I know of one years ago , nice

JtB

 

Thank you Jack!

 

On the tour glide, on the fairing, did those turn signals work?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

 

Yes, they weren't running lights though like on modern day RG's.

 

Turn signals were on the fairings through 1987 , 1988 they went to where they are now .. Liked them better in the fairing ..

JtB

 

I tried to make a wikipedia page, but they shot it down due to lack of references. What they don't realize, there is no references as the history has not been well documented. If you do a google search for Road Glide history, this forum is the only thing that comes up.

If you have more to add or corrections, please reply and I will edit so all info is good and up to date. I would love to have listed all color choices for each year, so please help me out there where you can. Most of the initial information came from forum members RoadGlideRider and JacktheBagger - thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. A lot of the missing info is going to take some of you experienced guys to fill in the blanks for me, as information is just not out there on the web.

_

The Harley-Davidson '''Road Glide''' or '''Tour Glide''' is an American made touring motorcycle that was first put into production in the year 1979. The Tour Glide was different then any H-D models before, in that it had a fixed fairing that was attached to the frame and did not move with the handlebars.

Today the Road Glide is one of the most popular motorcycles in the custom bagger world, and for long distance touring.
The shape of the fairing is often referred to as a "Sharknose" fairing due to the resemblence of a shark.

_

First years - Tour Glide

The Tour Glide was introduced in 1979 and only 19 FLT's were produced that year. In the following year Harley produced 4480.

The 1980 Tour Glide was the first to have the 5 speed transmission and 3 point rubber mounted engine. The motorcycle also had a rectangular steel back bone , and tubular frame, twin 10" front disc, single 12" rear disc and an enclosed final chain drive. The bike was powered by an 82ci (1338cc) Shovelhead with a bore x stroke of 89 x 108mm and had a wet multiplate clutch, 5 gallon gas tank and the bike weighed 725lbs.

The 1981 model brought a VfireII electronic ignition, lower 7.4:1 C.R., longer valve guides, extra oil drain lines from the rocker boxes, revised valve guide seals, and a Girling rear brake caliper.

In 1982, the FLT got new handlebars and seat, primary chain oiler, higher output alternator, and locks for the luggage.

1983 only brought a lower seat, and stiffer suspension.

From 1979 to early 1984 the tour glide was powered by the Shovelhead engine. In late 1984 until 1996 the motorcycle was powered by the Evolution engine. The early 1984 models had a shovelhead bottom end with an EVO top end.

There was never a Police FLT Model. Only FLHT, FXRP, XLP, and Dyna Police models.

It is known that the 1984 through 1988 models (at least, maybe more) had air resivors in the crash bars for air assist to the front fork springs. The 1985 model was changed from a final drive chain to a belt.

The Tour Glide came without a Radio or gauge mounting positions made into the fairing. To add a radio, you would need to purchase a Radio Caddy from Harley, or several after market companies. Some after market caddys came with the gauges mounted in the radio aaddy. To add Harley gauges, Harley sold ones that required you to drill a hole in the fairing and mount them there. Harley introduced the Radio Caddy for the Tour Glide fairing and was stock beginning with the 1986 model year. It is the same year Harley had the radio in the Inner/outer fairing on the Electra Glide. It was produced by Radio Sound. That radio was only used in the 1986/87 model years.

The only major change made that didn't change the name of the model line was to move the turn signals from in the fairing to outside and attached to the lower mounting supports and this happened in 1988.

1989 the "Ultra" model was introduced along with the base FLT model. The alternator was bumped up to 32 amp for 1989 and it also had a one piece pinion shaft and right flywheel.
The FLTCU model came standard with cruise control, a CB radio, intercom, front and rear sound systems, and fairing lowers, and two tone paint jobs. The standard FLTs were solid colored bikes. A sidecar option was available for the FLTCU, but only 15 were made in 1989. Total production for 1989 is believed to be 603.

The Tour Glide's last year of production was in the 1996 model year, and also the first year for the fuel injection option.
There was not any FLT models produced for the 1997 model year.


_

Road Glide years

With the introduction of the 1998 model lines, Harley introduced the FLTR Road Glide. This was using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide, as before, but with a completely redesigned fairing. It included the radio and gauges mounted in the fairing in areas that were made for this purpose. This inner and outer fairing has not changed for the entire production run of the Road Glide. From 1998 to present it has remained the same.

The fairing changed slightly and this was the last year for the Evolution engine. In 1999 Harley Touring models got the Twin Cam engine that bumped the displacement up to 88".

From 1999 to 2003 the motorcycle had very minimal changes.
In 2000 and 2001 Harley offered CVO Road Glides, the FLTRSEI and FLTRSE2.

2004 brought the change from cassette tape to compact disc, and in 2006 the radio manufacture changed from Radio Sound to Harman/Kardon.

2007 the engine displacement increased from 88ci to 96ci and Transmission to 6 Speed, and all Touring Models became EFI standard.

In 2008 the fuel tank increased to 6 Gallons. Throttle changed to Throttle By Wire, brakes changed to Brembo Brakes, and an ABS option for all Touring Models.

2009 brought the new frame, rear tire changed to 180 wide rear tire and 17 " front tire. This was the last year of the Road Glide (FLTR). After many years Harley Davidson brought back a CVO Road Glide in 2009 (FLTRSE3).

_

Custom and Ultra years

After many rumors that the Road Glide's last year was going to be the 2009 model year, 2010 models came out with a newly designed Road glide called the Road Glide Custom and designated model FLTRX. The bike was basically the same as a Street Glide, just with the shark nose or fixed fairing.

The 2010 models was the first and only year to offer a 2 into 1 headpipe.

2010 was also introduced with 18" front tire, lowered rear end with newly designed tail lights, doing away with the center brake light in the middle of the rear fender.

In 2010 Harley redesigned the fairing mounting supports. They were redesigned to move the fairing up and re-angle the fairing to make the fairing accept the vented lowers that are now being used on the Electra Glide. Before this models change, the Road Glide required a different lower fairing from and of the "Batwing" or Road King models lines.

Cruise Control was made optional (controls removed from handlebars).

2011 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) same as before with new colors and 103ci motor option and a 2/1/2 headpipe. The Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) was introduced with a 17" front tire and has the TwinCam 103ci motor. Harley also produced a FLTR CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) with 110ci engine and 18" front and rear tire.

2012 saw both the FLTRX and FLTRU models return, and a FLTRXSE in 3 color offerings.

2011 was definatley a big year for the Road Glide, along with 2012 and the best kept secret in the Harley Davidson line-up, seems to be finally getting some well deserved respect in the touring community.

2013 was another great year for the Road Glide, with the Custom and Ultra returning with new color offerings. Also the FLTRXSE2 returned with addition speakers in the saddlebag lids, 2 paint offerings and the 110 year anniversary edition CVO Road Glide. The FLTRXSE2 came with Harley's new LED lighting for the Road Glides.




​

Kudos for trying to start a Wiki page. I have never owned a Tourglide, Roadglide or FLT. Lately I have came across various FLT parts and found out painfully they are not interchangeable as the older shovel 4 speed frame stuff was.
I am talking about the early models here the ones that still had shovelhead engines. A friend of a friend both with years of experience with knuckles, pans and shovels were surprised when the one bought a FLT that had an enclosed oil bath final drive chain. I had never heard of this either but- only owned a few shovels and some flatheads at that time.
I recently was fitting some mag wheels to a build (Feb 2021) and found the wheel bearings were normal tapered on one side and just roller with a sleeve on the other.
After asking questions on different tech groups I found I was dealing with what I always knew- FLTs were a different animal. The wheel bearings, enclosed chain (not really a first) the awkward frame, rubber mounted engine were things I had found out over the years.
So I wondered- did someone at Harley at the time owned by AMF I believe, tell the engineers: HAVE AT IT BOYS! Telling them to apply whatever wet dream design they may have had at the time? Understand I’m not knocking this change or FLTs in general.
Willie G was credited with designing the Low Rider from FL and Sportster parts thus boosting sales and saving HD enabling them to buy themselves back. Many of us bought stock in the company and enjoyed the rebirth.
But the burning question I had while still discovering the differences between the FLT and FLH was- Who’s design was it? Who made the decision to retool and introduce new designs? Many are still with us today like air suspension. The wheel bearings make no sense to me but okay.
These questions were on my mind when I googled History of the FLT and found this forum. Thanks to all who contribute. I still would like to know who Okayed the FLT and who the designers were, where or how they got their ideas. This to me was a big turning point for the company and the motorcycle that bears its name.

 

Enclosed oil bath chain was the norm for several years with the late shovel dressers , 84 was a mix of parts , my late 84 TG had enclosed oil bath chain loved it ..

JtB

 

I tried to make a wikipedia page, but they shot it down due to lack of references. What they don't realize, there is no references as the history has not been well documented. If you do a google search for Road Glide history, this forum is the only thing that comes up.

If you have more to add or corrections, please reply and I will edit so all info is good and up to date. I would love to have listed all color choices for each year, so please help me out there where you can. Most of the initial information came from forum members RoadGlideRider and JacktheBagger - thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. A lot of the missing info is going to take some of you experienced guys to fill in the blanks for me, as information is just not out there on the web.

_

The Harley-Davidson '''Road Glide''' or '''Tour Glide''' is an American made touring motorcycle that was first put into production in the year 1979. The Tour Glide was different then any H-D models before, in that it had a fixed fairing that was attached to the frame and did not move with the handlebars.

Today the Road Glide is one of the most popular motorcycles in the custom bagger world, and for long distance touring.
The shape of the fairing is often referred to as a "Sharknose" fairing due to the resemblence of a shark.

_

First years - Tour Glide

The Tour Glide was introduced in 1979 and only 19 FLT's were produced that year. In the following year Harley produced 4480.

The 1980 Tour Glide was the first to have the 5 speed transmission and 3 point rubber mounted engine. The motorcycle also had a rectangular steel back bone , and tubular frame, twin 10" front disc, single 12" rear disc and an enclosed final chain drive. The bike was powered by an 82ci (1338cc) Shovelhead with a bore x stroke of 89 x 108mm and had a wet multiplate clutch, 5 gallon gas tank and the bike weighed 725lbs.

The 1981 model brought a VfireII electronic ignition, lower 7.4:1 C.R., longer valve guides, extra oil drain lines from the rocker boxes, revised valve guide seals, and a Girling rear brake caliper.

In 1982, the FLT got new handlebars and seat, primary chain oiler, higher output alternator, and locks for the luggage.

1983 only brought a lower seat, and stiffer suspension.

From 1979 to early 1984 the tour glide was powered by the Shovelhead engine. In late 1984 until 1996 the motorcycle was powered by the Evolution engine. The early 1984 models had a shovelhead bottom end with an EVO top end.

There was never a Police FLT Model. Only FLHT, FXRP, XLP, and Dyna Police models.

It is known that the 1984 through 1988 models (at least, maybe more) had air resivors in the crash bars for air assist to the front fork springs. The 1985 model was changed from a final drive chain to a belt.

The Tour Glide came without a Radio or gauge mounting positions made into the fairing. To add a radio, you would need to purchase a Radio Caddy from Harley, or several after market companies. Some after market caddys came with the gauges mounted in the radio aaddy. To add Harley gauges, Harley sold ones that required you to drill a hole in the fairing and mount them there. Harley introduced the Radio Caddy for the Tour Glide fairing and was stock beginning with the 1986 model year. It is the same year Harley had the radio in the Inner/outer fairing on the Electra Glide. It was produced by Radio Sound. That radio was only used in the 1986/87 model years.

The only major change made that didn't change the name of the model line was to move the turn signals from in the fairing to outside and attached to the lower mounting supports and this happened in 1988.

1989 the "Ultra" model was introduced along with the base FLT model. The alternator was bumped up to 32 amp for 1989 and it also had a one piece pinion shaft and right flywheel.
The FLTCU model came standard with cruise control, a CB radio, intercom, front and rear sound systems, and fairing lowers, and two tone paint jobs. The standard FLTs were solid colored bikes. A sidecar option was available for the FLTCU, but only 15 were made in 1989. Total production for 1989 is believed to be 603.

The Tour Glide's last year of production was in the 1996 model year, and also the first year for the fuel injection option.
There was not any FLT models produced for the 1997 model year.


_

Road Glide years

With the introduction of the 1998 model lines, Harley introduced the FLTR Road Glide. This was using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide, as before, but with a completely redesigned fairing. It included the radio and gauges mounted in the fairing in areas that were made for this purpose. This inner and outer fairing has not changed for the entire production run of the Road Glide. From 1998 to present it has remained the same.

The fairing changed slightly and this was the last year for the Evolution engine. In 1999 Harley Touring models got the Twin Cam engine that bumped the displacement up to 88".

From 1999 to 2003 the motorcycle had very minimal changes.
In 2000 and 2001 Harley offered CVO Road Glides, the FLTRSEI and FLTRSE2.

2004 brought the change from cassette tape to compact disc, and in 2006 the radio manufacture changed from Radio Sound to Harman/Kardon.

2007 the engine displacement increased from 88ci to 96ci and Transmission to 6 Speed, and all Touring Models became EFI standard.

In 2008 the fuel tank increased to 6 Gallons. Throttle changed to Throttle By Wire, brakes changed to Brembo Brakes, and an ABS option for all Touring Models.

2009 brought the new frame, rear tire changed to 180 wide rear tire and 17 " front tire. This was the last year of the Road Glide (FLTR). After many years Harley Davidson brought back a CVO Road Glide in 2009 (FLTRSE3).

_

Custom and Ultra years

After many rumors that the Road Glide's last year was going to be the 2009 model year, 2010 models came out with a newly designed Road glide called the Road Glide Custom and designated model FLTRX. The bike was basically the same as a Street Glide, just with the shark nose or fixed fairing.

The 2010 models was the first and only year to offer a 2 into 1 headpipe.

2010 was also introduced with 18" front tire, lowered rear end with newly designed tail lights, doing away with the center brake light in the middle of the rear fender.

In 2010 Harley redesigned the fairing mounting supports. They were redesigned to move the fairing up and re-angle the fairing to make the fairing accept the vented lowers that are now being used on the Electra Glide. Before this models change, the Road Glide required a different lower fairing from and of the "Batwing" or Road King models lines.

Cruise Control was made optional (controls removed from handlebars).

2011 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) same as before with new colors and 103ci motor option and a 2/1/2 headpipe. The Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) was introduced with a 17" front tire and has the TwinCam 103ci motor. Harley also produced a FLTR CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) with 110ci engine and 18" front and rear tire.

2012 saw both the FLTRX and FLTRU models return, and a FLTRXSE in 3 color offerings.

2011 was definatley a big year for the Road Glide, along with 2012 and the best kept secret in the Harley Davidson line-up, seems to be finally getting some well deserved respect in the touring community.

2013 was another great year for the Road Glide, with the Custom and Ultra returning with new color offerings. Also the FLTRXSE2 returned with addition speakers in the saddlebag lids, 2 paint offerings and the 110 year anniversary edition CVO Road Glide. The FLTRXSE2 came with Harley's new LED lighting for the Road Glides.




​

I have a 15 Roadglide and one of the 89 Ultra limited tour glides with factory Side car

I tried to make a wikipedia page, but they shot it down due to lack of references. What they don't realize, there is no references as the history has not been well documented. If you do a google search for Road Glide history, this forum is the only thing that comes up.

If you have more to add or corrections, please reply and I will edit so all info is good and up to date. I would love to have listed all color choices for each year, so please help me out there where you can. Most of the initial information came from forum members RoadGlideRider and JacktheBagger - thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. A lot of the missing info is going to take some of you experienced guys to fill in the blanks for me, as information is just not out there on the web.

_

The Harley-Davidson '''Road Glide''' or '''Tour Glide''' is an American made touring motorcycle that was first put into production in the year 1979. The Tour Glide was different then any H-D models before, in that it had a fixed fairing that was attached to the frame and did not move with the handlebars.

Today the Road Glide is one of the most popular motorcycles in the custom bagger world, and for long distance touring.
The shape of the fairing is often referred to as a "Sharknose" fairing due to the resemblence of a shark.

_

First years - Tour Glide

The Tour Glide was introduced in 1979 and only 19 FLT's were produced that year. In the following year Harley produced 4480.

The 1980 Tour Glide was the first to have the 5 speed transmission and 3 point rubber mounted engine. The motorcycle also had a rectangular steel back bone , and tubular frame, twin 10" front disc, single 12" rear disc and an enclosed final chain drive. The bike was powered by an 82ci (1338cc) Shovelhead with a bore x stroke of 89 x 108mm and had a wet multiplate clutch, 5 gallon gas tank and the bike weighed 725lbs.

The 1981 model brought a VfireII electronic ignition, lower 7.4:1 C.R., longer valve guides, extra oil drain lines from the rocker boxes, revised valve guide seals, and a Girling rear brake caliper.

In 1982, the FLT got new handlebars and seat, primary chain oiler, higher output alternator, and locks for the luggage.

1983 only brought a lower seat, and stiffer suspension.

From 1979 to early 1984 the tour glide was powered by the Shovelhead engine. In late 1984 until 1996 the motorcycle was powered by the Evolution engine. The early 1984 models had a shovelhead bottom end with an EVO top end.

There was never a Police FLT Model. Only FLHT, FXRP, XLP, and Dyna Police models.

It is known that the 1984 through 1988 models (at least, maybe more) had air resivors in the crash bars for air assist to the front fork springs. The 1985 model was changed from a final drive chain to a belt.

The Tour Glide came without a Radio or gauge mounting positions made into the fairing. To add a radio, you would need to purchase a Radio Caddy from Harley, or several after market companies. Some after market caddys came with the gauges mounted in the radio aaddy. To add Harley gauges, Harley sold ones that required you to drill a hole in the fairing and mount them there. Harley introduced the Radio Caddy for the Tour Glide fairing and was stock beginning with the 1986 model year. It is the same year Harley had the radio in the Inner/outer fairing on the Electra Glide. It was produced by Radio Sound. That radio was only used in the 1986/87 model years.

The only major change made that didn't change the name of the model line was to move the turn signals from in the fairing to outside and attached to the lower mounting supports and this happened in 1988.

1989 the "Ultra" model was introduced along with the base FLT model. The alternator was bumped up to 32 amp for 1989 and it also had a one piece pinion shaft and right flywheel.
The FLTCU model came standard with cruise control, a CB radio, intercom, front and rear sound systems, and fairing lowers, and two tone paint jobs. The standard FLTs were solid colored bikes. A sidecar option was available for the FLTCU, but only 15 were made in 1989. Total production for 1989 is believed to be 603.

The Tour Glide's last year of production was in the 1996 model year, and also the first year for the fuel injection option.
There was not any FLT models produced for the 1997 model year.


_

Road Glide years

With the introduction of the 1998 model lines, Harley introduced the FLTR Road Glide. This was using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide, as before, but with a completely redesigned fairing. It included the radio and gauges mounted in the fairing in areas that were made for this purpose. This inner and outer fairing has not changed for the entire production run of the Road Glide. From 1998 to present it has remained the same.

The fairing changed slightly and this was the last year for the Evolution engine. In 1999 Harley Touring models got the Twin Cam engine that bumped the displacement up to 88".

From 1999 to 2003 the motorcycle had very minimal changes.
In 2000 and 2001 Harley offered CVO Road Glides, the FLTRSEI and FLTRSE2.

2004 brought the change from cassette tape to compact disc, and in 2006 the radio manufacture changed from Radio Sound to Harman/Kardon.

2007 the engine displacement increased from 88ci to 96ci and Transmission to 6 Speed, and all Touring Models became EFI standard.

In 2008 the fuel tank increased to 6 Gallons. Throttle changed to Throttle By Wire, brakes changed to Brembo Brakes, and an ABS option for all Touring Models.

2009 brought the new frame, rear tire changed to 180 wide rear tire and 17 " front tire. This was the last year of the Road Glide (FLTR). After many years Harley Davidson brought back a CVO Road Glide in 2009 (FLTRSE3).

_

Custom and Ultra years

After many rumors that the Road Glide's last year was going to be the 2009 model year, 2010 models came out with a newly designed Road glide called the Road Glide Custom and designated model FLTRX. The bike was basically the same as a Street Glide, just with the shark nose or fixed fairing.

The 2010 models was the first and only year to offer a 2 into 1 headpipe.

2010 was also introduced with 18" front tire, lowered rear end with newly designed tail lights, doing away with the center brake light in the middle of the rear fender.

In 2010 Harley redesigned the fairing mounting supports. They were redesigned to move the fairing up and re-angle the fairing to make the fairing accept the vented lowers that are now being used on the Electra Glide. Before this models change, the Road Glide required a different lower fairing from and of the "Batwing" or Road King models lines.

Cruise Control was made optional (controls removed from handlebars).

2011 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) same as before with new colors and 103ci motor option and a 2/1/2 headpipe. The Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) was introduced with a 17" front tire and has the TwinCam 103ci motor. Harley also produced a FLTR CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) with 110ci engine and 18" front and rear tire.

2012 saw both the FLTRX and FLTRU models return, and a FLTRXSE in 3 color offerings.

2011 was definatley a big year for the Road Glide, along with 2012 and the best kept secret in the Harley Davidson line-up, seems to be finally getting some well deserved respect in the touring community.

2013 was another great year for the Road Glide, with the Custom and Ultra returning with new color offerings. Also the FLTRXSE2 returned with addition speakers in the saddlebag lids, 2 paint offerings and the 110 year anniversary edition CVO Road Glide. The FLTRXSE2 came with Harley's new LED lighting for the Road Glides.




​

 

I got a call from corporate HD today. My inquiry about the production numbers for 1998 Road Glide bikes revealed the following. They made 421 carbureted Road Glides, 133 were Electric Fuel Injected. They told me that even though they made 800 Anniversary Road Glide's only 648 stayed in the USA, the rest were exported to Canada and other countries. Pretty interesting...

Both of my 1998 Road Glide's took 1st and 2nd place at the Internet Motorcycle Show this past weekend, pretty happy camper.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

 

So are you saying HD only made 1354 Road glides in 98 ? I would of thought more .

 

I one day may find a Tour Glide like my old one. Just not the 1989 model. That is a “One Year Only“ motor with problems. Almost all motor parts were made “Obsolete“ in 1990, due to the problems that year motor had. Harley-Davidson never did a recall. But would cover repairs under Warranty, if certain conditions were met for repairs. (Ask me how I know 🤔)

I miss my old Tour Glide. 😢

 

I one day may find a Tour Glide like my old one. Just not the 1989 model. That is a “One Year Only“ motor with problems. Almost all motor parts were made “Obsolete“ in 1990, due to the problems that year motor had. Harley-Davidson never did a recall. But would cover repairs under Warranty, if certain conditions were met for repairs. (Ask me how I know 🤔)

I miss my old Tour Glide. 😢

I found this rare FLT Tour Glide in Indiana about 3 years ago. It was in REALLY bad shape and didn't even run when I went to pick it up.

The dealership didn't even know what they had on their hands, paid a mere $3,500 for it.

Sadly the value cannot be found because of it's rarity. NADA and KBB have no listings for this bike.

I restored to showroom new condition and did some further research on my behalf starting with the Motor Company.

I have documentation that this was number 124 of only 160 manufactured in 1986.

The tires were date coded from 1988 and it was missing the original windshield and decal for it.

These FLT's came factory equipped with a super rare Harley Davidson Liberty medallion on the back of the Tour Pack.

I have replaced the existing one since making this video with that of a brand new one that I scored on eBay.

Sometimes when you find rare stuff like that you snatch it up even if it has a "make an offer" feature.

Here is number 124 of 160 FLT Liberty Tour Glide 🗽

Thanks for checking it out, sorry for the poor quality video. This is the ONLY Liberty Tour Glide on YouTube.

God Bless America,
Kenny Wise

 

I found this rare FLT Tour Glide in Indiana about 3 years ago. It was in REALLY bad shape and didn't even run when I went to pick it up.

The dealership didn't even know what they had on their hands, paid a mere $3,500 for it.

Sadly the value cannot be found because of it's rarity. NADA and KBB have no listings for this bike.

I restored to showroom new condition and did some further research on my behalf starting with the Motor Company.

I have documentation that this was number 124 of only 160 manufactured in 1986.

The tires were date coded from 1988 and it was missing the original windshield and decal for it.

These FLT's came factory equipped with a super rare Harley Davidson Liberty medallion on the back of the Tour Pack.

I have replaced the existing one since making this video with that of a brand new one that I scored on eBay.

Sometimes when you find rare stuff like that you snatch it up even if it has a "make an offer" feature.

Here is number 124 of 160 FLT Liberty Tour Glide 🗽

Thanks for checking it out, sorry for the poor quality video. This is the ONLY Liberty Tour Glide on YouTube.

God Bless America,
Kenny Wise

I worked with a guy here in Indiana that had a tour glide. My mistake calling it a road glide back then and he took offense. Not sure if he has it or dumped it off at a dealer, he was always working on it

 

Take my Tour Glides over the Road Glides any day of the week , seen a few here and there , but alas prolly won't happen this late in the game , but ya never know ..

JtB

 

@jstucker1976, They're very similar and share alot of the same DNA.

I guess rebranding it was a way for Harley Davidson to lay claim to it as being "their own".

After all, it was an AMF given name ("Tour Glide").

I find it REALLY weird that the Road Glide bikes were never manufactured with a Tour-Pak yet ALL of the Tour Glides were!

WHY???

It wasn't until SEVERAL years later that the Road Glide bikes came factory equipped with a Tour Pak, I wanna say 2010...

So from 1998 until 2010 if you wanted a Tour Pak you had to purchase the appropriate docking station for your bike via the Parts and Accessories catalog.

Leave it to HD to pass this onto the consumer, damn shame.

My 2 1998 Road Glide's have a quick release mechanism and a docking station and they're absolutely hideous looking.

They made 2 tusk looking things that stick out past the rear end of the bike.

I hate those things so much that when I remove the Tour-Pak for a different look I make it a point to spend another 30 minutes to remove them and put them inside the Tour-Pak for storage purposes.

I must confess, the newer style docking stations far surpass that of the older ones.

I guess I'm just anal about how things look and I'm always looking for a better way of doing things. I'm no Engineer but am pretty crafty when it comes to designing things.

Kenny Wise

 

I tried to make a wikipedia page, but they shot it down due to lack of references. What they don't realize, there is no references as the history has not been well documented. If you do a google search for Road Glide history, this forum is the only thing that comes up.

If you have more to add or corrections, please reply and I will edit so all info is good and up to date. I would love to have listed all color choices for each year, so please help me out there where you can. Most of the initial information came from forum members RoadGlideRider and JacktheBagger - thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. A lot of the missing info is going to take some of you experienced guys to fill in the blanks for me, as information is just not out there on the web.

_

The Harley-Davidson '''Road Glide''' or '''Tour Glide''' is an American made touring motorcycle that was first put into production in the year 1979. The Tour Glide was different then any H-D models before, in that it had a fixed fairing that was attached to the frame and did not move with the handlebars.

Today the Road Glide is one of the most popular motorcycles in the custom bagger world, and for long distance touring.
The shape of the fairing is often referred to as a "Sharknose" fairing due to the resemblence of a shark.

_

First years - Tour Glide

The Tour Glide was introduced in 1979 and only 19 FLT's were produced that year. In the following year Harley produced 4480.

The 1980 Tour Glide was the first to have the 5 speed transmission and 3 point rubber mounted engine. The motorcycle also had a rectangular steel back bone , and tubular frame, twin 10" front disc, single 12" rear disc and an enclosed final chain drive. The bike was powered by an 82ci (1338cc) Shovelhead with a bore x stroke of 89 x 108mm and had a wet multiplate clutch, 5 gallon gas tank and the bike weighed 725lbs.

The 1981 model brought a VfireII electronic ignition, lower 7.4:1 C.R., longer valve guides, extra oil drain lines from the rocker boxes, revised valve guide seals, and a Girling rear brake caliper.

In 1982, the FLT got new handlebars and seat, primary chain oiler, higher output alternator, and locks for the luggage.

1983 only brought a lower seat, and stiffer suspension.

From 1979 to early 1984 the tour glide was powered by the Shovelhead engine. In late 1984 until 1996 the motorcycle was powered by the Evolution engine. The early 1984 models had a shovelhead bottom end with an EVO top end.

There was never a Police FLT Model. Only FLHT, FXRP, XLP, and Dyna Police models.

It is known that the 1984 through 1988 models (at least, maybe more) had air resivors in the crash bars for air assist to the front fork springs. The 1985 model was changed from a final drive chain to a belt.

The Tour Glide came without a Radio or gauge mounting positions made into the fairing. To add a radio, you would need to purchase a Radio Caddy from Harley, or several after market companies. Some after market caddys came with the gauges mounted in the radio aaddy. To add Harley gauges, Harley sold ones that required you to drill a hole in the fairing and mount them there. Harley introduced the Radio Caddy for the Tour Glide fairing and was stock beginning with the 1986 model year. It is the same year Harley had the radio in the Inner/outer fairing on the Electra Glide. It was produced by Radio Sound. That radio was only used in the 1986/87 model years.

The only major change made that didn't change the name of the model line was to move the turn signals from in the fairing to outside and attached to the lower mounting supports and this happened in 1988.

1989 the "Ultra" model was introduced along with the base FLT model. The alternator was bumped up to 32 amp for 1989 and it also had a one piece pinion shaft and right flywheel.
The FLTCU model came standard with cruise control, a CB radio, intercom, front and rear sound systems, and fairing lowers, and two tone paint jobs. The standard FLTs were solid colored bikes. A sidecar option was available for the FLTCU, but only 15 were made in 1989. Total production for 1989 is believed to be 603.

The Tour Glide's last year of production was in the 1996 model year, and also the first year for the fuel injection option.
There was not any FLT models produced for the 1997 model year.


_

Road Glide years

With the introduction of the 1998 model lines, Harley introduced the FLTR Road Glide. This was using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide, as before, but with a completely redesigned fairing. It included the radio and gauges mounted in the fairing in areas that were made for this purpose. This inner and outer fairing has not changed for the entire production run of the Road Glide. From 1998 to present it has remained the same.

The fairing changed slightly and this was the last year for the Evolution engine. In 1999 Harley Touring models got the Twin Cam engine that bumped the displacement up to 88".

From 1999 to 2003 the motorcycle had very minimal changes.
In 2000 and 2001 Harley offered CVO Road Glides, the FLTRSEI and FLTRSE2.

2004 brought the change from cassette tape to compact disc, and in 2006 the radio manufacture changed from Radio Sound to Harman/Kardon.

2007 the engine displacement increased from 88ci to 96ci and Transmission to 6 Speed, and all Touring Models became EFI standard.

In 2008 the fuel tank increased to 6 Gallons. Throttle changed to Throttle By Wire, brakes changed to Brembo Brakes, and an ABS option for all Touring Models.

2009 brought the new frame, rear tire changed to 180 wide rear tire and 17 " front tire. This was the last year of the Road Glide (FLTR). After many years Harley Davidson brought back a CVO Road Glide in 2009 (FLTRSE3).

_

Custom and Ultra years

After many rumors that the Road Glide's last year was going to be the 2009 model year, 2010 models came out with a newly designed Road glide called the Road Glide Custom and designated model FLTRX. The bike was basically the same as a Street Glide, just with the shark nose or fixed fairing.

The 2010 models was the first and only year to offer a 2 into 1 headpipe.

2010 was also introduced with 18" front tire, lowered rear end with newly designed tail lights, doing away with the center brake light in the middle of the rear fender.

In 2010 Harley redesigned the fairing mounting supports. They were redesigned to move the fairing up and re-angle the fairing to make the fairing accept the vented lowers that are now being used on the Electra Glide. Before this models change, the Road Glide required a different lower fairing from and of the "Batwing" or Road King models lines.

Cruise Control was made optional (controls removed from handlebars).

2011 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) same as before with new colors and 103ci motor option and a 2/1/2 headpipe. The Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) was introduced with a 17" front tire and has the TwinCam 103ci motor. Harley also produced a FLTR CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) with 110ci engine and 18" front and rear tire.

2012 saw both the FLTRX and FLTRU models return, and a FLTRXSE in 3 color offerings.

2011 was definatley a big year for the Road Glide, along with 2012 and the best kept secret in the Harley Davidson line-up, seems to be finally getting some well deserved respect in the touring community.

2013 was another great year for the Road Glide, with the Custom and Ultra returning with new color offerings. Also the FLTRXSE2 returned with addition speakers in the saddlebag lids, 2 paint offerings and the 110 year anniversary edition CVO Road Glide. The FLTRXSE2 came with Harley's new LED lighting for the Road Glides.




​

My Brothers 1985 FLT has a complete Radio Caddie installed in it. Above suggests that option wasn't available until 1986 which wouldn't matter because the 1986 bikes came factory equipped with a Radio as an option (Part number 77008-86).

 

And that specific radio was a One Year Only radio.

 

My 84.5 tour glide was a variety of odd stuff , loved it tho , enclosed chain I wish they had kept , think it rides better than the belt

JtB

 

My 84.5 tour glide was a variety of odd stuff , loved it tho , enclosed chain I wish they had kept , think it rides better than the belt

JtB

Ah yes - Love those things (My Alice still has hers).

Funny as hell watching somebody that doesn't know what the plug in the lower chain housing is for try to change the rear tire though...

 

Hi to all
Did somebody heard about convertible rooftops as an option for HD? Check a picture but sorry for poor quality - can't found better one. Is it custom or true HD option?

 

Hi to all
Did somebody heard about convertible rooftops as an option for HD? Check a picture but sorry for poor quality - can't found better one. Is it custom or true HD option? View attachment 444454

I’ve seen this picture too. No, it was never offered as an option. That is a custom modification someone did.

 

I've seen that pic before , thats a custom job and pretty sure thats a Liberator fairing ..

JtB

 

There's a guy in my neck of the woods that has an original Liberator fairing with all the lights for $400 - I really have no use for it, but it sure looks odd yet cool.

 

this one was about to embark on a 4500-mile trip last month. think it's a '94

 

Thats a steal , last one I saw was on fleabay or somewhere like that and it was bare and wanted over 6 bills for it .. Love to have one ..

JTB

 

It just looks funky, I like it for some reason. Only a couple hours away from me

 

Per Corporate HD the production numbers for 1998 Road Glide bikes revealed the following. They made 421 carbureted Road Glides, 133 were Electric Fuel Injected. They also informed me that even though they made 800 Anniversary Road Glide's only 648 stayed in the USA, the rest were exported to Canada and other countries.

 

 

Cool bike, I saw it for sale on CycleTrader or maybe it was Ebay. Nonetheless kudos to you for keeping the wheels turning on it.

 

 

Cool , just went and watched part of it ..

JtB

 

I tried to make a wikipedia page, but they shot it down due to lack of references. What they don't realize, there is no references as the history has not been well documented. If you do a google search for Road Glide history, this forum is the only thing that comes up.

If you have more to add or corrections, please reply and I will edit so all info is good and up to date. I would love to have listed all color choices for each year, so please help me out there where you can. Most of the initial information came from forum members RoadGlideRider and JacktheBagger - thanks for sharing your knowledge gentlemen. A lot of the missing info is going to take some of you experienced guys to fill in the blanks for me, as information is just not out there on the web.

_

The Harley-Davidson '''Road Glide''' or '''Tour Glide''' is an American made touring motorcycle that was first put into production in the year 1979. The Tour Glide was different then any H-D models before, in that it had a fixed fairing that was attached to the frame and did not move with the handlebars.

Today the Road Glide is one of the most popular motorcycles in the custom bagger world, and for long distance touring.
The shape of the fairing is often referred to as a "Sharknose" fairing due to the resemblence of a shark.

_

First years - Tour Glide

The Tour Glide was introduced in 1979 and only 19 FLT's were produced that year. In the following year Harley produced 4480.

The 1980 Tour Glide was the first to have the 5 speed transmission and 3 point rubber mounted engine. The motorcycle also had a rectangular steel back bone , and tubular frame, twin 10" front disc, single 12" rear disc and an enclosed final chain drive. The bike was powered by an 82ci (1338cc) Shovelhead with a bore x stroke of 89 x 108mm and had a wet multiplate clutch, 5 gallon gas tank and the bike weighed 725lbs.

The 1981 model brought a VfireII electronic ignition, lower 7.4:1 C.R., longer valve guides, extra oil drain lines from the rocker boxes, revised valve guide seals, and a Girling rear brake caliper.

In 1982, the FLT got new handlebars and seat, primary chain oiler, higher output alternator, and locks for the luggage.

1983 only brought a lower seat, and stiffer suspension.

From 1979 to early 1984 the tour glide was powered by the Shovelhead engine. In late 1984 until 1996 the motorcycle was powered by the Evolution engine. The early 1984 models had a shovelhead bottom end with an EVO top end.

There was never a Police FLT Model. Only FLHT, FXRP, XLP, and Dyna Police models.

It is known that the 1984 through 1988 models (at least, maybe more) had air resivors in the crash bars for air assist to the front fork springs. The 1985 model was changed from a final drive chain to a belt.

The Tour Glide came without a Radio or gauge mounting positions made into the fairing. To add a radio, you would need to purchase a Radio Caddy from Harley, or several after market companies. Some after market caddys came with the gauges mounted in the radio aaddy. To add Harley gauges, Harley sold ones that required you to drill a hole in the fairing and mount them there. Harley introduced the Radio Caddy for the Tour Glide fairing and was stock beginning with the 1986 model year. It is the same year Harley had the radio in the Inner/outer fairing on the Electra Glide. It was produced by Radio Sound. That radio was only used in the 1986/87 model years.

The only major change made that didn't change the name of the model line was to move the turn signals from in the fairing to outside and attached to the lower mounting supports and this happened in 1988.

1989 the "Ultra" model was introduced along with the base FLT model. The alternator was bumped up to 32 amp for 1989 and it also had a one piece pinion shaft and right flywheel.
The FLTCU model came standard with cruise control, a CB radio, intercom, front and rear sound systems, and fairing lowers, and two tone paint jobs. The standard FLTs were solid colored bikes. A sidecar option was available for the FLTCU, but only 15 were made in 1989. Total production for 1989 is believed to be 603.

The Tour Glide's last year of production was in the 1996 model year, and also the first year for the fuel injection option.
There was not any FLT models produced for the 1997 model year.


_

Road Glide years

With the introduction of the 1998 model lines, Harley introduced the FLTR Road Glide. This was using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide, as before, but with a completely redesigned fairing. It included the radio and gauges mounted in the fairing in areas that were made for this purpose. This inner and outer fairing has not changed for the entire production run of the Road Glide. From 1998 to present it has remained the same.

The fairing changed slightly and this was the last year for the Evolution engine. In 1999 Harley Touring models got the Twin Cam engine that bumped the displacement up to 88".

From 1999 to 2003 the motorcycle had very minimal changes.
In 2000 and 2001 Harley offered CVO Road Glides, the FLTRSEI and FLTRSE2.

2004 brought the change from cassette tape to compact disc, and in 2006 the radio manufacture changed from Radio Sound to Harman/Kardon.

2007 the engine displacement increased from 88ci to 96ci and Transmission to 6 Speed, and all Touring Models became EFI standard.

In 2008 the fuel tank increased to 6 Gallons. Throttle changed to Throttle By Wire, brakes changed to Brembo Brakes, and an ABS option for all Touring Models.

2009 brought the new frame, rear tire changed to 180 wide rear tire and 17 " front tire. This was the last year of the Road Glide (FLTR). After many years Harley Davidson brought back a CVO Road Glide in 2009 (FLTRSE3).

_

Custom and Ultra years

After many rumors that the Road Glide's last year was going to be the 2009 model year, 2010 models came out with a newly designed Road glide called the Road Glide Custom and designated model FLTRX. The bike was basically the same as a Street Glide, just with the shark nose or fixed fairing.

The 2010 models was the first and only year to offer a 2 into 1 headpipe.

2010 was also introduced with 18" front tire, lowered rear end with newly designed tail lights, doing away with the center brake light in the middle of the rear fender.

In 2010 Harley redesigned the fairing mounting supports. They were redesigned to move the fairing up and re-angle the fairing to make the fairing accept the vented lowers that are now being used on the Electra Glide. Before this models change, the Road Glide required a different lower fairing from and of the "Batwing" or Road King models lines.

Cruise Control was made optional (controls removed from handlebars).

2011 Road Glide Custom (FLTRX) same as before with new colors and 103ci motor option and a 2/1/2 headpipe. The Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) was introduced with a 17" front tire and has the TwinCam 103ci motor. Harley also produced a FLTR CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) with 110ci engine and 18" front and rear tire.

2012 saw both the FLTRX and FLTRU models return, and a FLTRXSE in 3 color offerings.

2011 was definatley a big year for the Road Glide, along with 2012 and the best kept secret in the Harley Davidson line-up, seems to be finally getting some well deserved respect in the touring community.

2013 was another great year for the Road Glide, with the Custom and Ultra returning with new color offerings. Also the FLTRXSE2 returned with addition speakers in the saddlebag lids, 2 paint offerings and the 110 year anniversary edition CVO Road Glide. The FLTRXSE2 came with Harley's new LED lighting for the Road Glides.




​

Thanks for the history

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I have a 80 tour guide, has 12,XXX miles… I’m the 2nd owner. it came with a photo album with pictures the original owner took over the years. He became unable to ride and stashed it away for many years before he decided to part with it. I had to promise not to butcher it up as was the fate of many. I got it back on the road and did short rides close to home. I haven’t ridden it in at least 8 years. I came across a 82 Shrine and focused my attention on it. I did the same thing with it and unfortunately it sits in the back of my garage with the FLT these days.