History Repeats Itself with 35th Anniversary Super Glide

Limited Edition

Harley-Davidson introduced the world's first factory custom in 1971—the FX Super Glide. Influenced by custom bike trends of the day and designed by Willie G. Davidson, the FX designation endures to this day. In 2006, the Motor Company paid tribute to the ground-breaking model with a dressed-up Dyna, presented as the limited-edition FXDI35 35th Anniversary Super Glide.

Photos courtesy of Bring a Trailer.

Distinctive Features

With a nod to the 1971 Super Glide's patriotic 'Sparkling America' paint scheme, just 3,500 Glacier White Pearl 35th Anniversary Super Glides were produced. Now a collectible model, the FXDI35 evokes its predecessor with select nostalgic touches, while casually hinting at Evel Knievel's glory days. It is, however, missing one of the most distinctive features of the 1971 FX.

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Ignored Concept

The original FX was first released with a fiberglass 'boat tail' rear fender, featuring an integrated step seat configuration. The European-influenced, streamlined-look, was pretty much unanimously hated by prospective buyers, and it was phased out of production by the mid-1970s. It is one throwback concept that was totally ignored on the 35th Anniversary Super Glide.

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Sports Model

Despite the cool reception, attitudes about the 1971 FX soon changed after its performance and handling aspects were recognized. Those traits are not just reflected in the FXDI35's looks, they are an integral part of the Super Glide's design. Over the course of its forty-plus years of production, the Super Glide was released in many variants and was considered Harley-Davidson's 'sports' model.

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Smooth Performance

Like all Dyna models released in 2006, the FXDI35 Super Glide was equipped with a 88 cubic-inch Twin Cam engine. The silver powder-coated motor featured a new roller chain and hydraulic automatic cam chain tensioner, along with a high output oil pump. A new sequential-port electronic fuel injection system replaced the carburetor, delivering smooth performance throughout the rev range.

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Quiet Speeds

Other improvements were introduced on the business side of the FXDI35. The older, five-speed gear box was replaced with a newly designed six-speed Cruise Drive. Thin steel dog rings, and helical gears instead of straight-cut gears made for smooth and quiet shifting. A taller final gear also provided a drop in revs at highway speeds that equated to a more comfortable ride.

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Beefy Package

In true Super Glide design philosophy, the handling was improved. Larger, 49mm forks replaced the previous 39mm narrow glide frontend. Providing a more planted feel, a wider 160mm tire was fitted to the rear. The frame and swingarm were also stiffened. Combined with the beefy forks and rear rubber, the overall package translated into a surefooted and well-balanced ride.

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Cool History

With the mechanical improvements implemented across the Dyna platform, the 35th Anniversary Super Glide was really just a styling exercise. Yet, this ignores the importance of Willie G. Davidson's divergent thinking and the Super Glide's fundamental impact on motorcycle design as a whole. History aside, the 2006 FXDI35 is one cool-looking bike, and sometimes that is all it takes.

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