Harley-Davidson FLH: history, specs, pictures

**Harley-Davidson Duo Glide**
	Harley-Davidson Duo Glide
Manufacturer	Harley-Davidson
Also called	FLH Duo Glide, Hydra-Glide, Electra Glide
Production	1958 - 1964
Class	Cruiser
Engine	v2, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke	87.0mm x 102.0mm
Top Speed	99 mph (160 km/h)
Horsepower	53.77 HP (40.1 KW) @ 7200RPM
Torque	62.99 ft/lbs (85.4 Nm) @ 3200RPM
Fuel System	carburetor
Transmission	Gear box: 4-speed ; Final Drive: chain ;
Suspension	Front: hydraulic telescopic forks ; Rear: swingarm. dual coil-over-shocks.
Brakes	Front: expanding brake (drum brake) ; Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Tire	5.00-16
Rear Tire	5.00-16
Wheelbase	59.06 inches (1500 mm)
Weight	670.21 pounds (304.0 Kg) (dry),
Oil Capacity	1.0 Gallon (3.80 Liters)
Fuel Capacity	3.75 Gallon (14.19 Liters)
Manuals	Service Manual

The Harley-Davidson FL Duo Glide was a v2, four-stroke Custom motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson between 1958 and 1964. It could reach a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). Max torque was 62.99 ft/lbs (85.4 Nm) @ 3200 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 53.77 HP (40.1 KW) @ 7200 RPM. Depending on when it was built it could be called one of the following: Hydra-Glide, the Duo-Glide, and the Electra Glide.

HistoryEdit

The FLH Designation started as a more highly-tuned version of the FL with high-compression heads, higher-lift cams, and polished ports in 1955.

The FLH model was given a new frame in 1958. This frame included a rear swingarm suspended by a pair of coil-over-shock suspension units. In honor of this fully-suspended chassis, the FLH's model name was changed from Hydra-Glide to Duo-Glide

The third and final change given to the name of the basic FL model would occur in 1965, the final year of the "Panhead" engines. These last "Panheads" were the first "big-twin" Harley-Davidson engines to be equipped with electric starters, the Servi-Car having received electric start the year before. This innovation for Harley-Davidson was greeted with the new model name of Electra Glide.

EngineEdit

The engine was a air cooled v2, four-stroke. A 87.0mm bore x 102.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 1212.7 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).

DriveEdit

The bike has a 4-speed transmission.

ChassisEdit

It came with a 5.00-16 front tire and a 5.00-16 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a hydraulic telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a swingarm. dual coil-over-shocks.. The FL Duo Glide was fitted with a 3.75 Gallon (14.19 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 670.21 pounds (304.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 59.06 inches (1500 mm) long.

1958Edit

1958 Harley Davidson FLH Duo Glide

1959Edit

1959 Harley Davidson FLH

1960Edit

1960 Harley Davidson FLH DuoGlide

1963Edit

JFK's motorcycle escort was composed of 1963 Duo Glide's.

1965Edit

1965 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide

1966Edit

1966 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide

1970Edit

1970 Harley Davidson FLH1200 Electra Glide

1981Edit

1981 Harley Davidson FLH

1981 Harley Davidson FLH80 HE

The Heritage Electra was a retro styled version of the Shovelhead. Special equipment included fringed leather saddlebags, a sprung seat, and a distinctive paint job. The official description of the colors was orange and olive drag, unofficially known as "peas and carrots". Production was quite small, only 784 were built this year.