Harley-Davidson FL - Gliding Through History

Harley-Davidson started using the FL designation back in 1941 and continues using it today with popular 2021 models like the Street Glide® (FLHX), Road Glide® (FLTRX) and others. Here's a quick look at the "Glide" Through history. 

HYDRA-GLIDE: The original FL model line used a 74 cubic inch version of the classic “Knucklehead” until 1948 when the redesigned “Panhead” motor was introduced but 1949 brought a new front suspension for the FL series. It featured hydraulic forks and for the first time Harley-Davidson moved away from alphabetical lettering to identify models, re-branding the big twin FL models in 1950 with the Hydra-Glide badge.   

DUO-GLIDE: More changes came in 1958 with a new frame that featured a swingarm suspended by a pair of coil-over-shocks with three-way adjustment (plus a sprung seat for comfort) prompting the name change to Duo-Glide. 

In the early to mid 1960s the Duo-Glide was the top of the line Harley-Davidson model offering a powerful motor, windshield, hard luggage and both front and rear suspension. Some would say it was the first true touring model to roll out of Milwaukee.

ELECTRA-GLIDE: The third “Glide” name change to the basic FL model took place in 1965 (the same year Boswell’s Harley-Davidson relocated to Nashville, TN.) when Harley-Davidson added electric starters, a bigger battery, the now iconic “Batwing” fairing and more to the “big-twin” FL and adopted the Electra-Glide name.

ELECTRA-GLIDE REAL TIME: Today, Harley-Davidson continues to Glide through history with models that draw heavily on its legacy but offer modern day conveniences with leading edge technology and safety features. Most recently, Harley-Davidson reintroduced the Electra Glide Standard (FLHT). Offering everything you need and nothing you don’t… it’s powered by the now legendary Milwaukee-Eight® V-TWIN engine and features high-performing emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers, 49MM front forks with dual bending valve suspension and the iconic “Batwing” fairing. 

The Cookeville-Maddux-Boswell's connection... The top picture above is from the early 1960s and shows a very happy customer receiving the key to his brand new Duo-Glide at Cookeville’s original Harley-Davidson dealer, Maddux Harley-Davidson. Boswell’s Country Roads Harley-Davidson eventually opened it’s doors in Cookeville and continues to carry on the legacy of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in Middle Tennessee.

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