MOTORCYCLE GUIDES

What is a Harley-Davidson^® CVO^™ Motorcycle? Custom Vehicle Operation Program Explained

Motorcyclists seeking amplified style and ultimate performance can turn to the Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle Operation™ (CVO™) motorcycles. For over 25 years, the CVO program has created extraordinary factory custom motorcycles – super-premium models offering exclusive finishes, features and functionality typically unavailable on regular-production Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Looking to learn more about CVO™ motorcycles? We provide an in-depth look at the Harley® CVO motorcycle program by answering some frequently asked questions.

CVO FAQs

WHAT DOES CVO STAND FOR?

The Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operation™ program is usually called CVO™ and the motorcycles it creates are referred to as CVO ™ models or CVO ™ motorcycles. These motorcycles are created by a cooperative team of Harley-Davidson product planners, designers and engineers.

WHAT IS A HARLEY-DAVIDSON^® CVO^™ MOTORCYCLE?

While a Harley-Davidson® CVO™ motorcycle is based on a regular production Harley-Davidson model, each is considered a distinct model within the Harley-Davidson portfolio. For most CVO™ motorcycles, production is extremely limited. A CVO™ model features show-stopping finishes, advanced technology, exclusive components, and attention to detail that borders on obsessive. The CVO program has been used historically to introduce new custom accessory collections before they are available to the public, to launch high-performance versions of Harley-Davidson® engines, and to present new paint and finish techniques. Often these features later trickle down to regular production Harley-Davidson models or become available through OEM parts and accessories. Others remain exclusive to CVO models, making them highly sought after motorcycles.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF EXCLUSIVE CVO^™ CUSTOM DETAILS?

Each Harley-Davidson® CVO ™ model features a number of details that are not available on a regular production model.

• Custom Paint: The first CVO models featured a flamed paint scheme on the fuel tank that set the tone for special paint on future models. Paint schemes and colors are exclusive to CVO models, and those schemes may be so intricate as to require hand application of pin striping, gold leaf and other uniquely custom details. Recently the CVO™ program has introduced a fade paint technique that is applied robotically and has not been duplicated in the powersports or auto industry.
  
  

• Special Finishes: As an alternative to bright chrome, the CVO program has introduced the brushed look of Satin Chrome and the mysterious tone of Scorched Chrome for exhaust and engine details. Unpainted carbon fiber elements highlight the performance intentions of some CVO models. Seats have been covered with exotic leathers and luxurious Alcantara fabric.
  
  

• Exclusive Accessory Collections: The CVO program debuted the popular Adversary, Kahuna™, Switchback, and Airflow Collections of custom accessories that include mirrors, hand and foot controls and engine covers. These collections are now available online and through dealers, but these were first released on CVO models.
  
  

• Exclusive Engines: High-performance engines, including the Twin Cam 110™, Milwaukee-Eight® 114 and Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engines were exclusive to CVO models before they became available in some regular production Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Currently the Milwaukee-Eight® VVT 121 and Milwaukee-Eight® 121 High Output engines are only available in a CVO model.
  
  

• Exclusive Features: Some of the features first offered as standard equipment on CVO models include LED lighting, wireless headsets, heated seating surfaces, many custom wheel designs, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, remote luggage locks, stop/tail/turn rear lighting, and high-performance Harley-Davidson® Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate® Stage II audio systems.
  
  

WHAT’S THE HISTORY OF THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON^® CVO^™ PROGRAM?

In response to riders' demands for exclusive factory custom motorcycles, Harley-Davidson launched the CVO™ program in 1999. Providing low-volume, hand-assembled models infused with an abundance of chrome, the program aimed not merely to fulfill the dreams of motorcycle customizers, but also to inspire them. Each CVO model featured exclusive paint schemes and accessories, creating demand that far exceeded limited production.

The first CVO models were the FXR2 and FXR3, with production limited to 900 units each. Through 2008, most CVO motorcycles were called Screamin’ Eagle® models. This ended in 2009, when the Screamin’ Eagle® name was dropped in favor of CVO™. Through 2024, the CVO™ program will have created 88 different custom motorcycle models, each an extraordinary motorcycle.

To see all the premium Harley-Davidson® CVO™ motorcycles visit your local authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer or schedule a test ride on a CVO™ motorcycle today.