1973 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
Frame no. 2A14556H3 Engine no. 2A14556H3

Collectors' Motorcycles Online|8 July 2021, 13:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1973 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
Frame no. 2A14556H3
Engine no. 2A14556H3

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

Two important events in the lengthy development of Harley's perennial v-twin occurred in the mid-1960s when the 74ci (1,200cc) FH and FLH Duo-Glide adopted electric starting (1965) and the revised 'Shovelhead' engine the following year. Now known as the 'Electra-Glide' - without question one of the most evocative names in motorcycling history – Harley's updated cruiser featured a new frame to house the large 12-volt battery and a reshaped primary drive cover to accommodate the electric starter mechanism. H-D was unable to afford the costs of developing an entirely new engine, so made do instead with a revised top end (the 'Shovelhead') featuring a larger aluminum version of the Sportster cylinder head, an improvement that liberated a further 5bhp. The Shovelhead 'Glide continued in production for a further 18 years, gaining alternator electrics, electronic ignition and disc braking as the years progressed before bowing out in 1983 with the arrival of the Evolution-engined 'Glide. The world's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson is acutely aware of its heritage and the Electra-Glide has remained a cornerstone of the range to this day.

This fully dressed, nicely preserved machine is a time-capsule example of an iron-butt cruiser. Between the chrome dripping front fork and light cluster, chrome ringed saddle, fishtail exhaust pipes, and white plastic saddle bags with chrome surrounds, this cycle begs to be given way as it presses on regardless along some lonely highway. Acquired by the present owner from a Missouri enthusiast, it appears to have been nicely kept prior to the last few years of static display. Still showing well today, it will require some mechanical recommissioning prior to using it to test your roadway endurance.

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