Harley-Davidson Electra Glide

Introduced in 1965, the Harley-Davidson FL Electra Glide was the last Harley motorcycle fitted with a Panhead engine and the first big H-D cruiser with electric start. Converting to an electric starter also meant upgrading the electronics to a 12-volt unit that replaced the previous 6-volt system. The H-D Electra Glide was initially offered with optional carry-over features like a dual-muffler system and a hand-shift/foot-clutch arrangement. Nineteen-sixty-five was also the first year that the Electra Glide script graced the motorcycles’ front fender. 

With its combination of classic styling, a Big Twin engine, a beefy six-gallon tank, floorboards, hard bags, and plenty of chrome trim, the Electra Glide is the quintessential Harley touring motorcycle. Over the years, the performance of the Electra Glide has continued to evolve. In 2008, H-D touring models became available with Brembo brakes and a manual, independent ABS system. An Electronic Throttle Control was also introduced in ’08. In 2009, the Electra Glide, along with all of Harley-Davidson’s touring motorcycles, received a new chassis. The stamped and welded single-piece frame that Harley had used for three decades was replaced with a cast, single-spar, rigid-backbone frame.

The Electra Glide now features a fork-mounted Bat Wing touring fairing, a rubber mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine, and lockable saddlebags. For the FLHTC Electra Glide Classic, The Motor Company adds more touring comfort, like a Tour-Pak cargo system, a 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harmon/Kardon, plus additional fender and saddlebag trim.