“The glad ride, the glide ride!” Harley-Davidson’s sales brochure for 1958 introduced its newest model, the Duo- Glide, with all of the joy and prosperity of the Atomic Age. It featured illustrations of motorcycling life across America, from Washington D.C. to San Francisco, from the Black Hills to San Antonio, with a handsome, happy gentleman riding a brand new Duo-Glide. The latest, most modern evolution of its signature big-twin line, the Duo-Glide, like this personable original FL, was the Motor Company’s first full-suspension touring V-twin, replacing the hardtail Hydra-Glide and ushering in a new era of comfortable recreation. The Duo-Glide built on the success of Harley-Davidson’s second generation of production overhead-valve V-twins, later known as the Panhead. While maintaining its Hydra-Glide hydraulic front fork, introduced in 1949, the new Duo-Glide featured a rear swing-arm assembly and twin rear hydraulic shocks. Further adding to the smooth ride, the Duo-Glide retained Harley’s patented sprung seat post, branded initially as the Ful-Floteing seat post. Full-suspension touring motorcycles were not exactly new in 1958, with examples dating back to the 1910s and Harley’s long-time rival, Indian, offering contemporary configurations beginning in 1940. However, Indian was no longer in the game, and after a handful of years of unchallenged domestic supremacy, the Motor Company was challenged by a flood of new competition from the rising tide of imports, all filled with value and modern technology. This classic and highly original 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide was the company’s response and featured a powerful 74 CI (1200cc) OHV V-twin with a 4-speed, foot- shifted gearbox. Though Harley still offered its traditional hand-shifted configuration, the foot-shifted setup was by far the preferred, again, due in no small part to the British invasion. Along with its new frame and suspension components, the Duo-Glide also received a new hydraulic rear brake, strengthened transmission, a new oil tank, stronger valve springs, larger cylinder fins and an optional dual exhaust. With an expansive list of options and accessories, the Duo-Glide, like this handsome first-year example, was unquestionably the king of the American highways and byways and remains a benchmark motorcycle from the legendary brand. F186 1958 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLH DUO-GLIDE
