Stock 2019 CVO 117 Camshaft Specs: Why It Sounds Like a 107

ByThe Answerlode Editorial Team

What Cam Is in a Stock 2019 CVO 117?

The 2019 CVO 117 comes equipped with a high-performance camshaft designed specifically for the 117 cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight engine. This cam is unique—it is not the same as the TQ (Torque), Power, or CVO camshafts used in other Harley-Davidson engine configurations. Instead, Harley engineered it as a torque-optimized cam that balances EPA compliance with the additional displacement the 117 offers over the standard 114 cubic inch engine.

According to Harley-Davidson specifications, the stock 2019 CVO 117 cam features timing specifications of -11/19 188 .432 on the intake side and 47/-15 212 .445 on the exhaust side. These numbers represent duration (in degrees), total degrees of lift, and maximum lift height respectively. The profile is deliberately conservative, prioritizing strong torque delivery across a wide RPM range rather than aggressive high-RPM power or distinctive engine lope.

Why Doesn’t the 117 Sound Dramatically Different?

Your observation that the 2019 CVO 117 sounds similar to a stock 107 makes perfect sense when you understand the cam design philosophy. The stock 117 cam is optimized for smooth, torque-focused delivery. It’s designed to meet EPA emissions requirements while maximizing low-to-mid-range torque—not to produce the aggressive, choppy sound associated with high-overlap cams.

A TQ (Torque) cam installed in a 107 engine, by contrast, is typically an aftermarket upgrade engineered for more aggressive power characteristics. The stock 117 cam, while more aggressive than a basic 114 cam, still operates in that torque-friendly territory. This is why both sound relatively similar and mellow compared to custom or high-performance cam packages.

Slip-Ons and Engine Lope: What to Expect

Slip-on exhaust systems improve the sound and can add some acoustic character by allowing exhaust gases to flow more freely. However, exhaust modifications alone cannot create engine lope if the camshaft profile doesn’t have the overlap characteristics that produce it. Lope—that distinctive choppy idle and aggressive character—comes from cam timing, specifically the overlap between intake and exhaust valve opening. The stock 2019 CVO 117 cam simply doesn’t have this built into its profile.

Your slip-ons will likely make the 117 sound better and more open, especially under acceleration, but you won’t hear a dramatic lope unless you upgrade the camshaft itself. The engine will sound improved but fundamentally similar in character to what you’re hearing now.

Upgrading the Cam: What’s Available

If you want to add more aggressive character and lope to your 2019 CVO 117, several aftermarket options exist. Fuel Moto, S&S Cycle, and other performance manufacturers offer bolt-in camshaft upgrades designed for the M8 117. Popular options include the WM8-222 (known for broad power delivery and early torque), the Cycle Rama 460 (excellent low-RPM power with smooth curve), and the S&S 475C (most aggressive lope with strong acceleration). Dyno testing shows that all three of these perform noticeably better than the stock 117 cam across different RPM ranges.

Keep in mind that a cam upgrade requires some tuning adjustment (your fuel controller or ECU tune will need to be optimized for the new cam’s timing), but it’s a straightforward modification that will give you the aggressive sound and performance character you’re after.

Summary

The stock 2019 CVO 117 comes with a torque-optimized camshaft that’s unique to the 117 displacement. It’s not the same as a TQ cam or other aftermarket options, which is why it sounds mellow and similar to a 107. Slip-ons will improve the overall sound but won’t add lope. If you want more aggressive character, a cam upgrade is the way to go.

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