Baggers
A gentleman in Germany, known only as Andres F., did the same for a few years, just enjoying the good points of a 2001 FLHTC. That is, until it came time to up the ante in the touring bike sweepstakes by getting the man often referred to as the “Arlen Ness of Germany” involved. A trip to Fred Kodlin Motorcycles in Borken, Germany, brought about a plan to spice up Andre’s Electra Glide to show bike standards while still keeping the wholesome goodness of Harley’s proven mile munchers.
Fred Kodlin hadn’t done a lot of dressers and the E-Glide proved to be an interesting challenge. One of the foremost changes involved putting a decidedly meaty rear tire out back, a 240 Metzeler in this case. Fred modified the stock frame and made a swoopy tubular swingarm to accommodate the 240 and installed Progressive Suspension air shocks for improved ride and handling. Usually a fat tire is not a high priority for dressers as the tire can get lost in the bodywork, but that was just one of the interesting design problems he faced. Relocating the bags higher and a bit aft allowed the PM Monaco wheel to show nicely in profile while the rear fender was trimmed in back to showcase the width and gave this bike a whole new lithe, but fat look. Fred extended the FL forks 1” for a bit of attitude while the 18” PM front wheel with dual PM drilled discs gives a serious high performance look.
There was a good reason for the superior brakes as the 95” Twin Cam was thoughtfully built up for autobahn use with a horde of appropriate Screamin’ Eagle engine parts now sucking fuel through a Mikuni 42 HSR wearing TP’s Scramjet air cleaner. FKM Radikal Mufflers definitely takes away the “Grampy’s bike” look and I can’t imagine they pass the tough German TUV standards for noise, but they sure look hip. A Primo Brute primary with FKM mods adds a tough, mechanical look and is connected to a stock H-D five-speed tranny. “The 98hp engine with the Stage II kit is what I actually like best about this bike,” said Fred. “This bike is for riding long distances.”
With the mechanicals done, Fred fabbed new bodywork that not only slims up the dresser, but makes it look more athletic too. The tank is thinner in profile, curved, extended, and blends into the new frame covers so smoothly that it looks like a one-piece unit. An effective, but trim front fender hugs the tall front wheel and lightens the look of the front end. FKM made their own version of the legendary ‘Glide handlebar fairing with a square headlight and matching Homer Simpson speed holes flanking it. Surprisingly, the stock FL oil tank was left untouched. Fred then sprayed all his new tinwork in an in-your-face shade of yellow and a Mr. M. Pfeil added the bright flame graphics. If there were any doubts about this dresser being an old man’s machine, the new paintjob erases that instantly and draws you closer to see what else was done.
E-Glide has become a solo mount with the low, stepped seat keeping Andre in place when he nails his new killer mid-range. The riding position is still comfy as the stock bars are used with chromed H-D hand controls keeping reliability for long runs. Even Harley floorboards are in their stock position so no needless ergonomic adjustments are required for the sake of style.
So keep dreaming and staring at your dresser and who knows what you’ll end up doing.
This bike feature originally appeared in Barnett’s Magazine issue #51, October 2006.
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