The 1971Harley - DavidsonFX Super Glide motorcycle , Harley ’s first " factory custom " bike , failed to attract the consultation Harley had hoped it would and was a sales disappointment , finding few than than 5,000 vendee .
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In an effort to contend principal - on with the aftermarket supplier , Harley - Davidson ushered in its first " factory custom " for the 1971 model year . By merge piece from two democratic modeling , the " Big Twin " FL and the XL Sportster , the companionship hop to leave buyers a unexampled breed of Harley .
Stripped of its electric starter , the FX could be fitted with a smallerbatteryand battery box . The forks and front bicycle were taken from the XL ’s parts bin , as was a diminished - diameter headlamp and trademark headlight screen .
The framing , 74 - three-dimensional - in Shovelhead engine , and rear suspension originated from the FL . The dual tanks were from the FLH .
A fibreglass fanny division was styled after a alike spell used on the previous yr ’s Sportster , and all the bodywork could be covered with a extra Sparkling America paint system .
New and exciting as it was , the market go to respond to the first Super Glide , and only 4,700 found buyers . By comparing , more than 10,000 Sportsters were sold the same yr .
The Super Glide returned for 1972 , but some of its patch did not . The tail subdivision disappeared , exchange by a traditional steel fender assembly . In this human body , the Super Glide meet with greater success , and mill customs would eventually become Harley - Davidson ’s parentage - in - barter .
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1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide Pictures
The factory - usance 1971 Harley - Davidson FX Super Glide motorcycle featured a 74 - cubic - inch Shovelhead engine , dual armoured combat vehicle , a fiberglass can section , and a Sparkling America pigment scheme .
