1954 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLE

In 1949, a year after receiving the "Pan-head" engine, the FL was given a new front suspension featuring hydraulically damped telescopic forks, replacing the leading link spring suspension of the time. These forks were standard on all big twin models for 1949.During their debut model year of 1949, Harley-Davidson referred to their new suspension systems as the "hydraulic front ends". Harley-Davidson's marketing department promoted the new suspension systems by renaming the big twin models "Hydra Glide" for the 1950 model year. This was Harley-Davidson's first departure from its policy of using alphabetic lettering to identify its models. This name would change twice in the history of the basic large-framed E and F series models, each time signaling an improvement in the bike's technology.In 1952, the Hydra-Glide's transmission standard hand-shift/foot-clutch was supplemented by the optional foot-shift/hand-clutch. The original format continued to be offered as an option until 1978.    1952 was also the last year of the 61 cu in (1,000 cc) EL, making the FL the last remaining large-frame mode.Although the 1903 founding is now the basis for "Anniversary Models", Harley-Davidson's 50th Golden Anniversary was celebrated in 1954   

Harley-Davidson’s 50 year anniversary was celebrated with the Golden Anniversary Model. An immediate obvious change the beautiful 50th Anniversary gold-colored medallion gracing the top of the front fender. A new two-tone paint scheme was introduced with the tanks painted one color and the fenders another. The gas tank script emblem was retained but the underline was dropped. Late ’54 witnessed the introduction of the new, thick aluminum reinforcing rings on the pan covers.

The Jubilee horn take center stage with it’s chrome bell electric diaphram unit mounted on one side of the engine and it’s distinctive trumpet horn on the other. New worm and pinch gears are straight forward taper fitted and keyed to the shaft. No noise emanated from this absolutely tight fit. On the gear shifter lever shaft and in the end of the gear shifter foot lever and the earlier style serrations were dropped in favor of a smooth contact surface with a reinforced foot lever pinched with 5/16th bolt and nut. A new gear shifter heel lever was offered as an accessory. First year for a retrofit Big Twin compensating sprocket that interchanged back to 1936. A new oil pressure switch was installed on the engine. The faster action throttle was a result of the new handlebar pioneered on the KH model. Piston type valves replaced the obsolete type in the bypass regulation position in the oil pump. The last year for the tombstone taillamp was ’54. New, quick removal saddlebags made of Royalite plastic make their introductory bow.