Not long after its biggest domestic competitor had gone belly up, Harley-Davidson was feeling many of the same financial pressures that had driven Indian to bankruptcy. Cheaper foreign imports, largely from Britain (the Japanese wouldn’t really hit the scene until the ’60s), were making things difficult. To its credit, Harley decided the answer to its problems was innovation. Among popular but quickly forgotten models like the S-125/Hummer, the MoCo introduced the Sportster in 1957, and this beauty, the Duo-Glide, in 1958.
“The Duo-Glide!” declares an advertising film from the era. “With its compact, streamlined silhouette, its bold, aggressive, ‘Let’s go!’ look. And its low-slung, lap-of-luxury going-away lines ─ what your less-fortunate friends will see as you pull out ahead of the pack.”
The Duo-Glide was the first Harley-Davidson to feature front and rear suspension. This example also benefits from the optional “King of the Highway” package, which bedecked the motorcycle with saddlebags, dual exhaust, fender tips, and bumpers. It also boasted a better rear brake, transmission and clutch over previous FL models.
Driven by the iconic 74 cubic-inch (1208 cc) V-twin “Panhead” powerplant, the Duo-Glide claimed a peak power output of 52 horsepower and a top speed of roughly 100 mph.
This particular example seems to have been thrown into a time vortex, having somehow managed to avoid being modded or restored over the decades. The bike also runs and rides as it should. “I have not done anything to any finishes on the motorcycle,” says the seller. “AMCA quality survivor… Ready to ride.”
The bike has 15,115 miles on the clock but is in remarkably good condition for a motorcycle that is nearing 70 years old. The seller seems pretty aware of how rare a thing they have on their hands and has priced the bike accordingly: $40,000. But if you’ve got the money, honey, the seller’s got the time. You can find this bike for sale in Miami, Florida here on eBay.