Few motorcycle manufacturers can boast a brand legacy like Harley Davidson. Since kicking off in 1903, the brand has defined the cruiser bike segment and has rooted itself deeply into popular culture.
2023 marks 120 years of Harley, and sought to celebrate in style, by introducing four new models, being the new Breakout, Freewheeler, Nightster Special and Road Glide 3 Trike.
They’ve also stirred six 120th-anniversary limited-run Harley’s into the line-up too, featuring unique colour and design combinations inspired by early Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Breakout
The new Breakout returns with fresh styling and with a new power plant, being Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, found in the Low Rider ST. Performance figures aren’t stated, but we expect it to be in the region of 74kW and 165 Nm.
Other new features include:
- 26-spoke cast-aluminium wheels are finished in gloss black with machined details
- A larger 18.9-litre fuel tank topped with a low-profile chrome console shaped to lengthen the motorcycle profile and extend riding range
- New handlebar risers and polished stainless-steel handlebar is 3⁄4-inch taller than previous Breakout for improved rider reach to controls
- Chrome finish applied to the rear fender supports, side covers, muffler shields, turn signals, mirrors, and Heavy Breather intake
Freewheeler
The new Freewheeler gets a blacked-out restyle for 2023. The front end, headlamp surround, tank console, hand and foot controls, powertrain and exhaust all have black finishes in place of previous bright finishes. New Gloss Black 18-inch rear wheels replace the outgoing 15-inch wheels, giving the Freewheeler a fresh stance.
Other new features include:
- Electric reverse gear
- Classic custom bobtail rear fenders
- Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door for easy loading
- Dual mufflers with slash-down tips
- Trike-specific Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System
Nightster Special
The new Nightster showed off Harley’s Revolution Max 975T V-twin when it debuted in 2022. It returns in 2023, benefiting from the addition of Harley’s full technology suite.
Among the tech upgrades are:
- Four-inch round TFT screen displays, supporting bluetooth, voice commands and Navigation
- Selectable Ride Modes: Road, Sport, Rain or create a set of custom modes
- Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System, and Drag-Torque Slip Control System
- All-LED lighting
- Standard cruise control and USB charging port
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Of course, the Nightster’s upgrades aren’t just limited to tech. There’s also Brembo hardware in the brakes, a 11.7-litre fuel cell located below the seat to move the weight low in the chassis, plus the addition of some passenger foot-pegs, so you can finally share the experience.
Road Glide 3
The all-new Road Glide Three Trike debuts with Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight 114, and imitates the front-end of the Harley’s internationally popular Road Glide Tourer, with its shielded front-end.
Highlights include:
- The Boom! TM Box GTS 6.5-inch infotainment system, powers two 5.25-inch fairing speakers, and supports Bluetooth and Hands-free calling
- Gloss Black cast aluminium wheels with machined details with exposed lug nuts on rear wheels and bobtail rear fender
- Weather-proof rear trunk with top-mounted door
- Electric reverse gear
- Full suite of safety tech including Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System
120th Anniversary Models
Special 120th Anniversary paint in a different scheme will be offered on six additional limited-production Harley-Davidson models, with colour and design combinations inspired by early Harley models. Each features a classic panelled paint scheme with gleaming Heirloom Red as the base colour.
This commemorative design will be offered on the following serialised models:
- Ultra Limited Anniversary (production limited to 1,300 examples globally)
- Tri Glide Ultra Anniversary (1,100 examples)
- Street Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
- Road Glide Special Anniversary (1,600 examples)
- Fat Boy 114 Anniversary (3,000 examples)
- Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary (1,700 examples)
What a way for Harley to start 2023, eh?
