Who designed the Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide, introduced in 1971?

Willie G. Davidson designed the Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide, introduced in 1971.

Davidson joined Harley-Davidson in 1963 and became strongly associated with the company’s motorcycle styling. The FX Super Glide combined a Sportster-style front end with the larger FLH chassis and engine, creating an early factory custom motorcycle.

The model was important because it helped establish the styling direction later associated with Harley-Davidson’s cruiser range. Its design also reflected the growing influence of custom motorcycles and the company’s effort to offer a factory-built alternative to heavily modified bikes.

Willie G. Davidson was the grandson of co-founder William A. Davidson. He later became Harley-Davidson’s chairman and chief executive officer. The FX Super Glide is sometimes confused with later Dyna models, but the original 1971 motorcycle belongs to the company’s early factory-custom period.