1959 Harley-Davidson Duo Glide FLH

Model 59 FLH 3480

This 1959 HD Duo Glide FLH motorcycle was purchased on 2/10/90 from Seller Phil James of Harvest Custom Cycle in Kirksville MO, after the ACS International Auctions closed in Santa Monica, CA. This motorcycle has been ridden regularly and has been displayed in the Yanke Motor Museum in Boise, Idaho. Since the purchase, the only known work on the motor includes the following; the installation of the hardened valve seats and valve train components as required; the pistons and rings were replaced; the cylinders were powder-coated; the speedometer was replaced. This is a great running motorcycle, current Idaho title and registration.

Highlights:  74-cubic inch Engine, 4-Speed Transmission, 6-Volt System refreshed, Foot Shift, Mousetrap Clutch, Solo Seat, Crash Bars, Factory Oil Filter.

Mileage:
Replaced speedometer indicates 1,659.8 miles (total miles are unknown).

Paint:
Older paint job of the tank and fenders is in excellent condition. Original Calypso Red color. The paint carries a great shine with only a few minor chips.

Sheet Metal:
Sheet metal is an excellent fit, original Harley.

Chrome:
The chrome on the bike is original and is in good condition.

Mechanical:
All mechanics are Stock except for the work mentioned above. This motorcycle has just been brought back into service to facilitate the sale…ready to ride!

Wheels & Tires:
Rims are chrome steel with Stainless spokes in excellent condition.
Tires are Cheng-Shin 5.10 x 16.

Title:
Clean Idaho Title and current registration.
Engine #: 59 FLH 3480
Belly Numbers: Match

Valuation Resource Guides:

NADA: 1959 Harley Davidson FLHF
Excellent:    $28,605
Very Good: $18,000
Good:         $11,600

Hagerty Value Guide: 1959 Harley FLHF
#1 Concours condition: $31,300
#2 Excellent condition:  $26,400
#3 Good condition:       $17,000

Accessories:
Crash Bars & Luggage Rack.
6-Volt Fan Cool Generator.

This 1959 FLH is in excellent running condition and is ready for the road!

Harley-Davidson Historical Overview:

After decades of making tough-as-nails V-twins, by 1950, the Harley-Davidson FL “Panhead” Hydra-Glide was the motor company’s first modern-touring bike, fully capable of taking a rider, passenger, and luggage on very long journeys in comfort and style. It was the quintessential American touring motorcycle; big, powerful, comfortable for the long haul, with good protection from rain and road grit from its deep fenders.

The postwar era witnessed Americans taking to the road like never before, as prosperity meant money to travel, and tens of thousands of men who’d seen a wider world in World War II were eager to explore their homeland. To emphasize the FL’s touring capabilities, Harley-Davidson offered optional packages like the “King of the Road,” which included hard saddlebags, larger seats and fairings. The FLH was the high-compression version of the 74 CI FL, with 8:1 pistons, giving 60 HP and a top speed (solo) of 105 MPH. It was a big-and-powerful machine, which proved surprisingly comfortable with good weather protection. It also featured a glorious excess of chrome, just like cars of the era, when such a shine was distinctly American.

The FL and FLH were available with either hand or foot shift, and they used footboards for an old-fashioned easy ride. By 1956, the FL range had a strengthened bottom end, with thicker crankcases and bigger bearings, and the oil pump was enlarged for greater flow. The old “Tombstone” taillight was replaced by the new Big-Twin oval light, and the rear wheel received roller bearings to replace the double-row ball bearings. By 1958, the FL and FLH entered the modern era with a new chassis featuring full hydraulic suspension at the front and rear: the Duo-Glide. With its huge saddle and soft springing, it was the most comfortable Harley-Davidson ever built, and the most powerful. This 1959 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide is a top-notch example of the breed.