Page 40 - 100% Biker (January 2020)

BIKE FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DUO GLIDE
IN HARLEY CIRCLES THE ONE-YEAR-ONLY TANK BADGES ARE REGARDED
TO BE MADE OF ‘OBTAINIUM’, BUT HERE THEY ARE!
to do to bring it up to the shining example
you see here.
A complete strip-down revealed that
the top frame tube was bent, which was
rectified by Paul. Once done, the frame
went off to nearby Weymouth where it
was left in the capable hands of Graham
at Weyblast who powder coated it black.
The bike was also found to have a 1964
front end fitted, possibly an old repair
related to the bent top tube. Anyway, it
also had the wrong handlebars for a ’58, so
the correct parts were sourced, the ’bars
being ‘new old stock’ from the USA. The
original front wheel was retained but re-
furbished and rebuilt with stainless steel
spokes. The front brake is also the original
and, although rebuilt, Paul describes its
cable operation in one word: “Useless”!
Thank heavens for that hydraulic rear
drum brake, then… All the rear suspension
remains the stock equipment that came
with the bike, needing only a good polish to
bring back up to snuff.
The 1200cc V-Twin is the original motor,
which, being the FLH version, has the
benefits of polished ports and uprated
cams for extra pep. Nevertheless, Paul
rebuilt it with new pistons, new cam
bearings, new lifters and blocks, rebuilt
cylinder heads and oil pump, plus re-cut
valves and seats. All new ignition parts
were fitted throughout and a new Linkert
carb fitted, although this last item caused
some problems as it was found to have a
40 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
holed float resulting in a flooded engine on
first start-up, which was then sorted by a
brass type float.
The ’58 Hydra Glide was also notable
for being the first year of the foot shift, a
‘mousetrap’ clutch being fitted by Harley
to aid shifting on a transmission originally
designed for the foot clutch set-up. The
Panhead’s gearbox was found to be in decent
shape, though new bearings and a new
chain were fitted for good measure. With
the motive power taken care of, a complete
twin exhaust system was purchased from
Motorcycle Storehouse in the Netherlands,
which, although new, still needed a bit of
fettling during fitting. Such is life.
The fuel tanks on the bike are the
originals and these were refurbished prior
to paint, needing just a few dents removed.
Here I need to mention those dandy stock
tank badges were a one-year-only fit. In
Harley circles they are generally regarded
to be made of ‘obtainium’, but here they
are—genuine new/old stock items found
and brought back from Daytona by Paul’s
mate from his Reading days, Grubby.
The three colour paintwork (correct for
1958) was deftly handled by Mike Trott of
Chard in Somerset, it being somewhat of a
swan song for Mike as he has since retired.
A rewire was another of Paul’s tasks and
he nicely finished the job with the addition
of optional turn signals and front spots, all
done with period cloth wiring.
If all the graft and attention to detail
SPECIFICATION
SHEET
ENGINE:
1958 Harley-Davidson Panhead 74
cubic inch V-twin, new pistons, lifters,
lifter blocks, recut valves and seats,
new Linkert carburettor, original
4-speed foot shifter with ‘mousetrap’
clutch, 2-into-2 exhaust system from
Motorcycle Storehouse.
FRAME:
Original 1958 Duo Glide twin downtube,
straightened, restored and powder
coated.
FRONT END:
Period correct hydraulic forks, new/
old stock handlebars, original wheel
refurbished with stainless steel spokes,
Hawg Classic whitewall tyre, rebuilt
original front cable operated brake.
REAR END:
Original wheel refurbished with new
stainless steel spokes, Hawg Classic
whitewall tyre, original suspension
refurbished and polished.
MISCELLANEOUS:
New reproduction seat by Motorcycle
Storehouse, cloth wiring by PMJ.
PAINT AND FINISH:
Period correct ’58 Duo Glide three
colour paint scheme by Mike Trott.
Chroming by S&T Chrome, Bristol.
THANKS TO:
“Mike Trott for the paint and S&T
Chrome Plating.”
mentioned above reflects the good
work carried out at PMJ in order
to result in a fully functioning
motorcycle once again, then the
copious amount of chrome on
the Duo-Glide serves as the icing
on the cake. I hate to think what
the chroming bill came to, but
this remains a fact known only to
Paul and S&T Chrome Plating in
Bristol, as it should. All we have
to do is gaze at it in admiration
and wonderment as it shines in
the afternoon sun, and what a
pleasure that is.