First appearing in 1965, the Electra Glide was a more rugged model than usual, opening the door to more long-distance cruising and touring.
We can thank the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, for helping popularize the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. First appearing in 1965, the Electra Glide was a more rugged model than usual, opening the door to more long-distance cruising and touring. Its engine was initially equipped with an electric start before receiving the Shovelhead engine which gave it a 10% power increase, producing around 60 horsepower and a top speed close to 100 mph. It's fair to say that the Electra Glide paved the way for the growing Harley-Davidson touring class we see today. It remains in production, but with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic-inch engine that produces 77 horsepower, 101 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of around 115 mph. It also comes standard with a batwing fairing with a blank housing for a touchscreen infotainment system, which would transform it into more of a Street Glide.