HARLEY-DAVIDSON Super Glide (1978-1979) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1978, the American motorcycle manufacturer released the Harley-Davidson Super Glide, a custom machine that debuted in 1971 as the first factory-made custom motorcycle in the H-D range.

The idea to create a factory custom motorcycle came from the styling director of H-D, Willie G. Davidson, who noticed individual bikers customizing their bikes by changing parts or cutting and welding frames to suit their style.

The Harley-Davidson Super Glide was the result of two motorcycles combined together. The FLH Electra Glide was the donor of the frame, rear suspension, drivetrain, and engine components, while the XLH Sportster provided the front telescopic fork, brakes, and headlights. In addition, the bike was fitted with a buckhorn handlebar and a boat tail rear end, similar to the ones of the XLH Sportster.

The 1978 Harley-Davidson Super Glide was powered by a 1,207cc four-stroke V-twin air-cooled engine, delivering 65 hp with a peak force at 5,500 rpm. All the power was handled by a four-speed manual transmission and sent to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 173 kph (108 mph).

The bike rolled on wire-spoke wheels, fitted with a 298 mm disc, a hydraulic caliper on the front, and a 248 mm disc with a hydraulic caliper on the rear, offering optimum stopping power.

As for appearance, the bike packed a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a one-piece dual seat, steel fenders, a buckhorn handlebar, a black-finished frame, a two-into-one chromed exhaust system, and an analog instrument panel.