Christmas Present – 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide

In America, Cruiser by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

It being the season I decided I would look for my Christmas present. This is not a bike I would normally write up, or even consider buying. But I clocked through the offerings on EBay today and decided this would do. There were three Chiefs that I didn’t trust (I don’t think they were represented properly), several HDs that didn’t excite me, a Yamaha Rickman clone (what ever that is.. It used stock photos and turned out to be several boxes of parts) and it IS the last minute before Christmas.

It’s raggedy (I don’t want a museum piece) and tired, but it is a 1965 Electra Glide. First year for the electric start on a HD (and from that the name) and the last year of the Panhead motor. I think this one would be a project that I could ride to the coffee shop while improving it. I think it fits me 🙂 I also think I know exactly where a tail light is and I’ll bet I could make it do the ton.

The 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide used a 74 CID (1212 CC) air cooled overhead valve V-twin Panhead motor that produced 55 HP run through a four speed transmission for a listed top speed of 99 MPH. The Electra Glide sported a full cradle frame with hydraulic suspension and drum brakes front and back, a dry weight of 800 LBS and 4.25 gallon fuel capacity.

This particular 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide (VIN# 65FLH5139) is in Arlington, Texas at Buy Your Motorcycle and is listed as a used motorcycle. It certainly is that. The instrument cluster is wrong and incomplete, the tail light may be a clearance light from a school bus, there are no bags (they came stock in 1965) and the paint and chrome are raggedy. But just like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree, even raggedy bikes need a home 🙂 This bike has a Buy It Now price of $14,999

Merry Christmas to All!

[Editor’s Note: Tom wants an old Harley, but if you’re feeling generous I’m angling for a BMW /6…]

Sources:
Wikipedia
Harley-Davidson
How Stuff Works
Bikez