1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide
The 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide motorcycle introduced a genuine rear suspension system, finally giving riders of the big Harleys smoother, modern ride.
 The 1958 FL Duo-Glide benefitted from a new rear suspension -- a modern swingarm with coil-over shocks. |
Finally, after decades of relying only on a sprung saddle for "rear" suspension, the big Harleys adopted a swingarm with coil-over shocks in 1958. With that, the Hydra-Glide became the Duo-Glide, upping the ante in the touring market.
Two versions of the Big Twin continued to be offered: The milder, low-compression FL engine ran cooler and was easier to kick over than the hopped-up FLH, making it better suited to around-town driving.
Still sized at 1200 ccs/74 cubic inches, period Big Twins were advertised at 53-55 horsepower in the FL, 58-60 in the FLH.
Despite the new rear suspension, a sprung seatpost remained standard, providing what Harley termed "the Glide Ride." Of course, nearly 600 pounds worth of bump-flattening weight didn't hurt, either.
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1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide Pictures
In 1958, the FL got a new frame with a modern swingarm with coil-over shocks. Despite the new rear suspension, however, a sprung seatpost remained standard. Two versions of the Big Twin were offered. The FL's topped out at 55 horsepower, the FLH's at 60. |
 The speedometer got its own chrome stage. |
 The FL Duo-Glide's triple-headlight setup was part of the big-Harley image. |
 "Duo-Glide" referenced the FL's coli-over-shocks rear suspension design. |
 The FL Duo-Glide's "see and be seen" items included chrome fender tips. |
 An advertisement for the 1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide motorcycle. |
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