Harley-Davidson FLH: history, specs, pictures

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1966-Harley-Davidson-FLH-Electra-Glide.jpg
Harley-Davidson Duo Glide
Manufacturer
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.


History[edit | edit source]

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.

Engine[edit | edit source]

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).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 4-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

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.


1958[edit | edit source]

1958 Harley Davidson FLH Duo Glide


1959[edit | edit source]

1959 Harley Davidson FLH



1960[edit | edit source]

1960 Harley Davidson FLH DuoGlide


1963[edit | edit source]

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

1965[edit | edit source]

1965 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide



1966[edit | edit source]

1966 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide



1970[edit | edit source]

1970 Harley Davidson FLH1200 Electra Glide



1981[edit | edit source]

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.



In Media[edit | edit source]