H-D HISTORY

Electra Glide^® Motorcycle History: The Origins of a Living Legend

Among the pantheon of iconic Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, the Electra Glide® motorcycle holds a special place. Born from a lineage of pioneering designs and an insatiable hunger for innovation, the Electra Glide motorcycle burst onto the scene in 1965, forever altering the landscape of the touring motorcycle market. This legend on two wheels marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Harley-Davidson, leaving a trail of inspiration for other models in its wake. More than just a machine, the Electra Glide motorcycle became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the spirit of the open road.

As we throttle back through the decades, exploring the Electra Glide motorcycle's roots and its enduring influence, we'll discover how this model truly earned its legendary status in the Harley-Davidson family. So, sit back, saddle up, and join us as we ride down memory lane to trace the Electra Glide motorcycle history—the origins of a living legend.

THE DAWN OF HARLEY^® TOURING MOTORCYCLES

The beginnings of Harley-Davidson’s Touring line can't be traced to a specific year or model; rather, it's an evolution that unfolded over several decades. Before the Electra Glide motorcycle made its groundbreaking debut in 1965, other developments laid the foundation for this remarkable machine.

In 1941, Harley-Davidson introduced a new version of the "Knucklehead" engine, a larger-capacity, lower-compression variant of the 1200cc V-twin overhead valve design, leading to the creation of the "FL" designated motorcycle. Eight years later, a revolutionary telescopic hydraulic front fork replaced the old "springer" front end, giving birth to the Hydra Glide motorcycle.

Less than a decade later, by 1958, the motorcycle further evolved with the addition of rear suspension, transforming it into the Duo Glide motorcycle. These models marked incremental but significant steps towards the creation of the touring motorcycle as we know it today.

THE EMERGENCE OF THE ELECTRA GLIDE^® MOTORCYCLE

The Electra Glide® motorcycle didn't merely emerge in 1965. It announced a new era for riders. The introduction of an electric starter was a game-changer, eliminating the regular struggle with a kick-start engine. As the 1965 brochure put it to riders: “We’ve taken a few of the kicks away, but none we thought you would miss.” This new Electra Glide motorcycle was aptly named, as it jumpstarted a new era for those riders with many miles to conquer.

The Electra Glide motorcycle of the 1960s, complete with removable windshields and hard saddlebags, heralded the iconic Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycle's birth—the same touring motorcycles beloved by diehards the world over. Just four years after its introduction, Harley-Davidson crafted an accessory fairing for the Electra Glide motorcycle, reducing wind exposure for the rider on long trips. This "windshield fairing kit," first listed in 1969, became a standard feature by 1971 and is commonly known today as the "Batwing" fairing.

THE IMPACT AND INFLUENCE OF THE ELECTRA GLIDE^® MOTORCYCLE

The Electra Glide motorcycle was not just another model in Harley-Davidson's line-up. This motorcycle generated a revolution in motorcycle design and functionality. Its importance transcends its versatility and popularity, setting a modern standard for touring motorcycles worldwide. Many features we now consider standard, such as disc brakes and electronic fuel injection, were first introduced in the touring models.

It was with that spirit that the Project Rushmore upgrades for the 2014 came to fruition. The Batwing fairing was redesigned to reduce buffeting, but the classic shape remained. Saddlebags and Tour-Pak® luggage carrier were streamlined while increasing capacity. These features and many others marked the single largest product launch in Harley-Davidson history.

Fast-forward and the Electra Glide motorcycle only continues to inspire the design of other Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. For instance, the Road King® motorcycle recalls the original 1965 Electra Glide motorcycle's aesthetics, sporting saddlebags, and a removable windshield. The Street Glide® motorcycle, with its "slammed" appearance, also draws from the Electra Glide model, boasting saddlebags and fairing.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

More than half a century later, the Electra Glide motorcycle itself remains an indomitable presence on the road. The name endures as a testament to the motorcycle's enduring appeal and design innovation. Yet, without the original 1965 version, today’s Ultra Limited®, Road King, and Street Glide models might not exist.

The Electra Glide motorcycle's living legacy is intertwined with Harley-Davidson's history, representing not just a motorcycle, but a philosophy that combines tradition, innovation, and the soul of the open road. Competitors have increasingly tried to copy everything from the fairing to the luggage units but can never capture the spirit of the true original.

Want to experience the unique thrill of the Electra Glide® motorcycle’s living legacy for yourself? Explore pre-owned Electra Glide motorcycle options today on the #1 site for buying and selling pre-owned Harley® motorcycles: the H-D1™ Marketplace.