HARLEY-DAVIDSON Super Glide (1973-1974) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Harley-Davidson Super Glide, also known as the Street Bob, was the first factory-made custom machine. The bike was made of bits and pieces from different motorcycles, such as the FLH Electra Glide and XLH Sportster.

The story behind the Super Glide started when the styling director Willie G. Davidson noticed that owners of Harley-Davidson's machine changed parts or cut and reweld frames to suit their personal taste.

The styling director designed a production motorcycle with the look of a custom motorcycle by taking the frame, rear suspension, headlights, and brakes from the FLH Electra Glide and combining it with the front fork, drivetrain, and engine accessories from the XLH Sportster.

In 1973, the American motorcycle manufacturer launched the Harley-Davidson Super Glide, a factory-made custom machine that debuted in 1971. Also, the bike was not well received due to its radical boattail design.

The bike had a buckhorn handlebar, a round headlight, a steel fender on the front, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece dual seat, a two-into-one exhaust system, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

In the engine department, the 1973 Harley-Davidson Super Glide had its soul brought to life by a 1,207cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine, fed by a Keihin carburetor, delivering 65 hp with a peak force at 5,500 rpm.

The black-finished steel frame was fitted with a telescopic fork on the front and dual shock absorbers on the rear acting as suspension, while the stopping was achieved by two drum units both front and back.