LOT 181
1977 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc FLH Electra Glide
Estimate: US$12,000 - US$16,000
Lot 181
1977 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc FLH Electra Glide
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1977 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc FLH Electra Glide
· AMCA Winners Circle Award winner
· All-original, 13,678 miles from new
· Maintained in ready-to-ride condition
It was Harley-Davidson that created the luxury-touring motorcycle, a.k.a. 'full dresser', way before Honda ever thought of the Gold Wing. Back in the 1950s, FLH owners could opt for the 'King of the Highway' package that added saddlebags, a windscreen and luggage rack to the basic bike. By 1969 the familiar 'batwing' fairing—penned by Willie G. Davidson, no less—and a useful rear tour trunk were added, giving us the signature silhouette of a Harley-Davidson touring bike still seen in the current Electra Glide.
By this time, all of the bodywork components were crafted in fiberglass, produced by a satellite facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, adjacent to a freshwater lake of the same name. Conveniently, Harley had purchased the factory in 1965, formerly named Tomahawk Boats, makers of at first wooden then fiberglass watercraft. Harley discovered the company when it needed bodies for its short-lived golf cart line, of all things. Mechanically, the path to a turnkey touring FLH started in 1965 when the convenience of electric starting was added to the Duo-Glide to create the Electra Glide—without doubt one of the best model names in motorcycling. This was followed the next year by the more powerful, more reliable Shovelhead engine and in 1972 by Harley's first front disc brake. Also part of the touring package was the 5gal. 'Turnpike' gas tank, allowing longer stints between fill-ups. In this basic form, with evolutions such as alternator electrics and electronic ignition, the Electra Glide plied American highways for the next two decades, until introduction of the Evolution series in 1984.
Cycle World magazine tested an early Shovelhead-powered FLH and came away quite impressed: "In its field—high-speed, long-distance touring—the Electra Glide is without equal," wrote the editors. "The Harley-Davidson 74 V-twin is one of the finest motorcycle engines ever built, not because it is revolutionary or unusual, but because it is the product of years of thoughtful, careful, conscientious development."
Showing just over 13,000 miles, the 1977 Electra Glide on offer here is an amazingly original condition, attested to by its trio of Winners Circle Awards from the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. To qualify for that honor—the AMCA's highest recognition—a motorcycle must be at least 35 years old and undergo three rounds of rigorous judging, scoring 95 points or more out of 100 in each round. The Chestnut Brown FLH was also chosen for display in the Winners Circle exhibit at the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh, New York.
Recently serviced, the bike has been maintained in ready-to-ride condition by the current owner. Its AMCA awards and an extensive documents file will accompany the Electra Glide's sale.
· All-original, 13,678 miles from new
· Maintained in ready-to-ride condition
It was Harley-Davidson that created the luxury-touring motorcycle, a.k.a. 'full dresser', way before Honda ever thought of the Gold Wing. Back in the 1950s, FLH owners could opt for the 'King of the Highway' package that added saddlebags, a windscreen and luggage rack to the basic bike. By 1969 the familiar 'batwing' fairing—penned by Willie G. Davidson, no less—and a useful rear tour trunk were added, giving us the signature silhouette of a Harley-Davidson touring bike still seen in the current Electra Glide.
By this time, all of the bodywork components were crafted in fiberglass, produced by a satellite facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, adjacent to a freshwater lake of the same name. Conveniently, Harley had purchased the factory in 1965, formerly named Tomahawk Boats, makers of at first wooden then fiberglass watercraft. Harley discovered the company when it needed bodies for its short-lived golf cart line, of all things. Mechanically, the path to a turnkey touring FLH started in 1965 when the convenience of electric starting was added to the Duo-Glide to create the Electra Glide—without doubt one of the best model names in motorcycling. This was followed the next year by the more powerful, more reliable Shovelhead engine and in 1972 by Harley's first front disc brake. Also part of the touring package was the 5gal. 'Turnpike' gas tank, allowing longer stints between fill-ups. In this basic form, with evolutions such as alternator electrics and electronic ignition, the Electra Glide plied American highways for the next two decades, until introduction of the Evolution series in 1984.
Cycle World magazine tested an early Shovelhead-powered FLH and came away quite impressed: "In its field—high-speed, long-distance touring—the Electra Glide is without equal," wrote the editors. "The Harley-Davidson 74 V-twin is one of the finest motorcycle engines ever built, not because it is revolutionary or unusual, but because it is the product of years of thoughtful, careful, conscientious development."
Showing just over 13,000 miles, the 1977 Electra Glide on offer here is an amazingly original condition, attested to by its trio of Winners Circle Awards from the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. To qualify for that honor—the AMCA's highest recognition—a motorcycle must be at least 35 years old and undergo three rounds of rigorous judging, scoring 95 points or more out of 100 in each round. The Chestnut Brown FLH was also chosen for display in the Winners Circle exhibit at the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh, New York.
Recently serviced, the bike has been maintained in ready-to-ride condition by the current owner. Its AMCA awards and an extensive documents file will accompany the Electra Glide's sale.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The engine number is *2A21305H7*. The engine number is *2A21305H7*. Please note, the title is in transit.
Additional information
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