This CVO Softail Convertible was Harley-Davidson’s factory-custom Softail entry for the 2010 through 2012 model years, positioned as a limited-production machine that blended cruiser styling with light touring flexibility. It arrived as part of the brand’s Custom Vehicle Operations program, which was used for Harley-Davidson’s more exclusive, higher-trim factory customs. The Convertible idea was straightforward and enthusiast-friendly: the bike could be set up as a stripped-back solo cruiser, then quickly adapted for two-up riding and short trips with removable touring equipment.
Unlike many Harley-Davidson nameplates that span long, continuous runs, this one had a brief, focused lifecycle. It appeared in Harley-Davidson’s 2010 CVO lineup, returned for 2011, and remained in the 2012 CVO range. It was not carried forward into the 2013 model-year CVO lineup, where Harley-Davidson shifted to other factory-custom models instead. That makes the 2010 model year the first appearance of the nameplate and 2012 the final model year of its initial and only production run.
The Convertible’s appeal came from its dual-purpose character and its place in the CVO catalog, where Harley-Davidson reserved special paint, premium finishes, and a more exclusive specification than standard production Softail models. For riders, it sat at the intersection of traditional Softail style and practical touring convenience, offering a concept that was unusual for the era: a boulevard cruiser that could be reconfigured without giving up the factory-custom look that defined CVO motorcycles. As a result, it remains a notable short-run Harley-Davidson nameplate among Softail enthusiasts and CVO collectors.