2022–2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLTRKSE Road Glide Limited)

The 2022–2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLTRKSE Road Glide Limited) represents the pinnacle of the company’s Grand American Touring lineup for its respective model years. As part of the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program, this motorcycle is a limited-production, factory-custom model that showcases the highest level of Harley-Davidson styling, performance, and technology available directly from the manufacturer. It combines the long-haul comfort and distinctive frame-mounted fairing of the Road Glide Limited with the most powerful factory-installed engine and a host of exclusive premium features.

The CVO program has long been Harley-Davidson’s platform for offering “halo” models that feature components, paint schemes, and powertrains not available on standard production motorcycles. The FLTRKSE for 2022-2023 is built on this philosophy, designed for riders seeking a fully-equipped, no-compromise touring machine with an elevated sense of exclusivity. Each model year featured unique, intricate hand-applied paint and finish options, setting them apart visually from all other bikes in the Harley-Davidson portfolio.

Enhancements and Key Features

Compared to the standard Road Glide Limited model of the same period, the CVO version offered significant upgrades. The most notable difference was the powertrain. While the standard model utilized the capable Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the CVO FLTRKSE was equipped exclusively with the larger, more powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin. This increase in displacement provided a tangible boost in torque and horsepower, delivering stronger acceleration and passing power, especially when loaded with a passenger and gear.

Beyond the engine, the CVO model included a comprehensive suite of premium features as standard equipment:

Premium Audio: A Rockford Fosgate Stage II sound system offered superior audio clarity and power compared to the standard Boom! Box GTS system.
Exclusive Finishes: The motorcycle featured extensive use of custom chrome or dark finishes (depending on the paint option), unique CVO-specific wheels, and premium seating materials.
Comfort and Convenience: Heated Kahuna Collection hand grips and heated seats for both rider and passenger were standard, along with a wireless headset for the infotainment system.
Advanced Rider Safety: The full suite of RDRS Safety Enhancements (formerly Reflex Defensive Rider Systems) was included, providing cornering-enhanced antilock brakes (C-ABS), cornering-enhanced traction control (C-TCS), and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC).

The Harley-Davidson CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine

At the heart of the FLTRKSE is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which at the time was the largest displacement engine ever offered in a factory-produced Harley-Davidson. With 117 cubic inches (1923cc) of displacement, it was engineered to produce massive low-end torque—the hallmark of a Harley-Davidson V-Twin. The engine was tuned specifically for touring, delivering its peak torque of 126 ft-lb at a low 3,750 RPM. This made the motorcycle feel responsive and powerful without needing to be revved high, ideal for effortless cruising and highway overtaking. The engine also featured a high-performance camshaft, a high-flow air intake, and a less restrictive exhaust system to maximize its performance potential, all while maintaining the iconic Harley-Davidson sound and feel.

Chassis and Handling

The CVO Road Glide Limited is built on Harley-Davidson’s robust touring chassis. Its defining feature is the frame-mounted “sharknose” fairing, which is aerodynamically designed to cut through the wind efficiently. Because the fairing is fixed to the frame rather than the handlebars, wind buffeting has minimal impact on steering input, contributing to excellent stability at highway speeds. The suspension consists of a dual bending valve front fork and emulsion-style rear shocks with a single-knob hydraulic preload adjuster, allowing riders to easily tune the ride for solo, two-up, or fully-loaded conditions. Braking is handled by Brembo calipers paired with Harley-Davidson’s electronically linked braking system, providing confident stopping power for a machine of its size.

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2022-2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Limited Specifications