The 1964 Big Twin “Panhead” was the result of continuous upgrades but few significant changes over previous models since rear suspension came available in 1958. 1964 was the last year for the Duo-Glide as 1965 harkened the introduction of the Electra-Glide, a similar machine now with electric starting built on a new 12 volt system. A new two-tone tank panel encompassed the tank emblem. A primary chain oiler and new oil pressure switch were designed in. Ignition and headstock lock keys became non-matching. The Duo-Glide Jiffy Stand had added contact area. For 1958 the FL and EL big twins had become Duo-Glides, boldly noted on the front fender.
This Duo-Glide is especially stylish in orange and off-white, possibly Competition Orange and Birch White. I could not confirm this color combination as a “stock” offering for 1964, but with white floorboards, grips, kicker pedal, pegs and fringed seat, whitewalls yet leaner with no saddlebags it’s a winner. Maybe a reader will give us more information. Continuing to give serious touring riders what they wanted, the optional King of the Highway package offered saddlebags, dual exhaust, fender tips, bumpers and either the Deluxe Buddy or Solo seat plus a luggage rack. As before, the “helper springs” flipped forward under the seat to provide extra support for a passenger, folded down for solo riding. In this era about 3500 FL’s and EL’s were produced annually.
For reference, the 1958 machine received other updates including a hydraulic rear brake, an improved transmission and clutch, better connections for the exhaust headers at the head plus optional white-wall tires. The chrome struts, already a design feature on the K Model and Sportster became an element of the big twin as well supporting the rear fender and taillight. The rear fender remained hinged to allow for rear wheel service.
Although still available for sidecar use in 1949, 1948 was the last year the solo FL and EL Harley’s used the springer fork. The 1949 model was dubbed the Hydra-Glide and introduced the clean, sleek hydraulic fork with, in just the first year, gloss black-painted lowers. After ten model seasons rear suspension was added, and the big twin became the Duo-Glide but the big sprung seat, a tradition for comfort, was retained.
This sharp 1964 Duo-Glide is one of over 60 Harleys at the National Motorcycle Museum and is part of the Jill and John Parham Collection.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Air-Cooled, Overhead Valve, 45 Degree V-Twin
- Bore & Stroke: 3.44″ x 4.00″
- Displacement: 74 Cubic Inches / 1208 cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 7 : 1
- Carburetion: Linkert
- Horsepower: 52
- Primary: Duplex Chain
- Transmission: 4-Speed, Foot Shift
- Clutch: Dry, Hand operated
- Final Drive: Chain
- Brakes: Drum Front & Hydraulic Drum Rear
- Electrics: 12 Volt Battery, Coil & Points
- Frame: Steel / Double Down Tubes
- Fork: Duo-Glide, Hydraulic
- Rear: Swingarm / Dual Shocks / Sprung Seat
- Wheels/Tires: 5.00 x 16 / 5.00 x 16 Inches
- Wheelbase: 60 Inches
- Weight: 648 Pounds
- Top Speed: 100 mph
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Owned a 1954 FL for several years. Thanks for the memories.
In 1979 I bought my 1960 pan head from the “Hells Angels” in S.F. ,CA club house. Had it until 1993. When I sold it I was sick for a week,lol.rode with the wild ones in Richmond, CA. It was just one big party.
I bought my first Harley in 1969 at 15 years old. It was an Orange 1964 Duo-Glide.
I rode it for 15 years before replacing it with a new 1984 Evo FXST.
I sure wish I still had them both.
Think of all those great things we had when we were young, muscle cars motorcycles lots of things we gave away for no money 👍
I bought my first bike at 15.A 72 XLCH in four milk crates..had it together by 16 n a half.Found out 4th gear was junk so I rhode it around all summer up to third lika fuckin king..lol..18” straight pipes..pulled trans that winter n replaced 4th 💪🏻🇺🇸👍🏻
Buteful machine
Oops! The writers inadvertently listed this 1964 Panhead as being 12 volt, It’s a beauty though. I had a 64 back when but it was a chopper by then.
A beauty indeed!… Check article again ,Mark. Understood it as the author wrote , that 1965 was the year of the introduction of the 12 volt . Thank you.
Ahh. Good catch. I had 6 volt in that spec sheet, and just over thought the transition to the Electra-Glide and 12 volt systems. (Can anyone confirm that orange and, I guess, Birch White were available in ’64? Maybe as a special request?)
Thanks,
Mark
After a life time on British and Japanese bikes I bought my first Harley. A 2019 Softail Deluxe. The classic styling really spoke to me. After looking at the DuoGlide I see where the Motor Company got the inspiration for my bike. Love it!
Mark, the color of the bike is Fiesta Red. Very similar to an earlier color, Pepper Red. Both of these reds were very “orangey”!
Had a 60 pan kept all original except Andrew gears kick her for 37 yrs till she kicked me back blew quad.sold her for 19,500.00 best investment ever made
Yeah I had a 1949 panhead FLH a got a night I got a 2001 road King now wish I had that 49 man it was sweet I was 17 years old I wrecked a Honda 900 my dad said to get rid of it before I killed myself two days later I showed up at his door I’ll bandage mangled up and he said I told you you’re going to kill yourself because are you done with that stupid Jap bike and I said yeah and he goes good that one in the crate over there in the garage you can build it was a 1949 I was 17 years old made my made my day after I get that bike put together in 3 days painted the frame with a paintbrush and sprayed the tanks in the back fender front end had a chrome rode that thing for 8 plus and 8 plus more after rebuilding it so I know what it’s like to want both of them
Once in FLH bites you in the air you’re hooked for the rest of your life no jet bike can come even close to it so for those guys that are out there still riding Jap bikes get on a Harley and take a putt and change your life you might even save it loud pipes and high bars, ride hard and ride free!!!!!
Once in FLH bites you in the ear, you’re hooked for the rest of your life no jet bike can come even close to it so for those guys that are out there still riding Jap bikes get on a Harley and take a putt and change your life you might even save it loud pipes and high bars, ride hard and ride free!!!!!
I had a 58 Panhead. A friend of mine had a Kawasaki 3-cylinder ask me what the big deal was with the Harleys. He rode mine around the block twice. The next day he had a for sale sign on the Kawasaki. You know what he bought.
One day, want to get 1947 fl knuckhead, thinking about a kit from them guys in New York, forgot the name!? What ya think!?
I wouldn’t. Parts don’t fit, cheap metal. Maybe if you can find one already put together for less. Not worth the money. They just don’t look right. Taiwan Tedd @ V-Twin is or was a place to get those “kits”. JUNK but it’s your money and headache. Good Luck in finding what you desire
The NY people you are referring to are Tedd cycle dba V-twin after market motorcycle parts dealers. Basically anything and everything for Harley Davidson motorcycles. Early years to now. I am a builder and have been professionally for 30+years. This is a builders Bible. Their quality of craftsmanship is phenomenal. Unless you’re building a time period motorcycle that requires original oem parts, this is your 1 stop shop. I hate to admit it, but they really do a so much better job at machining fitment pcs than the manufacturer. They’ve aligned themselves with sister companies so you really need look no where else for anything you want for your project. Recommend them highly.
I confident that my brother whom had passed on owned that bike at on time.
My 60 for six volt Manual advance. Blue and white beautiful Motorcycle. I wasn’t aware they made a 12 V and 64. And 65 they want 12 V automatic advance and they called it an Electra glide.
My dad bought a ’62 shortly after I went into the service in ’73 for $1,000. That’s what they went for then. When I came home on leave he took me for a ride before he’d let me ride it myself. He had been pretty wild in his younger days. Surprised me when he gunned it and let the clutch out – I had no idea those hogs could really go. A few years and a heart attach later he could no longer kick it. It sat in the back of the garage while he and mom almost wore out a Gold Wing. Evey year when I came home I’d charge the battery and take it for a ride. Years later he sold it in as-is condition for $5,000 and was so proud of his return on investment. I wish I had bought it.
Take a long hard look at the Duo Glide frame, its dimensions and geometry.. That, with some alteration (mostly strengthening) was what Willie G. was looking at when he dreamed up a strange brew of fully articulated frame, big twin, 39mm Sporty front end, various fender designs, and more fun to ride than almost anything up to that point. I sure miss the 2 Dynas I’ve had. If I ever find another good one, I’ll keep it till they bury me with it. I know they had their reasons, but the end of the Duo Glide’s most direct descendant caught us Dyna fans a bit off guard.