Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Historical Context

The 1973 Harley-Davidson FX 1200 was part of the early Super Glide family, a model line that helped establish the factory-custom concept at Harley-Davidson. The original FX Super Glide appeared in 1971, combining the big-twin FL engine and frame with lighter Sportster-inspired front-end components. By 1973 the styling had become more conventional than the distinctive first-year model, while retaining the stripped-down, performance-orientated character that would eventually lead to Harley-Davidson’s later Low Rider and Dyna families.

Technical Specifications and Performance

• Year: 1973
• Make: Harley-Davidson
• Model: FX 1200 Super Glide
• Engine Displacement: 74 cubic inches (approximately 1207cc)
• Engine Type: Air-cooled OHV 45° V-twin Shovelhead
• Carburetion: Carburettor
• Starting System: Kick and electric start
• Transmission Type: 4-speed manual
• Final Drive: Chain
• Cooling System: Air-cooled
• Frame: Traditional steel Big Twin frame
• Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
• Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers
• Braking System: Hydraulic disc front brake with rear drum brake
• Top Speed: Approximately 100 mph depending on condition and gearing

Technical Advancements

The FX concept combined Harley-Davidson’s 74ci Shovelhead Big Twin power with a lighter and less heavily equipped chassis than the company’s traditional FL touring motorcycles. Electric starting provided greater convenience, while retaining a kick starter gave the motorcycle the traditional starting arrangement familiar to earlier Harley riders. The front disc brake was also a significant improvement over the drum brakes used on earlier large Harley-Davidsons.

Evolution of the Model

The FX Super Glide began in 1971 under the direction of Willie G. Davidson and represented an early attempt by Harley-Davidson to offer a factory-built custom motorcycle. It mixed elements of the FL Big Twin and XL Sportster families, which is reflected in the FX designation. During the 1970s the basic idea developed into a wider range of sporting Big Twins, eventually producing models such as the FXE Super Glide and the influential FXS Low Rider. These motorcycles established a style that remained important to Harley-Davidson for decades.

Competitors in the Market

By 1973, Harley-Davidson faced increasingly formidable competition from Japanese manufacturers including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, whose large-capacity motorcycles offered high performance and increasingly sophisticated engineering. British machines such as the Norton Commando and Triumph Trident were also still important competitors. The FX offered something different, concentrating on large-capacity V-twin torque, distinctive American styling and the emerging factory-custom market.

Legacy and Appeal

Today, an early 1970s FX Shovelhead represents an important stage in Harley-Davidson history. The combination of the 1200cc Shovelhead engine, 4-speed transmission and both kick and electric starting gives the motorcycle much of the traditional character associated with early Big Twins. The FX series also helped establish the stripped-down factory-custom formula that became central to Harley-Davidson’s later model ranges, making surviving early Super Glides particularly interesting to enthusiasts of classic American motorcycles.