Harley-Davidson motorcycles aren’t particularly unique, of course. But finding one that isn’t a victim of a previous owner’s questionable taste can be challenging. Perhaps only Suzuki’s Hayabusa falls victim to the bling stick more quickly than a Harley. So, that’s what makes this 48-year-old Electra Glide special: the machine you see here is pretty much the same one that AMF sold during the Carter administration.
Although not presently in Harley’s line-up the Electra Glide name is one of the most cherished in the MoCo’s history. “It’s like word association,” reads a Harley-Davidson magazine ad from 1977. “Somebody says ‘touring’ and the answer comes back ‘Electra Glide.'” Arguably, that was true when written. And certainly it’s the case that this bike’s styling is iconic. Driven by a four-speed 74 cubic-inch (1207cc) air-cooled “Shovelhead” V-twin, it promised roughly 58 horsepower at 5150 rpm, and 70 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. That was a little underpowered even for the era, but it’s been a very long time since anyone bought a Harley for the purpose of going fast.
Shovelhead engines were far from perfect. Their multitudinous issues contributed to AMF’s poor reputation as a steward for the Harley-Davidson brand. But the fact that this bike is still purring speaks in its favor.
With 36,000 miles on the clock, this FLH 1200 Electra Glide is for sale for $10,250 (or best offer) in Byron, Georgia, here on eBay.