the CVO Limited with the Twin Cam 110 engine, was the powertrain itself. The Milwaukee-Eight engine introduced a four-valve-per-cylinder head design (totaling eight valves, hence the name), a single chain-driven camshaft, and a refined counter-balancing system. This resulted in a smoother and more powerful engine that ran cooler and produced significantly less idle vibration than the Twin Cam. The 2017 touring chassis also received a major update, featuring all-new front and rear suspension components, including Showa Dual Bending Valve front forks and emulsion-technology rear shocks with a tool-free preload adjuster, which provided a more controlled and comfortable ride.

Development and Design

The CVO Limited platform is built upon Harley-Davidson’s touring frame, designed for long-distance comfort and stability. The “FLHTKSE” model designation decodes the bike’s features: “FL” for the touring family, “HT” for the handlebar-mounted “batwing” fairing, “K” for the full Tour-Pak luggage carrier, and “SE” for Screamin’ Eagle, indicating its CVO status.

Throughout the 2017–2023 production run, the CVO Limited was consistently updated with the latest technology and premium features. Early models featured the Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system with integrated navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, which remained a staple. In later years, particularly from 2020 onward, the CVO Limited came standard with the Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). This suite of electronic aids included cornering-enhanced antilock braking (C-ABS), cornering-enhanced traction control (C-TCS), drag-torque slip control, and vehicle hold control, bringing its safety technology in line with other premium touring motorcycles.

Aesthetically, each model year of the CVO Limited was distinguished by its intricate, multi-layer paint schemes and unique finishes that were exclusive to the CVO line. These motorcycles were essentially hand-finished, featuring components from the Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories catalog, such as custom wheels, premium heated seats, heated grips, and high-performance audio systems, all as standard equipment.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine

The centerpiece of the FLHTKSE is its powertrain. Initially launched with the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine in 2017, the model was soon upgraded to feature the larger Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. This became the standard and defining feature for the majority of this generation’s lifespan.

Engine Characteristics

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 is a 45-degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 117 cubic inches (1923cc). It utilizes a combination of air cooling and precision liquid cooling, targeting the hottest areas around the exhaust valves in the cylinder heads. This “Twin-Cooled” system allows the engine to maintain a higher compression ratio (10.2:1) for greater efficiency and power output while managing heat effectively for rider comfort, especially in slow-moving traffic. The engine’s internal single counter-balancer is calibrated to cancel 75% of the primary vibration at idle, providing a smoother experience without losing the characteristic Harley-Davidson feel at speed.

Performance

Engineered for strong low-to-mid-range torque, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 provides effortless acceleration for a fully loaded, two-up touring motorcycle. It delivers approximately 125 ft-lb of torque at around 3500 RPM, giving the rider ample power for passing and climbing grades without constant downshifting. The engine is paired with a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and a high-performance clutch, with power delivered to the rear wheel via a carbon-reinforced belt drive. The combination of this powertrain with the updated touring chassis made the CVO Limited a capable and luxurious long-haul machine.

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2017–2023 CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) Specifications