Harley-Davidson 1965 FLB Electra Glide 1207 cc OHV 3602

Harley-Davidson 1965 FLB “Electra Glide” 1207 cc OHV V-twin frame & engine # 65FL1962

video: https://youtu.be/UILHEZyE2VQ

In 1948 H-D presented a new engine design with chromium-plated steel rocker covers that resembled cooking pans and the new engine soon was christened “Panhead”. In 1958 the 1207 cc Panhead was equipped with both telescopic front forks and a swingarm rear suspension, the latter’s action controlled by a pair of outsized, chrome-covered shock absorbers. It was a big step forward in comfort for touring riders, who came to revel in the bike’s cushy ‘Glide Ride.’ Many mounted saddlebags and a windshield, and hit the road bound for points unknown on their “Duo-Glide”. In 1965 a new frame was introduced and also a 12-volt electrical system that made it possible to fit an electric starter: the ”Electra Glide” was born. The starter motor worked on the clutch and this high-torque system could not be installed with the old stamped steel primary cover, that was too flimsy. The solution was to design new robust aluminium alloy inner and outer primary covers that would rigidly link the engine and gearbox. An adjustable chain tensioner was mounted to the inner primary cover. The official model designation was “FLB”, the B standing for “Big Battery”; this letter does not appear in the engine code. The kickstart remained available up to 1972. 1965 would be the last year of the venerable Panhead, in 1966 a thoroughly redesigned engine was presented that soon got the nickname “Shovelhead” because of the prominent rocker boxes that were thought to resemble the shape of a shovel.
Power output of this “King of the Highway” is 57hp @ 5200rpm, good for some 155km/h. This nicely restored specimen comes with crash bars, roomy fiberglass panniers and German registration papers.