5 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles That Changed History

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#11

11-14-2023, 07:33 AM

uncle kebo

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I'll bite.... Here are my 5
a. 1917 Model J Military Use - 1st motorized cavalry bike - Put HD squarely on the map and kept them there
b. 1958 Duo Glide - 1st bike with full and proper suspension
c. 1965 Electraglide - Agree on this one
d. 1971 Superglide - 1st factory 'custom'
e. 1984 Softail - Beginning of the new era
f. Honorable mention - 2009 Triglide - Making riding assessable to many who would of had to give it up.

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#12

11-14-2023, 08:02 AM

tmac00333

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Man

Should have made it six and included the 1971 FXE Super Glide. I remember the first one I ever saW. It was stunning!y.

Yep, try this one:

https://www.hdforums.com/articles/fi...odern-history/

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#13

11-14-2023, 08:54 AM

Crazy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Architect

1- WLA - OK they used an actual WLA
2- 1936 Knucklehead, but use a picture of a 1947
3- 1957 Sportster, not sure if that is a later year or a customized bike, not a stock '57
4- 1965 Electra Glide, should be a Panhead instead they use a picture of a 1969 Shovelhead Electra Glide
5- 1984 Softail, should be first year frame 4 speed Evo model, but lets just use a factory photo of an early 2000's Softail Standard Twin Cam

Google search is way too easy to not have the right images to go with the article. Rant over.

Dang I spoke too soon in my original comment. After reading what you wrote here, I had to look at the article again. I hadn't noticed that for Sportster he wrote both 1957 and XLCH. You're right, that bike isn't a 1957, and CH designation wasn't used in '57 either.

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Architect (11-14-2023)

#14

11-14-2023, 09:20 AM

M18A1

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The Original Nightrain

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmac00333

Yep, try this one:

https://www.hdforums.com/articles/fi...odern-history/

My neighbor had one of these and hade the brochure that went with it. It was the 1971 Night train also known as the Sparkling America. It was also on the cover of "Cycle" magazine. Still thinking about getting the 06 version but not that partial to the blonde motor.

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#15

11-14-2023, 10:26 AM

badger34

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2- 1936 Knucklehead, but use a picture of a 1947

Not even a good representation of a '47, I can't get past the crap reproduction speedball tank badges on any restored knuckle or pan.

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Architect (11-14-2023)

#16

11-14-2023, 12:34 PM

Rufus13

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The XLCH was a good choice but the 1950's K models were the first Harleys that were unit construction. Triumph (their main competition) didn't do that until about 1964. The little Ks deserved an Honorable mention.

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#17

11-14-2023, 12:39 PM

heritageblue2013

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Mine changed history, Its the only Harley in history with the VIN number assigned to it.

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#18

11-14-2023, 12:51 PM

Bubba Zanetti

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy

Wow. With the exception of putting a TC88 Softail picture with the 1984 FXST, I've got to say that this CCE article is a bit better than the usual ones he gives us.

You beat me to it.

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