ART AND ENGINEERING

How the iconic Hydra-Glide got its name

Words: H-D Museum

Industrial Design is the professional practice of designing emotionally and functionally appealing products that are used by millions of people around the world every day. It developed in the early 20th century, becoming a profession while Harley-Davidson was transforming motorcycling.

An exhibition at the H-D Museum is exploring art, engineering and industrial design at Harley-Davidson. An iconic bike, created with the assistance of prominent industrial designer and Milwaukeean Brooks Stevens, provides a peek into the close collaborations that are essential to motorcycle design.

Stevens knew both the Harley and Davidson families. There is even a connection with Willie G. Davidson, the company’s now retired, but long-serving director of design. Willie started his career at the Brooks Stevens firm when he first returned to Milwaukee after completing his art degree in California.

Among many product changes after World War II, Harley-Davidson made the decision to change the front suspension on their largest models, the EL and FL. It was Brooks Stevens who the company turned to for perhaps the first application of industrial design in motorcycling: the iconic 1949 Hydra-Glide motorcycle.

The design was an assembly of springs and shock absorbers in telescoping tubes. Hydraulic shock absorbers were not new to motor vehicles, but they provided a more comfortable ride and improved handling over the previous design. With the new design, the name Hydra-Glide was created, referring only to the motorcycle’s front end. Hydra referenced the new hydraulic shock absorbers and Glide denoted comfort. Later, the name Hydra-Glide was given to the full motorcycle.

The front fork design became a standard for the H-D “big twin” models. Soon the smooth-riding technology was added to the rear suspension too. In 1958, Duo-Glide replaced the name Hydra-Glide, reflecting the new front and rear suspension.

As 2024 marks 75 years since the launch of the Hydra-Glide, this year the Icons model is the revival of the Hydra-Glide. The paint scheme chosen is from the 1956 model.

The museum exhibition features a 1949 Hydra Glide motorcycle that came to the Archives fresh from the assembly line – its engine has never been fired!

Find out more about the beautiful Hydra-Glide Revival here.

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