The 6-Year-Old Harley-Davidson CVO You Should Buy Used

8 minutes reading

Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 15:00 0 4 autotech

If you’ve ever lusted after a Harley-Davidson CVO but balked at the sticker shock, the used market has a compelling answer — and it comes with a full Tour Pak on top. CVO badging has always signified the ultimate in exclusivity, comfort, luxury, and raw American V-Twin muscle. Today, the most powerful Harley bagger is a CVO, and the biggest big-twin engines remain reserved for CVO models. All of those perks, however, carry a steep price — new CVO models start well above the $45,000 mark. But there is a way to experience the aura of Harley-Davidson CVOs, sometimes at half the original MSRP.

The 2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited Retains Its Value Well

KBB Typical Listing Price: $30,135

When new, the 2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited had a starting MSRP of $44,039. That is a significant sum for a motorcycle, even by today’s standards. But this is the supposed pinnacle of two-wheeled luxury and comfort, and CVO Harleys have always commanded a steep premium. Kelly Blue Book lists the typical trade-in value at $24,800, and the typical listing price at $30,135.

It Is One Of The Most Powerful Harley-Davidson CVO Models Made

Powered By The Lauded Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin Engine

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited engine detail

Harley-Davidson

At the time of its release, the 2020 CVO Limited packed the most powerful V-twin engine in Harley-Davidson’s production lineup. The 117 V-Twin was explicitly reserved for top-spec CVO models — much like the Milwaukee-Eight 121 V-Twin occupies that throne today. That exclusivity added considerable aura to the luxury-focused CVO Limited. In other words, this particular CVO was a beauty and a beast.

The engine is also why this behemoth of a land yacht could actually move despite tipping the scales at a staggering 944 pounds. Its meaty torque of over 120 pound-feet peaks at just 3,500 RPM, delivering effortless thrust at highway speeds. And since this Harley is built for the long haul, its 6-gallon fuel tank and efficient V-twin combine for an uninterrupted range of around 246 miles.

Engine, Performance Specs, Fuel Tank Capacity, And Weight

Engine Configuration	V-Twin; Air-Oil Cooled
Engine Displacement	1,923cc (117 cu-in)
Bore X Stroke	4.0 X 4.5 in.
Fueling System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Power	Over 90 HP
Torque	122.4 LB-FT
Transmission	6-Speed
Fuel Capacity	6 gallons
Average Fuel Economy	41 MPG
Curb Weight	944 LBS.

Notable Harley-Davidson CVO Limited Engine Features

Single-cam valvetrain design that brings back the nosecone area and classic pushrod-tube geometry that purists love.
Minimal electronic intrusion, with the only engine-related features being electronic fuel injection, a single throttle body, and cruise control.
Coupled to a 6-speed Cruise Drive gearbox actuated via a hydraulically actuated 10-plate wet Assist & Slip clutch.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited Is Designed To Glide Effortlessly

Surprisingly, It Has More Cornering Clearance Than The CVO Road Glide ST!

Complementing that powerful engine are heavy-duty underpinnings. The chassis is built from tubular steel members forming the traditional “FL” frame, which features a heavy backbone for structural integrity. The engine sits in a double-cradle section that uses the V-twin as a stressed member. Managing over 900 pounds is no easy task, so Harley cleverly leverages the stretched-out design to ease handling characteristics.

Straight-line stability is undeniably the primary focus. But the CVO Limited’s commendable 34.3-degree lean angle to the right and 33.4 degrees to the left allow it to carve through corners with surprising confidence. Those figures are particularly impressive given that the CVO Road Glide ST, which emphasizes the “sporty” side, manages just 32 degrees on either side. Suspension duty up front is handled by Showa’s Dual Bending Valve forks.

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Limited heated grips

The rear gets an emulsion-type shock that makes preload adjustments easy for the rider, thanks to a remote-mounted handwheel — a genuinely useful feature when loading up for a long trip. Braking is handled by 300 mm floating discs up front and a 300 mm fixed disc at the rear. Harley’s proprietary Reflex Linked-Brake system electronically balances braking force front and rear to maintain stability on such a hefty motorcycle.

Hardware Specs And Dimensions

Frame	Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded
Swingarm	Mild steel; two-piece drawn and welded section; forged junctions; MIG welded
Front Suspension And Travel	49 mm Dual Bending Valve forks with 4.6 inches of travel
Rear Suspension And Travel	Height-adjustable rear shock with 3 inches of travel
Front Brake	300 mm dual floating rotors coupled to 4-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brake	300 mm single fixed rotor coupled to 4-piston fixed caliper
Front Wheel And Tire Size	19-inch gloss black and contrast chrome Tomahawk wheel wrapped with a 130/60B19 61H tire
Rear Wheel And Tire Size	18-inch gloss black and contrast chrome Tomahawk wheel wrapped with a 180/55B18 80H tire
Tire Model	Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall
Wheelbase	64.0 inches
Seat Height	29.9 inches (unladen); 27.7 inches (laden)
Rake Angle	26 degrees
Fork Angle	29.25 degrees
Trail	6.7 inches
Length	102.4 inches
Width	42.5 inches
Height	56.7 inches
Ground Clearance	4.9 inches
Total Luggage Capacity	4.7 cu-ft (35.16 gallons)

Here’s What Makes The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited Special

A Two-Wheeled Embodiment Of Luxury And Comfort

Performance and riding capability aside, the CVO Limited’s most compelling features revolve around exclusivity, comfort, and top-spec luxury. Exclusivity comes via CVO badging throughout the motorcycle and three unique color options — Sand Dune, Smoky Gray & Stormcloud, and Moonlight Blue & Deep Sea Blue. The hard panniers and top box are color-matched for a seamless, bespoke look.

Long-haul comfort is addressed by cozy heated seats for both rider and passenger. The Tour Pak top box also provides the pillion with a supportive backrest. Two of the four standard speakers are mounted atop the panniers, and the passenger gets standalone volume controls. Wind fatigue is managed by a sizable fixed windshield on the batwing fairing, along with chunky yet well-integrated lower fairings finished in exclusive shades. The grips are heated as well, which is a welcome feature for riding in cold weather.

Despite being a visual celebration of chrome-laden, old-school bike charm, the CVO Limited quietly packs some impressive technology. The gateway to it all is a 6.5-inch touchscreen displaying everything from tire pressure to satellite navigation. Engine and performance vitals are presented via four circular analog dials positioned above the touchscreen unit.

Another subtle but practical touch: lights above the panniers stay illuminated for a few minutes after the engine is switched off, making it easier to dig through luggage in the dark. On the lighting front overall, the CVO Limited runs a three-headlight assembly — a Daymaker adaptive LED primary headlamp flanked by two 20-watt fog lamps.

Cool Comfort And Luxury Features Of The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited

6.5-inch color touchscreen with pinch-and-drag function
Boom! Box GTS audio system with four standard speakers
The passenger gets a volume control switch
Heated seats for both rider and passenger
Six-level heated grips
Standard Remote locking for the panniers and Tour-Pak top box
Connectivity features include Bluetooth and USB

Why The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited Was Discontinued

2021 Was The Last Model Year For The Harley-Davidson CVO Limited

The CVO Limited’s discontinuation can be traced to two main factors. It was an expensive motorcycle to produce and purchase, and the pandemic dealt a serious blow to Harley-Davidson’s finances. It’s reasonable to conclude that the CVO Limited was cut to conserve resources and redirect the company’s strategy toward higher-margin models with broader appeal. The model’s overlap with the Ultra Limited also played a role.

In plain terms, the CVO Limited is a glamorous, upmarket take on the Ultra Limited when you compare design and luxury features. Purists know there are meaningful differences between the two, including the larger engine. So if you’re an aspiring Harley full-dresser buyer who isn’t swayed by the “CVO” badge and its exclusive features, the Ultra Limited would serve you well — and it carried a significantly lower MSRP when new, making it a more accessible entry into full-dresser touring.