New Big Twin features introduced in the 1955 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide included revised cast tank badges boasting a prominent "V" in the background, along with a similar badge on the front fender with "1955" stamped into it.
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Meanwhile, taillights switched from the old "tombstone" style (which had been in use for nearly a decade) to a new oval design.
Also, the existing FL was joined by a performance-oriented FLH with higher compression, hotter cams, and polished ports that resulted in about 10 percent more power.
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Standard equipment included a Jubilee air trumpet, and a host of optional accessories were available; those fitted to our featured model include body-colored hand grips, chrome luggage rack, chrome engine guard, Buddy Seat with chrome grab rail, chrome fender dressing, and other chrome touches.
By this time, chrome trim had become a popular means of dressing up and personalizing one's mount.
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To learn more about Harley-Davidson and other classic motorcycles, see:
- Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
- How Harley-Davidson Works
- How Choppers Work
- Chopper Profiles
- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles Work
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