The 1958 Harley - Davidson FL Duo - Glide motorcycle introduced a genuine rearward suspension system , finally giving riders of the big Harleys smoother , modern ride .
Finally , after decades of relying only on a sprung saddle for " rear " suspension , the big Harleys adopted a swingarm with whorl - over shocks in 1958 . With that , the Hydra - Glide became the Duo - Glide , upping the ante in the touring market place .
Two interlingual rendition of the Big Twin extend to be offered : The milder , low - compaction FL locomotive ran cool and was easier to kick over than the hopped - up FLH , make it better suited to around - town driving .
Still sized at 1200 ccs/74 three-dimensional column inch , 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 , furnish what Harley termed " the Glide Ride . " Of course , nearly 600 pounds worth of bump - flatten weight did n’t smart , either .
Go to the next varlet to see more 1958 Harley - Davidson FL Duo - Glide motorcycle exposure .
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1958 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide Pictures
In 1958 , the FL start out a Modern frame with a modern swingarm with whorl - over shock . Despite the new rear suspension , however , a sprung seatpost remained stock .
