2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine Guide

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine: PERFORMANCE PLUS.

Introducing the 2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine…

The bragging rights of riding a motorcycle powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 powertrain are exclusive to owners of the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. This 121-cubic-inch 45-degree V-Twin engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle – approximately 8 percent more torque and 9.5 percent more horsepower than the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine – while further improving thermal comfort for the rider and producing an intoxicating exhaust tone. The Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 is equipped with a number of new features, including optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), and a new intake tract. A single counter-balancer is tuned to cancel undesirable vibration.

The new 121-cubic inch V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle and features optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), a new intake tract and performance exhaust system.

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• Dramatic new visual designs
• New Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO MOTORCYCLES DELIVER EXTRAORDINARY DESIGN, PERFORMANCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Powered by Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine

Harley-Davidson elevates the motorcycle riding experience with the mid-year introduction of two premium 2023 models from Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO). The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models showcase advanced technology, enhanced rider comfort and dynamic performance propelled by the powerful new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine. Exclusive and dramatic new visual designs present a transformative revision of the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform.

Pinnacle Performance

The new 121-cubic inch V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle and features optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), a new intake tract and performance exhaust system.

Every aspect of design that could impact overall performance and the comfort was carefully considered during the development of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. Dry weight has been reduced significantly – by 31 pounds for the CVO Street Glide model and by 35 pounds for the CVO Road Glide model – compared to the models they replace. High-performance front and rear SHOWA suspension components promote confident handling and provide a dramatic improvement in rider comfort compared to previous CVO models, with rear suspension travel increased by 50 percent. Premium Brembo braking components offer outstanding braking feel and performance for added rider confidence.

For the first time the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models offer selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport and Rain – that electronically control a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering-Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings.

 Aero and thermal comfort are informed by all-new fairings with a “floating” windshield design, and by adjustable air-control vanes. In wind tunnel testing, subjective helmet buffeting is reduced by an average of 60 percent compared to equivalent 2022 models. The new engine cooling system will further improve thermal comfort for the rider compared to previous CVO models.

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

The bragging rights of riding a motorcycle powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 powertrain are exclusive to owners of the 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. This 121-cubic-inch 45-degree V-Twin engine establishes a new benchmark for factory-installed torque and displacement available in a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle – approximately 8 percent more torque and 9.5 percent more horsepower than the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine – while further improving thermal comfort for the rider and producing an intoxicating exhaust tone. The Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 is equipped with a number of new features, including optimized liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), and a new intake tract. A single counter-balancer is tuned to cancel undesirable vibration.

Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Specs

• Displacement: 121 cubic inches (1977cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 4.075″ x 4.625″
• Compression Ratio: 11.4:1
• Fuel Octane Recommendation: 91
• Torque: 139 lb. ft. (189 Nm) torque at 3000 RPM
• Horsepower: 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 4500 RPM

New features of the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) broadens the overall powerband, improves torque management and enhances efficiency to increase range from each tank of fuel (compared to the same engine with fixed valve timing). Through computer control, VVT advances or retards camshaft timing infinitely through a potential range of 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation (20 degrees of camshaft rotation). Riders may experience a 3 percent to 5 percent improvement in fuel economy* over a standard drive cycle compared to similar motorcycles powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.

An improved cooling system focused on the exhaust valve area of each cylinder head further improves thermal comfort for the rider, especially in low-speed riding situations and hot weather.

Redesigned four-valve cylinder heads incorporate new channels for coolant flow around the exhaust valve areas. An electric pump circulates a coolant solution first to the hotter rear cylinder head, then to the front cylinder head, and then to a new heat exchanger (radiator) located low on the front of the frame and backed by a thermostatically controlled fan. Air flow from the fan is directed below the motorcycle for enhanced rider/passenger comfort, especially at low vehicle speeds.

New cylinder heads feature a combustion chamber reshaped with oval intake ports, low-profile intake valve seats and an enhanced squish band, which combined increase intake air velocity and tumble and accelerate combustion to improve performance and fuel economy. The compression ratio is increased to 11.4:1 from 10.2:1 (2022 Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine) enhancing torque at lower RPM and improving fuel economy*. Higher compression is enabled by improvement of the cylinder head cooling design, the burn rate in the combustion chamber, and enhanced knock sensing to protect the engine from pre-ignition.

A high-performance camshaft with higher lift and longer duration than the Milwaukee-Eight 117 camshaft contributes to increased power and torque. The valvetrain is updated with high-capacity lifters and inner cam bearing, and valve springs capable of higher lift, to maintain durability with the more-aggressive camshaft in place.

A new intake tract contributes to increased power and lower exhaust emissions. The throttle body diameter is increased to 58mm from the 55mm used on Milwaukee-Eight 117 engines, and the throttle body is positioned closer to the center of the cylinder spacing and to the intake valves to enhance intake air flow.

The new contoured aluminum intake manifold offers a more-direct air path and creates a smooth transition from the round throttle body to the oval intake ports. New induction components improve tumble and increase mass flow by 7.5 percent and port velocity by 10.3 percent. High-capacity (5.5 gram/second) fuel injectors match fuel demand of the engine.

A new airbox replaces the Heavy Breather intake used on previous CVO Milwaukee-Eight 117 engines. Airbox volume is 4.0L, approximately 50 percent more than Heavy Breather. The new intake is lighter, requires fewer parts and has no exposed fasteners, and significantly muffles intake sound compared to the Heavy Breather.

Charging output increased by 20.8 percent to 58 peak amps from 48 peak amps (Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine output). Current capability at both idle and cruising speeds is increased to support added vehicle content and accessories while maintaining optimal battery health.

High-performance exhaust unlocks engine performance. Muffler diameter is increased to 4.5 inches from the previous model 4.0-inch diameter. A high-flow design complements the engine tuning. Exhaust tone and level are enhanced to produce an exhilarating sound, especially on acceleration, that set the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models apart from other Touring models equipped with stock exhaust.

An improved shift drum with redesigned neutral pocket geometry in the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission makes it easier to select and find neutral on the first attempt.

TECHNOLOGICALLY ENHANCED

To complement the power of the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine every aspect of design that could impact overall performance and the comfort of rider and passenger was carefully considered during the development of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models.

Accessories

Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Extreme Air Cleaner
This high-performance air cleaner features an open-face design with forward-facing filter that flows 20 percent more air to provide a stout increase in torque throughout the mid-range compared to the Original Equipment filter. At speeds over 60 mph, the air cleaner experiences a ram-air effect through the race-inspired elbow followed by a straight shot into the throttle body for all-out performance. A washable K&N filter element saves on maintenance cost. Designed to fit the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, and available in Black or Chrome finish. Requires ECM calibration with Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner for proper installation. 49-State U.S. EPA compliant. Screamin’ Eagle products are not available for sale and are not street legal in all countries. Please contact your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for more information.

Screamin’ Eagle Air Cleaner – Extreme Wedge
The extreme open-face design and K&N washable oiled-cotton filter ensure maximum air flow in the iconic performance style of the Milwaukee-Eight Wedge shape. Flows 22 percent more air than the Original Equipment air cleaner to support a large-displacement engine with an output of more than 150 horsepower. Designed to fit the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, and available in Black or Chrome finish. Requires ECM calibration with Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner for proper installation. 49-State U.S. EPA compliant. Screamin’ Eagle products are not available for sale and are not street legal in all countries. Please contact your local dealer for more information.

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $42,999 to $48,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $52,399 to $59,899 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £38,295 to 44,695 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Available in:

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide – New model

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide – New model

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Available in:

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide – New model

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide – New model

2023 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 Engine – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Available in:

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide – New model

– 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide – New model

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).