Description
Harley-Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide | 1957
Highlights:
– 1,600 cc V-twin engine, stroked 1966 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
– 58,165 km indicated on odometer
– Original 1957 gearbox and crankcase retained
– Supplied with a range of new and used spare parts
– All work documented with photos and videos on USB stick
The private seller offers for sale this 1957 Harley-Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide, powered by a 1,600 cc V-twin engine. This is a personal and highly individual build, showing 58,165 km on the odometer, and according to the seller it was originally conceived for quarter-mile racing, a plan that was never carried out. The original Panhead engine has made way for a 1966 Shovelhead, which has been stroked from 1,200 cc to 1,600 cc, while the gearbox and crankcase are still the original 1957 units, with internals that the seller reports have been tuned. The seller indicates that the motorcycle has undergone restoration work, with the wiring and parts either replaced or restored. The result is a stripped-back, raw-metal bobber with a bare tank, a solo seat, spoked wheels and exposed mechanicals, a machine that combines period Harley-Davidson running gear with a more powerful, modified heart. A generous package of new and used parts is included in the sale, among them several solo seats, new +2″ telescopic fork tubes including springs, foot pegs and floorboards, giving the next owner plenty of scope to tailor the motorcycle to their own taste. All work carried out has been documented with photos and videos, which are supplied on a USB stick, so the story of this build can be followed step by step.
The Hydra-Glide name dates back to 1949, when Harley-Davidson replaced the traditional springer fork on its big twins with a hydraulically damped telescopic front fork. It was a genuine step forward in comfort and handling, and it gave the big twin the look that remains a reference point for American motorcycling to this day. In 1955 the FLH arrived as the higher-performance version of the FL, and 1957 marks the final year of the Hydra-Glide, before the Duo-Glide introduced rear suspension in 1958. That makes the late Hydra-Glide frame a sought-after foundation for bobbers and custom builds, where its clean lines and classic proportions come into their own. With its Panhead origins and Shovelhead power, this example bridges two celebrated eras of Milwaukee engineering, and it will appeal to the enthusiast who values a motorcycle with genuine character and a story of its own.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
