Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson1870 Hydra-Glide Revival FLI 2024 The dawn of comfort

The members of the "Icons" collection are here to bring back to life some of Harley-Davidson's most memorable moments, iconic models and fabulous souvenirs. When you were born in 1903, you've got a lot to talk about. For this Hydra-Glide Revival, let's dive 75 years into the MoCo archives. A few years after the most terrible war in history, the American manufacturer installed a hydraulic fork on its F and L models.

From hydraulic glide to Hydra Glide, it's just a matter of words. 3/4 of a century later, it's a strong-looking machine that takes center stage. It shows its conviction with its "Redline Red" paintwork combined with "Birch White" panels on the sides of the tank, a design identical to that of the 1956 models. Details include chrome-plated "Harley-Davidson V" tank badges inspired by 1955-1956 tank decoration and "Hydra Glide" lettering on the front fender. The "Hydra Glide Revival" insert on the handlebar riser cover and the "Icons Motorcycle Collection" motif on the rear mudguard identify this limited-edition model.

Above all, the Hydra-Glide Revival is an expressively revamped Softail Heritage Classic. With as much chrome as ever, whether on the spoked wheels, Tapered exhausts, forks, engine or center console. A further coat of paint brings chrome conchos and studs to the leather cases, which are also embellished with bangs, white piping and red stitching.

The windshield is larger on the Hydra-Glide, with a total span of 533 mm. Removable, it plays on color with a translucent red film at the bottom. In its metamorphosis, the bike has lost the taste for having a passenger. The now solo saddle features a fringed leather trim, white piping and contrasting red stitching, plus a chrome rail for a nostalgic look. The matching black leather tank strap is also embellished with studs and a concho.

the Hydra-Glide Revival is slightly heavier than the Heritage. This is due to the crash bars installed in front of the feet. But that's no concern for the engine. With almost 16 mkg of torque, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 ci will have its work cut out taking along this icon of the American road. Big muscle, overflowing without impatience.
It, too, has made a point of offering a touch of nostalgia, by presenting a totally simple air filter, with its old-fashioned round shape. Underneath, a Screamin' Eagle High-Flow element feeds the big 1868 cm3 twin.

From time immemorial, the front end has obsessed engineers, riders, motorcyclists... BMW paved the way in 1935 with the R12 and R17 equipped with the first hydraulically damped telescopic forks. Harley agreed in 1949, with such pride that the name Hydra Glide soon became a model name instead of a fork type. The Revival is here to remind us of this, especially for the 1,750 riders who will benefit from it. Not one more, and the riding position is there to remind us at all times, with the number in the series engraved on a plate encircling the handlebar bridges.

Anecdote : the telescopic fork (without hydraulics) was patented by Terrot in 1904 - once again, France was leading the way in motorcycle technology.

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)