Harley Davidson Hydra glide

Harley Davidson Hydra glide

In 1949, a year after receiving the "Panhead" engine, the FL was given a new front suspension and a model name to go along with it. In honor of their first production motorcycle with hydraulically-damped telescopic forks, the FL was officially called the Hydra-Glide. This name would change twice in the history of the basic large-framed FL bikes, each time signalling an improvement in the bike's technology. In addition, the Glide ending would be used on other models, based on both and FL and FX formats.

In 1952, the Hydra-Glide's transmission format was reversed from hand-shift/foot-clutch to foot-shift/hand-clutch, although the original format continued to be offered as an option until 1978. 1952 was also the last year of the 61 cubic inch (1.0 L) EL, making the FL the last remaining large-frame model.

A more highly-tuned engine with high-compression heads, higher-lift cams, and polished ports, was offered with the FLH version of 1955.The FLH designation would continue up to the present.