A Quick Look at this FL 1949 Hydra-Glide

Hydra-Glide

In 1948, the Panhead engine, featuring new hydraulic lifters, replaced the Knucklehead motor for the FL and EL-series. A year later, the aging leading-link front suspension was replaced by a much-improved telescopic front fork. Dubbed the Hydra-Glide in 1950 by the Motor Company's advertising department, the hardtail FL Hydra-Glide remained in production until it was replaced by the Duo-Glide in 1958.  

All photos courtesy of Silodrome 

Made for TV

Originating from the estate sale of Jon Couch, motorcycle road-racer and owner of TOBC Racing, this low-mileage restoration is an excellent example of a 1949 FL Panhead with the new, yet to be named, Hydra-Glide front end. Combined with the larger capacity front drum-brake, the 1949 FL is a popular choice with collectors. Adding to its pedigree, this particular FL was featured on the popular television series 'Chasing Classic Cars.'  

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Hydraulic Issues

The new Big Twin line-up was offered as the 61 cubic-inch EL until 1952, and as the 74 cubic-inch FL until the end of production in 1957. The FLH Hydra-Glide, with taller cams and a high-compression engine, was released in 1955. After four years of production, and numerous failures, the Panhead's hydraulic lifters were replaced by a more efficient hydraulic roller tappet system. Originally fueled by a Linkert carburetor, this FL features an aftermarket S&S setup with the iconic 'teardrop' air filter.   

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Shift on the Fly

Clad in a two-tone 'Flight Red' and cream livery, this 1949 FL has a four-speed transmission operated by a foot clutch and tank-shift. In 1952, Harley-Davidson introduced the hand clutch with foot-shift — the default arrangement for most modern motorcycles. The tank-shift remained an option on the FL-series until 1978. Sidecar FL's were factory equipped with three-speed gear transmission with a reverse gear. Visible here are the yellow ignition wires of an aftermarket Accel Super Coil Kit. 

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Trail Adjustment

Up until 1950, all sidecar equipped FL's used the older Springer front ends as the new Hydra-Glide forks caused instability due to a lack of trail. In 1950, Harley-Davidson introduced an adjustable trail feature on the Hydra-Glide forks to improve handling on the sidecar and package truck applications. Promoted as the 'Trail-A-Way,' the adjustable forks, included a set of risers that allowed for handlebar adjustment. A set of driving spotlights, pictured on this 1949 FL, were one of many optional, dealer installed accessories. 

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Chrome Options

From 1948 to 1953 the Panhead engine was bolted into a 'wishbone” frame — a sturdy double-cradle hardtail construction. This particular FL has an optional chrome front bumper, oil tank, and hubcap on the right side of the front wheel to visually balance out the larger front brake. Just visible behind the kick-start pedal is an optional oil filter assembly that became standard in 1953. Also in chrome is the rear stand that pivots from the end of the frame.   

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A Year of Options

The Hydra-Glide is a timeless classic. As a symbol of the burgeoning economic prosperity, 1949 was a year of many choices for the Harley Davidson buyer. More models were offered in 1949 than in any other year of Panhead production, with fifteen Big Twin models, and seven one-year-only models. The option to own a 1949 FL continues to the present day. This particular 1949 FL was sold in 2017 at auction in Wisconsin but has since reappeared for sale in British Columbia, Canada. 

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