Harley-Davidson 2023 Touring CVO 121 "With VVT variable distribution?
This month they have made public online some photos of the interior of the Harley-Davidson factory, where the new models anniversary CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide appear.
Observing the photographs, it is appreciated what the displacement of these models CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) of limited editing: 121 Cubic Inches, which is equivalent to 1983cc. The use of inverted forks with radial brakes, or an adjustable windshield is also distinguished.
However, in the photographs we appreciate another more interesting detail: the camshaft cover has an unusual shape and an inscription that seems to indicate VVT, Valve Timing variable or variable distribution.
What is the variable distribution?
Although we will talk about it more thoroughly in an upcoming technical article, basically the variable distribution consists in modifying the relative position of the cams with respect to the camshaft, to achieve different torque profiles, power, valve crossing (Overlap) and compression. It is like having several camshafts mounted at the same time on the motorcycle, and being able to select each one depending on the circumstances or needs.
Harley-Davidson already offers VVT in its Revolution Max models such as Pan America or Sports S, but it would be the first time that this technology is used on a Big Twin. Although this system offers technical advantages, such as different driving modes (sports, rain, echo ...) these devices are generally adopted to continue complying with emission regulations, something increasingly complicated for traditional HD engines.
Reverse?
Another significant change can be seen in the gearbox cover, with different dimensions and shape with respect to the traditional M8 models, which could also suggest some internal change in the transmission, such as the reverse.
We will be attentive to all these novelties, which are also applied to conventional models Milwaukee Eight of 2024, which will be presented after this summer.
Frank Burguera