As many of you know, I would like to purchase a bike that does not exist. I call this infamous bike a "Sportster Glide." I'm sure many of you thought I was hitting the cooking sherry. Well, I'm not the only one searching for this bike.

If you can, please find the Sept/Oct issue of "Iron Works" magazine, and peruse the bike on page 44.

While trimmed in more of the British style, the tinware could easily be more Americanized. I believe they refer to the bike as a "Speed-Glide," and it runs with a 93-inch stroker Shovel motor.

Smaller overall dimensions, simple engine, cleaner styling, and probably fun to ride. It looks like it even carries a useable amount of gas.

www.harley-davidsonblog.com/?p=625
Is this it ?, looks pretty cool to me

Yup, that's it. I opine that it's everything you need, and nothing you don't.

There were a few things wrong with the Shovel. It had wheezy BHP figures and a very limp oil re-circulating system. At +90 but -100 inches the power figures should be just about right. Nothing fancy.

As I have stated, most guys ride locally. And if you do, then you don't need to bring your computer room with you. You need a reasonable amount of fuel, good shocks, a working seat (kind of like a Sundowner) and a front end that handles and tracks.

A bike like this one could have more Americanized styling added easily. Updating the lights to modern headlamps would be a plug-n-play option.

But here's a big one. Almost all of those parts already exist in MoCo's parts bins! No R/D. Proven designs. And it expands the line-up to guys like me who have to build what they cannot buy.

Now, I understand that Electra-Glide-ish models are needed/wanted by long distance riders. However, by offering Geezer-only or Sportster-only, your line demands that some guys either have to tear something down or build something else up. Frankly, the Dyna line was supposed to fix that, but it's turned into being a weak-custom or stripped down Geezer.

This middle displacement idea should have it's own line and a little bit of outside-the-box thinking. You don't build that idea with just a little more chrome, a splatter of black paint and removing saddlebags. Heck, even with the hydro-forming techiques of the V-Rod, a middle size bike could have its own frame.

good looking bike.
I'd rather have the Triumph engine that looks like it belongs on that bike, faster - stronger - lighter.
Lets face it, shovel engines were good but there are much better now.
I know - just an example of what you are talking about, and no there arent many model options from any of the companies in that direction. Honda used to make a bike called the "Sabre"...

The reason I thought a Shovel-ish engine was a good idea because, for one, we are a Harley forum, and two, the performance of a +/-90 inch motor is just about right for the real world.

Heck, it could run flat-top pistons and use pump gas. No need for wild cams, or bizarre breathing features to make EPA stats. You could run an existing front end from a 48, or even the new Fat-Bob type with a stronger yet front fork, two headlights and second disc brake.

A more correct curb weight would offer less unsprung weight, with better shocks and hence a nicer ride.

If a guy did want to increase performance, there is already an existing line of items and a ready made supply line to deliver the parts to his door.

Remember, we are not talking about eliminating the Sportster or Geezer line. I'm talking about a fresh sheet of paper. The existing Super Glide is a bad compromise.