Harley-Davidson FL
As police departments were major customers of HD, FLE for escort and law enforcement was tuned down for better idling and low speeds in cities.
[1] Only few Knucklehead FLs were built, as due to the war, Harley had to focus on military versions, mainly the WLA based on the simple WL flathead.
[2] The U and UL flathead twins were discontinued in 1948, leaving the OHV EL and FL models as Harley-Davidson's large-frame motorcycles.
[5] Harley-Davidson offered the spring suspension units on these models[4][5] and recommended their use on sidecar combinations, because the standard hydraulic forks do not have suitable trail.
[4] This name was changed twice in the history of the basic large-framed E and F series models, each time signaling an improvement in the bike's technology.
[2] In addition, the Glide ending was added to the names of other models based on the FL and FX formats.
[citation needed] A more highly tuned engine with high-compression heads, higher-lift cams, and polished ports, was offered with the FLH version of 1955.
The FX mated the FL frame with the forks of the XL Sportster, with buckhorn handlebars and a large fiberglass tailpiece completing the Super Glide specification.
[14] A 1977 Harley-Davidson Confederate Edition of the FLH Electra Glide that featured commemorative paint and tank and fender decals was produced.
[15] An 80 cu in (1,300 cc) engine was made optional on the Electra Glide in 1978, however, the FL designation was not changed.
The changes included a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, 17-inch front wheels for all models except the Road King Classic, a 6 US gallons (23 L; 5.0 imp gal) fuel tank, and a 2-1-2 exhaust.
The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger.
[23][24] Also released in the FL Touring range for the 2009 model year was the FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley-Davidson since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973.
[26] The original Softails used the bare FXWG wide telescopic fork and slim 21-inch front wheel, but the FLST Heritage Softail introduced in 1986 came with a similar size but covered FL-style telescopic fork, fat-tired 16-inch wheels front and rear, and large fenders to match.
[27] Other Softails with big forks followed, including the 1990 introduction of the FLSTF Fat Boy and the 1993-only FLSTN "Cow Glide".
[16] The FLSTN was continued after 1993 without the bovine motif as the Nostalgia model until 1996, it was replaced by the FLSTS Heritage Springer IN 1997.
[30] The first FL model, introduced in 1941, had the then-standard springer fork, with the telescopic Hydraglide taking over from 1949 onwards.
[32] Designed to be reminiscent of the late 1950s Duo Glide models,[33] the Switchback is the first Dyna platform motorcycle from Harley-Davidson to use an FL front end, and is marketed as a convertible model, with removable saddlebags and windscreen allowing the user to easily convert the bike for touring use.
