Harley-Davidson’s New Video Series Chronicles Restoration of ’52 FL Hydra-Glide
For the first time in the last half a century, a gorgeous 1952 Harley- Davidson FL Hydra-Glide is receiving some much-deserved TLC.
Like most Harley fans, we also have a soft spot for beautiful bike restorations. Now, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer is teaming up with Prism Supply and DicE Magazine for a series of Bronco Bronze videos. The first installment of the three-part series is now live and features the restoration of an original ’52 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide. Enthusiasts can also check out the finished motorcycle at The Congregation Show in Charlotte on October 9.
The team came across the bike in Charlotte, NC, and even in its rust-clad state; the motorcycle’s retro lines still look gorgeous. This is the first time in the last half a century that the motorcycle is receiving some TLC. The’52 FL Hydra-Glide houses a 45-degree V-twin Panhead motor. The powerplant was paired to a 4-speed gearbox, and in its original factory tune, the motor could produce 55 HP of maximum power. As a result of this, the bike could achieve a top speed of 100 MPH.
Jake Hindes from Prism Supply Co. is the current owner of the motorcycle, and in the video, Hindes shares the story of how the bike came into his possession. “I purchased the bike from one of my friends beginning of 2020. He told me about another bike that he had a lead on, which was a 1952 Pan head. I get a call from my friend, he goes- hey today is your lucky day. We’re gonna go dig out that 1952 barn find,” said Hindes.
This ’52 FL Hydra-Glide has influenced multiple generations of riders.
Hindes took quite a risk by purchasing the bike in the state that it was in. However, once the team did a little bit of research into the history of the bike, it was discovered that his gamble had paid off. As it turns out, the motorcycle is a one-year-only model, which sports a very special Bronco Bronze color. Thankfully, most of the parts on the motorcycle were in their original condition.
Derrek and Casey Graham are the sons of the original owner Melvin Graham who owned this special edition motorcycle during the Civil Rights Movement. The Graham brothers are also part of this restoration project and share how this motorcycle influenced them. “My father would ride the bike, it’s like a Sunday thing or a Saturday. Having five other brothers, he would ride the bike you know, it got to the point where we inherited that like we want to ride,“ said Casey.
Image Source: Harley-Davidson
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