For many true-blue enthusiasts, any conversation about motorcycles begins and ends with "Harley-Davidson." No other manufacturer has so fully embraced the liberating ideology associated with motorcycles. Some enthusiasts even claim that few bike builders have consistently delivered machines as in tune with the raw, unbridled spirit of living life on two wheels.
In addition to the choppers, cruisers, and touring bikes that define Harley-Davidson, the legendary motorcycle company has enhanced its iconic lineup with limited edition bikes bearing the CVO moniker. CVO stands for Custom Vehicle Operations, a segment of Harley-Davidson dedicated to the factory custom market.
A Harley with the CVO moniker is a dramatically upgraded version of a standard factory model, featuring the company's latest design innovations and technological advances, often debuting new features. Combined with their super-limited availability, these high-end design elements make CVO bikes among the most coveted and rarest Harley-Davidsons on the market.
Harley-Davidson has been producing specialty CVO bikes for over two decades. While the company has been manufacturing motorcycles for more than a century, the Custom Vehicle Operations wing began 25 years ago, debuting its limited edition models in 1999. Production numbers for CVO motorcycles vary, but it’s rare for Harley-Davidson to produce more than a few thousand of each model annually.
The level of customization in Harley-Davidson CVOs explains why production numbers are kept low. Customizations vary yearly, but a look at some 2024 CVO models shows eye-catching paint jobs, massively upgraded engines, suspensions, lighting packages, and "Infotainment" systems with Bluetooth connectivity and large color TFT touchscreens.
For those familiar with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the features on CVO models are far from stock. While these features may eventually become standard in factory builds, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts cherish the chance to experience them in high style first.