The 2023 Harley-Davidson lineup includes new models and updates as part of its 120th anniversary celebrations. Headlining the announcement is the introduction of the CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary model and six other bikes featuring 120th Anniversary commemorative paint, finishes, and details.
Also new for 2023 is the reintroduction of the Breakout model built on the Softail chassis and using the potent 117ci Milwaukee-Eight engine with a Heavy Breather intake. The performance cruiser features a low-profile chrome console over its 5-gallon tank to extend the bike’s chopper profile, and its polished steel handlebar is 0.75 inch taller than the previous Breakout. Extra bling is provided by chrome finishes on various components, and new cast-aluminum wheels feature a 26-spoke design finished in gloss black with machined details.
The liquid-cooled Nightster family gets an up-spec Nightster Special model that includes a new handlebar arrangement that moves hand controls 2 inches up and 1 inch rearward for more traditional cruiser ergonomics. Also included are passenger accommodations and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the cast-aluminum wheels.
And for riders who prefer the extra stability from three wheels, H-D is introducing a Road Glide 3 trike model, as well as a restyled and blacked-out Freewheeler trike.
Additionally, electronic cruise control becomes a standard feature on the Fat Boy, Fat Bob, Breakout, and Low Rider S models. A traction-control system will be offered as a new option for the Breakout, Low Rider S, and Low Rider ST models.
Harley-Davidson includes more details about its 2023 bikes in the press release seen below. We expect additional model announcements from Harley in 2023, including info about the new Chinese-sourced X500 and perhaps a 975cc Pan America model. Still hoping for the long-anticipated Bronx too.
MILWAUKEE (January 18, 2023) – A year-long celebration of 120 years of Harley-Davidson pride and craftsmanship was launched today with the introduction of the first release of new models in the 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lineup, including the CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary model and six additional limited-edition motorcycles featuring exclusive 120th Anniversary commemorative paint, finishes, and details. The 2023 offering from the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand includes a refreshed Harley-Davidson Breakout performance cruiser model, the exciting Road Glide 3 trike model, the new Nightster Special middleweight sport motorcycle, and a restyled and blacked-out Freewheeler trike model.
The complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Genuine Harley-Davidson Accessories, and Harley-Davidson MotorClothes gear and apparel are now available at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships and can be viewed on Harley-Davidson’s website.
“Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has pioneered American motorcycle design, technology, and performance, and today marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “We’re excited to share the first release of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with more to come later in the year. 2023 is going to be an unforgettable milestone for the Company, celebrating the history, culture, and community of Harley-Davidson – we hope you can join us.”
120th Anniversary Models
The very limited-edition, super-premium CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary model celebrates 120 years of craftsmanship with one of the most intricate paint schemes ever offered by Harley-Davidson. Panels of Heirloom Red are applied over a base coat of Anniversary Black, each outlined with a bright red pinstripe and a hand-applied gold paint scallop. Subtle details added within the panels portray the head and wings of a soaring eagle. The gold-plated tank medallion depicts an Art Deco rendition of the eagle, an iconic Harley-Davidson design element. Additional details include luxurious Alcantara seat surfaces with gold and red contrast stitching accents, gold-tone powertrain inserts, and bright red rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars. Only 1,500 examples of this fabulous motorcycle will be produced for global distribution, each serialized with a laser-etched panel on the fuel tank console.
The 2023 CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary starts at $51,999.
Special 120th Anniversary paint in a different scheme will be offered on six additional limited-production Harley-Davidson models, with color and design combinations inspired by early Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Each features a classic paneled paint scheme with gleaming Heirloom Red as the base color. Panels are outlined with a bright-red pinstripe and filled with a darker Midnight Crimson fade. Additional details include an Art Deco eagle tank medallion, seat covers with red side panels and gold embroidered Harley-Davidson logo, and red fade powertrain inserts.
This commemorative design will be offered on the following serialized models:
- Ultra Limited Anniversary (production limited to 1,300 examples globally)
- Tri Glide Ultra Anniversary (1,100 examples)
- Street Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
- Road Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
- Fat Boy 114 Anniversary (3,000 examples)
- Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary (1,700 examples)
Breakout is Back
The Breakout model returns to the North America model line, flexing more muscle and flashing bright new styling over its long-and-lean chopper profile. The muscle is provided by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, the pinnacle of torque and displacement in a factory-installed, regular-production Harley-Davidson powertrain that gives the Breakout rider instant bragging rights on the street.
Other new features include:
- A five-gallon fuel tank topped with a low-profile chrome console shaped to lengthen the motorcycle profile and extend riding range.
- A new handlebar riser and polished stainless steel handlebar is 0.75-inch taller than previous model for improved rider reach to controls.
- A dazzling chrome finish is applied to the rear fender supports, side covers, muffler shields, turn signals, mirrors, Heavy Breather intake, and new 26-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are finished in gloss black with machined details.
A Harley-Davidson Softail chassis maintains classic hard tail lines without sacrificing modern ride and handling performance. The Breakout model is designed to rule the street with style and power.
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout starts at $20,999 and comes in Vivid Black or, for an additional $525, Black Denim, Baja Orange, or Atlas Silver Metallic.
More Cruise Control and Traction Control
Electronic cruise control will be a standard feature for the Fat Boy, Fat Bob, Breakout, and Low Rider S models, and it remains standard on Low Rider ST and Heritage Classic models.
Traction Control System will be offered as a new option for the Breakout, Low Rider S, and Low Rider ST models. Traction control is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration. The rider may turn traction control off using a button on the hand control.
Own the Fast Lane on the New 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 Trike
The all-new Road Glide 3 model combines the advantages of three wheels and a load of hot rod attitude with the comfort, convenience, and style of the frame-mounted Road Glide fairing. The rider will enjoy wind-and-weather protection for the long haul plus BOOM! Box GTS infotainment, with Milwaukee-Eight 114 on-demand performance available with a twist of the throttle. The Road Glide 3 is a first for Harley-Davidson and a new reason to never stop riding.
Key Road Glide 3 features include:
- A frame mounted aerodynamic fairing features triple splitstream vents to help reduce rider helmet buffeting for improved comfort at highway speeds, dual Daymaker LED headlamps for outstanding style and performance, and a low-profile windscreen for hot rod style.
- The Boom! Box GTS 6.5-inch color TFT touch screen navigation/infotainment system powers two 5.25-inch fairing speakers, and supports standard Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile device that enables hands-free calling (requires Bluetooth headset).
- Gloss Black cast aluminum wheels with machined details with exposed lug nuts on rear wheels and bobtail rear fenders. Choose menacing black or brilliant chrome finish in each color.
- Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door; capacity is two cubic feet.
- Electric reverse gear
- Trike-specific Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System.
The 2023 Road Glide 3 starts at $32,999 and comes in Vivid Black. For a bump in the MSRP, you can get Gray Haze (+$900), Bright Billiard Blue (+$900), Vivid Black w/Black Finish (+$1,100), Gray Haze w/Black Finish (+$2,000), or Bright Billiard Blue w/Black Finish (+$2,000).
Exhilarating New Nightster Special Model
This new middle-weight contender amplifies the Nightster motorcycle riding experience with a host of style, convenience, and technology upgrades. Exhilarating performance is delivered by the Revolution Max 975T liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, tuned to make tremendous torque at low RPM. To minimize overall motorcycle weight, the engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis.
Key Nightster Special model features include:
- Passenger pillion and foot pegs enable two-up adventure.
- Cast aluminum wheels with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
- Handlebar and 5-inch handlebar riser move hand controls 2 inches up and 1 inch back to put the rider in a commanding position on the motorcycle.
- Four-inch round TFT screen displays all instrumentation and infotainment functions managed using buttons on the hand control array.
- The display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device. Most infotainment functions also require a Bluetooth headset and speakers worn within a helmet.
- Using voice commands through the headset, the rider can receive or place calls through a mobile device.
- Navigation is supplied by the Harley-Davidson App for iOS or Android downloaded into the rider’s mobile device. When navigation is enabled, the rider may select a moving map display or turn-by-turn map displayed on the screen, assisted by audio instructions through the headset.
- Premium Brembo braking components provide outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence. Single front brake with axial-mount four-piston caliper and 320mm rotor. The single rear brake features a floating single-piston caliper and 260mm rotor.
- A 3.1-gallon fuel cell located below the seat moves the weight of fuel low in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity for improved handling and easier lift off the side stand. The fuel fill is reached by lifting the hinged locking seat.
- Selectable Ride Modes: Road, Sport, Rain, or create a set of custom modes
- Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System, and Drag-Torque Slip Control System.
- All-LED lighting
- Standard cruise control and USB charging port.
Related: 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster Review + Video
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special starts at $14,999 and comes in Vivid Black or, for an additional $450, Black Denim, Bright Billiard Blue, or Industrial Yellow.
2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler Model Goes Dark
The Freewheeler model, an attitude-soaked, cruiser-inspired trike, gets a blacked-out restyle for 2023. The front end, headlamp nacelle, tank console, hand and foot controls, powertrain, and exhaust all have black finishes in place of previous bright finishes. The result is a dramatic change in appearance that reinforces this model’s raw, hot-rod attitude.
Related: Introducing the 2015 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler (Photos)
New Gloss Black cast aluminum wheels feature exposed rear-wheel lug nuts for performance styling. Rear 18-inch wheels replace 15-inch wheels to give the Freewheeler model a dramatic new stance. Riding on three wheels has never been so awesome.
Other features include:
- Milwaukee-Eight 114 powertrain for on-demand power.
- Electric reverse gear
- Mini-ape handlebar for fists-in-the-wind attitude.
- Classic custom bobtail rear fenders.
- Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door for easy loading; capacity is 2 cubic feet.
- Dual mufflers with slash-down tips
- Trike-specific Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System.
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler starts at $29,999 for Vivid Black. For an extra $750 on MSRP, you can get White Sand Pearl, or add $1,500 for Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray.
Visit Harley-Davidson’s website for more information.