50th Anniversary „Electra Glide“ exhibition at Harley-Dome Cologne

50th Anniversary „Electra-Glide“ Special Exhibition.

One of the certain highlights of this years „Harley-Dome Cologne“ was the 50th Anniversary exhibition, celebrating the 1965 introduction of the Harley-Davidson „Electra-Glide“. Andre Jägerassembled a number of rare and extraordinary collectors items, including 1965, 1966, 1969, 1970 and 1981 models in almost stock configuration! With a sidecar-equipped 30th Anniversary FLHTCUI of 1995, several „Police“ models and a number of the current 2015 models supplied by Harley-Davidson von Herz, no less than 21 „Electra Glides“ were on display, making this the best 50th Anniversary show of Europe. On both days, guided tours highlighted the technical features and the history behing the development and subsequent „evolution“ of this iconic motorcycle. 

1965: The First Electra Glide 

Restored to alost too perfect stock condition with new chrome and paint job, this is the 1965 Electra-Glide of Harley-Davidson Hamburg. Available for just one year in this configuration with the last year of the Panhead motor, stock 1965 „Electra Glides“ are among the rarest 

Harley-Davidson‘s you can get. 

1965: The First Electra Glide 

1958: The First Duo Glide

The only Harley model to extend the Electra-Glide history backwards was this 1958 FL which also marks the first model year in which Harley-Davidson equipped the Big Twin with front and rear suspention. Following the introduction of the „Panhead“ motor in 1948, the model 

year 1949 marked the introduction of the „Hydra Glide“ featuring telescopic fork. The 1958 tank badge also marks one of the first designs of Willie G. Davidson that made it into production. 

1958 Fl – The First Duo Glide 

1966: The First Shovelhead Electra Glide 

From the impressive collection of the Frankfurt/Main Harley Factory, this outstanding 1966 FLH is not just the first Shovelhead-powered „Electra-Glide“, but also a superb example of a „unrestored“ stock classic. Original paint, engine, plating down to the dealer sticker of „Har-

ley-Davidson of Manhatten Inc.“ make this motorcycle a genuine „collectible“. The „topping“ of the cake is a period AM Motorola radio mounted to the handlebar! 

1966: The First Shovelhead Electra Glide

1969: The Easy Rider Electra Glide 

This 1969 FLH „Electra-Glide“ in period stock condition is the proof what Harley-Davidson tried to sell its customizers in 1969, the year that „Easy Rider“ hit the movie screen. It was also the year of the moon landing, Woodstock and Altamont – and when Harley-Davidson 

got the neccessary financial „infusion“ by becoming part of American Machine & Foundry, short AMF. At home in the Harley-Factory at Frankfurt/Main, the bike is in riding conditon and still in use. 

1969: The Easy Rider Electra Glide

1970: „Late Shovel“ Electra Glide 

The model year 1970 finally saw the introduction of the modern „Late Shovelhead“, as (finally), the bottom end of the motor was modernized with AMF financing. The generator went behind the motor and the bottom end completely reworked. For reasons unknown, the front brake moved to the right side of the front wheel, only to be replaced later by disc and twin discs anyway. S&S carb and airfilter plus fishtail are aftermarket but period parts to improve performance. 

1970: „Late Shovel“ Electra Glide

1981: FLH Electra Glide „Heritage“ 

While the „buyback“ of Harley-Davidson from AMF took place in early 1981, numerous 1981 „Shovelhead“ FLH‘s were still assembled and delivered with AMF branding – as is the case with this 1981 FLH Electra Glide „Heritage“ which marks Harley‘s first attempt to create a „retro-look“ using paint schemes and fringed leather bags to create an „antique“ looking motorcycle from the base of the FLH. World War 1 olive green and Harley-orange pait job and huge saddlebags dominate the style which then was limited to 780 bikes .

1981: FLH Electra Glide „Heritage“ 

Harley dome cologne 2015 

For the first time. MOTOGRAPHER Horst Rösler visited the Harley-Dome Cologne, which 
in 2014 was held as „111th Anniversary“ of the brand. Also asked to perform the „guided 
tours“ for the 50th Anniversary Electra Glide exhibition, there was less time than usual to report on the event and bike show bikes. 

 WWW.MOTOGRAPHER.DE 

Andre Jäger of Harley-Davidson Germany organized a remarkable 50th Anniversary „Electra Glide“ exhibition that was only to be seen at the 2015 Harley Dome Cologne. 

Rare „Coroner Version“ 

110 Years Harley-history on this H-D Frankfurt Bagger.