Harley-Davidson 1966 FLH Electra-Glide

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The “shovelhead” 1966 FLH Electra-Glide Harley boasted a new, efficient combustion chamber.
The “shovelhead” 1966 FLH Electra-Glide Harley boasted a new, efficient combustion chamber.
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“Art of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle” by Dain Gingerelli, with artful photography by David Blattel, is a handsome, informative overview of Harley-Davidson’s 100-plus years of style and innovation.
“Art of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle” by Dain Gingerelli, with artful photography by David Blattel, is a handsome, informative overview of Harley-Davidson’s 100-plus years of style and innovation.

Historical and technical profiles written by Harley-Davidson expert Dain Gingerelli and masterful motorcycle photography by David Blattel come together in Art of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle (Motorbooks, 2011). The result is a breathtaking review of over 100 stunning Harley-Davidson greatest hits from the early 1900s to today. The following excerpt is taken from Chapter 6, “Kings of the Higway: The Touring Bikes.”

1966 Electra-Glide® 

The 1966 FLH Electra-Glide broke new ground for Harley-Davidson’s flagship model. The engine’s cylinder heads were patterned after those of the sportster model, creating more efficient combustion chambers and resulting in a gain of about five horsepower for the FLH. The new cast-aluminum rocker boxes were noticeably different in shape from the Panhead’s, leading enthusiasts to adopt the name “shovelhead” for the new model. The optional king of the highway accessory package included front and rear bumpers, extra quiet dual mufflers, buddy seat, crash bars, saddlebags, and a windscreen. The top-of-the-line FLH sold for $1,610.

Specifications

Engine Displacement: 74 cubic inches
Weight: 783 pounds
Fuel capacity: 5 gallons
Horsepower: 60 horsepower at 5,400 rpm

  • Published on Aug 3, 2012
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