For 1965, Harley-Davidson introduced the Electra Glide, which gave the V-twin Panhead a much more convenient electric starter. Gone were the days of the kickstart, and Harley-Davidson added to its list of evolutions in 1966, when the Panhead was retired by the new Shovelhead V-Twin. Offering a 10% increase in power, the new Shovelhead was also said to be smoother and more efficient, which was very important, considering the onslaught of foreign motorcycles infiltrating the United States, particularly those from Japan and England. This 1966 FLH Electra-Glide was in the original owner’s care for 40 years, and it presents in highly original condition, including the rare sunglass pouch on the windscreen just above the speedometer. Repainted once in the original two- tone blue and white color combination, the bike also has the original owner’s handbook and a period-correct ignition and saddlebag key. The seat is upholstered in white with a quilted stitch pattern, and the bike is laden with chrome and polished elements all around, defining it as one of Harley-Davidson’s biggest, most elaborate motorcycles. With the Electra Glide, the big FL also received the famous batwing faring, which some liked while others disliked, a discussion that still runs amok today. Nicely, it was easily removable—except for the later batwings, which incorporated the gauges, moving them from the gas tank, and upset a number of customers. Interestingly, Harley-Davidson continued to develop and improve each of its models every year, but as the Japanese and European bikes began offering more choices, Harley-Davidson began losing ground little by little. Sales slipped and leveled through the 1970s and into the 1980s, when they began to pick up a little bit. Many say it was simply due to consumers trying out something new, while others feel it was Harley-Davidson marketing not doing enough to keep the name out there. Whatever the reason might have been, today, these big Harley-Davidsons, especially the Electra Glides, are a seldom seen, unique and useful classic. THE TRUE NORTH HARLEY-DAVIDSON COLLECTION S190.1 1966 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLH ELECTRA GLIDE
