Harley-Davidson “Hydra-Glide” motorcycles have a soft spot in the minds and wallets of most Harley diehards. Harley jumped into motorcycle classic status with the introduction of the Hydra-Glide front fork in the post war year of 1949.

It seems that at head office in Milwaukee Wisconsin, that not long after World War 2 ended that upper echelon key management realized that it was only a matter of time before major competition in the form of British and European heavy duty motorcycles were coming their way into their automotive catchments markets. On top of that woe behold these imported roadsters would have advanced sophisticated hydraulic suspension systems. And finally on top of that these competitive road machines were fast and nimble.

How the foreign makers would be received by American riders that for sure remained somewhat uncertain in 1950. But luckily for the health of the company , and to the benefit of its following and customer base Harley Davidson was not so hide bound by its tradition that they felt that they were solely in the driver’s seat and could take a wait and see attitude. Even though it’s main American rival “Indian Motorcycles’ was in serious decline that meant only that new competitors had a golden chance and opportunity to sneak in the back door of this American automotive marketplace. As a result new development of the new Harley-Davidson twins continued onwards and forwards.

The Hydra-Glide fork served two basic functions. With two hydraulic/spring tubes, more compliant suspension brought a smoother ride. Secondly it looked more contemporary and downright “modern”. For both cars and motorcycles, the trend in the 1950’s – indeed in the whole automotive industry – was to cover up more of the mechanical bits, parts and components. Overall the pattern in the automobile industry as a whole was for designers to move to more rounded seamless shapes that reflected the new modern post war 2 American mainstreams.

The styling shift was also apparent in the fenders, more deeply skirted one piece units with contours unbroken by seams or stripes. Parking lamps adorned the upper fork cover and the horn was moved down below the frame tubes. The fuel tanks still carried the subdued name plate, created by automotive designer Brook Stevens, which first appeared in 1947. In 1951 the name-plate changed to a script-style logo on a bar background.

It was during this time period that Milwaukee Harley head office discovered “What is in a name”. Harley-Davidson motorcycles had always been designated only with model numbers preceded by a number indicating engine displacement such as FL 74. The nicknames Peashooter, Panhead, Knucklehead as well as “Silent Gray Fellow” – were monikers conferred by riders, the riding public and aficionados themselves – not the factory. It seems that even the Hydra-Glide was not essentially a model name but rather a label for the new front fork arrangement.

Yet how did this name and designation first appear and come to indelibly associated with Harleys? It seems that in 1952 “The Motor Company” (a contraction and abbreviation which was commonly used by early Harley-Davidson employees), used the designation “Hydra-Glide” as a distinct model name on the order blanks. Obviously this was pre computer era. Later on two years later the two stroke”S” model became the “Hummer” , and in 1957 the new XL would be christened with the term the “Sportster” . And yet a year later when the first big twin with full shock absorbers at both end rolled off the auto production lines, its title was prominently displayed in full for all to see on the front fender “Duo-Glide”. Since then, but for racing models, no Harley-Davidson has gone nameless down to road.

And that my dear Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding enthusiast and enthusiasts is how Harley-Davidson’s got their names and nomenclature especially the venerable Hydra-Glide moniker.

Author Bio: Kerry A. Francis Eagle Ridge GM Coquitlam GM Chevrolet Buick GMC Trucks Sales Service http://www.eagleridgegm.com Vancouver Auto Financing BC Lottery Winners BC Truck Traders

Category: Automotive
Keywords: Harley-Davidson,Harleys,Harley Davidson Motorcycles,Harley Davidson Credit,Automotive Marketing