Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE (MY2023) — Cruiser
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2023 · Cruiser · Buyer's Guide

CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE (MY2023)

Factory Custom, Maximum Presence

The Machine's Character

This is the top of Harley's range, and the hardware backs it up. The 1977 cc air/liquid-cooled 45° V-twin makes 115 hp and 139 lb-ft, the kind of torque that flattens a mountain grade with the bags full and a passenger aboard. Six speeds, belt final drive, preload-adjustable rear suspension. The electronics are current rather than token: cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, a TFT display running Apple CarPlay, keyless ignition. It is a factory custom that stopped treating technology as something to hide.

It rides the way those numbers promise. Big, low, settled, happiest at a steady clip on open road with a destination three states away. The 28.1 in (714 mm) seat and the mass carried low keep it civil once rolling, though nothing argues away 862 lb at walking pace. The honest caveat is electrical. A safety recall sits against this bike for a chafing voltage regulator harness, and intermittent warning lights turn up often enough to matter. Confirm the recall work is done before money moves.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power 115 hp (86 kW)
Torque 139 lb-ft (188 Nm)
Displacement 1977 cc
Engine 45° V-twin
Cooling Air/liquid-cooled
Gearbox 6-speed
Final drive Belt
Front tire 130/60-19
Rear tire 180/55-18
Seat height 28.1 in (714 mm)
Wet weight 862 lb (391 kg)
Fuel capacity 6.0 gal (22.7 L)

Equipment check

Chassis

  • Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
  • Cruise Control Standard

Comfort

  • Heated Grips Optional
  • Luggage System Standard

Safety

  • ABS Standard
A long, straight paved road stretches toward the horizon through agricultural fields in Vermont. Power lines and a mailbox are visible along the roadside. Lush green vegetation, cumulus clouds, good daylight conditions. The landscape is flat to gently rolling. Asphalt pavement appears to be in good condition. Rural American setting.
Meric Tuna / Pexels

Known issues

  • Wiring harness chafing leading to electrical failure

    electrics rare Recall

    The voltage regulator wiring harness may rub against the front corner of the crankcase, leading to chafed insulation and a potential short to ground. This can blow the main fuse, causing loss of power and inability to restart. Affected vehicles: certain 2024 FLTRXSE produced from Nov 7, 2023 – Jul 16, 2024.

  • Lithium-ion battery incompatibility can cause sudden power loss

    electrics occasional

    Harley-Davidson advises that lithium-ion batteries are not approved for center-cooled models like the CVO Road Glide due to potential issues with the electrical system. Owners have reported sudden total loss of power, particularly on highways, when using such batteries.

  • Reported electrical glitches and diagnostic codes

    electrics occasional

    Some owners have experienced random warning lights, diagnostic trouble codes, or infotainment freezes, often requiring dealer attention. Symptoms appear intermittent and vary by bike.

The Numbers Compared

Compare the technical specifications of the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE with other bikes in its class.

Technical specs vs. the class average

Head-to-head: Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE vs. its rivals

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Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide FLTRXSE. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.