2009 Harley Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations

Harley-Davidson Premium Custom Motorcycles Celebrate 10th Anniversary

The pride and passion that define Harley-Davidson and its riders are prominent in the Motor Company’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) range of motorcycles. As the ultimate expression of factory custom style, CVO models are hand-built with detailed craftsmanship and stand proudly among the most desirable custom motorcycles available.

The 2009 model year marks the 10th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson CVO program. An effort that began a decade ago as a response to rider requests for higher spec factory custom motorcycles has evolved into the top class of its industry, proving that production volume is really the only limit when it comes to making Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles. “Features like bigger engines, exclusive accessories and custom paint and colours, combined with limited production quantities make the Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles truly unique and inspirational,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson Vice President and General Manager, Parts & Accessories and CVO. “The CVO bikes were introduced to meet customer desires and they have fulfilled our riders’ ultimate dreams with miles of memories and great riding for a decade. We expect the unique CVO experience to continue for years to come.”

The Harley-Davidson CVO line for 2009 includes the following four models:

• FLTRSE CVO Road Glide
• FXDFSE CVO Fat Bob
• FLHTCUSE CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• FXSTSSE CVO Softail Springer

The Fat Bob is a first-time CVO offering, while the Road Glide, Softail Springer and Ultra Classic Electra Glide all enjoy a history in the program. The CVO bikes are based on Harley-Davidson factory models, but are then taken to a new level of customisation with an abundance of Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories and unique, sumptuous paint schemes.

CVO Motorcycles Celebrate 10th Anniversary

The launch of the CVO program began with the 1999 FXR2 and FXR3 models, and was so well-received that it was followed in 2000 by the FXR4. Also in 2000, the first edition of the FLTRSEI Road Glide was introduced, combining the latest touring design and Screamin’ Eagle performance parts. Initial annual production of CVO models was limited to about 900 units per model (compared to between 2,450 and 4,200 units per model today).

Over the last decade the CVO team has produced a series of very memorable motorcycles, including variations on the Dyna Wide Glide, Road King, Softail Deuce, Fat Boy and Electra Glide. In addition, the 2005 CVO program boasted the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod with its 60-degree, 1250cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, followed in 2006 by the VRXSE Screamin’ Eagle Destroyer, designed specifically for drag racing with a 1300cc Screamin’ Eagle Revolution polished silver powertrain.

The Harley-Davidson CVO department consists of a select group of engineers and designers, supply managers and other staff, who work together with the Harley-Davidson Styling team to create these limited-production, custom motorcycles. The CVO models are then produced by highly skilled technicians in special assembly areas at the Harley-Davidson plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City.