After it was verified that among the new 2024 models presented by Harley-Davidson on January 24, there were the new Pan America 1250 with CVO finish, the new CVO range with Road Glide, Road Glide ST and Street Glide, it is expected that another model will mark, as the teaser videos say, “the beginning of a new era”
Hydra Glide 75 years later: there is evidence
According to colleagues from Motorcycle.com, for example, we should expect a Hydra Glide Revival as the representative of the 2024 Icon range called to pay homage to some prestigious models from the past. The Hydra-Glide, as brand enthusiasts well know, was first introduced in 1949 and therefore this year would mark its 75th anniversary, a perfect date to celebrate its image and success. It must also be said, for the sake of accuracy, that the model initially debuted only as FL and it was in 1950 that it also became famous as Hydra-Glide, precisely to underline the fact that it had abandoned the Springer fork for hydraulics. In summary, it is a milestone and its return would be confirmed by the California Air Resources Board, which among the 2024 Softail models has a Hydra-Glide followed by the term Revival listed. Of course, there is no reference to whether or not it is an Icon model. This writing was initiated in 2021 with the beautiful Electra Glide Revival followed later by the sinuous Low Rider El Diablo in 2022 and then in 2023 by the charming Electra Glide Highway King.
A sunrise from the past?
This is enough to dream of the return of the old and beloved Hydra. In addition to the hydraulic fork, the original seventy-five years ago was one of the first to use the Panhead engine, one of the most beloved in H-D history. The new one, on the other hand, will use – again according to Californian documents – the common Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with 1,868 cc shared with the other Softail models, from which we hope it will also inherit the frame. What excites us the most, however, is imagining the style, which will be reminiscent of the original ’49 FL. We therefore expect enveloping fenders, a single inclined seat, and a blue-petrol color scheme or at least very 50s. Will it make a comeback this time?
