This is a True Neo-Classic! Harley-Davidson’s Revival of the Famous Electra Glide

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Harley's famous motorcycle revival series started

Harley-Davidson has introduced the limited production premium reissue series "Icon Collection". This series is a limited production model that strongly expresses Harley's traditional form and American style.

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The first of these, the Electra Glide Revival, was released in a limited edition of 1,500 units worldwide, with drawing for the sales of 3,375,900 yen (including tax) starting on April 27 in Japan. They will continue to release one or two models each year, but the production will be completely one-off, so there will be a rush of applications.

In this article, I would like to talk about the new initiative of Harley's famous reprint series and a small story about the Electra Glide.

1969 Electra Glide brought back to life in the modern age

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The Electra Glide Revival is inspired by the 1969 Electra Glide, which was the first Harley to feature a fairing called the "batwing" (also known as the Yakko cowl), and has been reissued with the latest technology. While faithfully recreating the atmosphere of that time in terms of coloring and form, the new model features modern technology.

The coil-spring solo saddle seat, which was used on the Harley FL series in the 1960s, has a black-and-white cover with chrome rails to recreate the look of that era, while the adjustable shock absorbers improve comfort. The two-tone fuel tank with birch white stripes is based on the blue base color.

The chrome plated parts, wire spoke wheels and wide whitewall tires create a luxurious and retro classic atmosphere that old Harley fans can't resist.

The latest 114 V-twin with the latest safety support systems

The latest Milwaukee Eight 114 V-twin engine (1,868cc) is mounted on the chassis, which features a modern, high-rigidity backbone frame and the latest ultra-thick 49mm diameter front forks and rear shock with hydraulic preload adjustment for a controllable and comfortable ride.

The iconic batwing features a high shield and stream vents to reduce the burden on the rider. Advanced electronic devices are also included as standard equipment, including RDRS Safety Enhancement, the latest safety support technology that includes front/rear linked ABS and Traction Control for attitude control while cornering.

It also has an upgraded infotainment system and colour touchscreen, two fairing-mounted speakers and is compatible with Android and Apple CarPlay, just like the modern FL series on the inside.

Speaking of Harley, here's the Electra Glide.

For those of you who are over 50 years old, you probably think of Harleys as FLs, especially the Electra Glide. I'm one of them. By the way, the FL series is the traditional touring family with 16-inch fat tires and deep fenders.

It was Harley's top-of-the-line model with one of the biggest big twin engines of its time. And "Electra" means with "electric cell motor". It's commonplace today, but at the time it was so revolutionary that it became a selling point.

The Glide was attached to models equipped with front and rear suspension and appealed for its "gliding" ride quality. It was a milestone in Harley's history.

Harley inside the Harley depicted in the film.

The first time I became aware of Electra Glide was in an American movie called "Glide In Blue", a hidden masterpiece of American New Cinema that was popular in 1970 (I think), about a motorcycle cop on highway patrol. It's a story of a motorcycle cop on the highway patrol.

The motorcycle that the main character gallantly rides is the Electra Glide, and the movie describes how it was the object of admiration for bikers of the time. In Japan, Harley bikes, especially the FL series, are seen as luxury tourers for enjoying leisurely journeys, but in the United States they have traditionally been used as harsh motorcycle rides.
Even in the movie, he was very active in the chase against the criminal, running up the stairs and jumping on the dirt road. I still remember in my childhood mind that Harley is great.

Incidentally, the popular TV drama "John & Punch" used to ride a Kawasaki KZ1000P, and Clint Eastwood's group of corrupt motorcycle cops in "Dirty Harry 2" used a Moto Guzzi V7. It is the situation of motorcycle.

And the ending of the movie is just like American New Cinema, the main character of the movie, a motorcycle cop, is shot by a car he stopped with good intentions and dies. It's an irreparable story, but I was impressed by the loneliness of the motorcycle policeman riding on the highway which stretches forever in the desolate scenery of Monument Valley, and the blue sky of the west coast in contrast.

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Expecting the reissue of a famous motorcycle that can be called a real neo-classic

The ultimate Harley in my mind is still the Electra Glide. However, it is extremely difficult to even imagine owning and riding a half-century-old FLH. The "Icon Collection" series is designed to appeal to the nostalgia of old-timers, and Harley's inclusion of the "Electra Glide Revival" at the beginning of the series shows their enthusiasm.

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Just when you thought they were the first in the world to launch an electric sportbike, they turn around and deliver a nostalgia-filled, soul-stirring coup de grace. This is the quintessence of Harley and can be called a true "neo-classic. If you look at it another way, this is a stimulating experiment for the entire motorcycle industry. There is a secret hope that this might spark a boom in the reprinting of famous motorcycles, including domestically produced out-of-print motorcycles.

See HARLEY-DAVIDSON Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLH ELECTRA GLIDE

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