1947 and earlier Harley motorcycles used the springer front forks.
In 1949, a year after receiving the "Panhead" engine, the FL was given a new front suspension and a model name to go along with it. In honor of their first production motorcycle with hydraulically damped telescopic forks, the FL was officially called the Hydra-Glide. This name would change twice in the history of the basic large-framed FL bikes, each time signalling an improvement in the bike's technology. In addition, the Glide ending would be used on other models, based on both and FL and FX formats.

In 1952, the Hydra-Glide's transmission standard hand-shift/foot-clutch was joined by the optional foot-shift/hand-clutch. Although the original format continued to be offered as an option until 1978.[2] 1952 was also the last year of the 61 cu in (1,000 cc) EL, making the FL the last remaining large-frame model.

The FL model was given a new frame in 1958. This frame included a rear swingarm suspended by a pair of coil-over-shock suspension units. In honor of this fully suspended chassis, the FL's model name was changed from Hydra-Glide to Duo-Glide.

Really mean?

Springer = comfort, handling and no brake dive

HydraGlide = put a mushy front end on an otherwise just fine platform

DuoGlide = engine donor



Drives our friend Doug bonkers, he even wants to fully restore my hunk of scrap iron Honda CL72... because it is "old and rare now"... Of course, he thinks the Geezer Glides with 3 rear bumpers and a couple hundred extra lights are cool too...  

Different strokes for different folks, you can finally buy a wide 21" front wheel for FLs that works with the factory fender. Keep the coverage, but add improved handling.



I know it's a softail, exposed shock frames are hideous...