1952 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide

The 1952 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide proved a major step for Big-Twin engines, when the old hand-shift/foot-clutch arrangement was superseded by a modern foot shift and hand clutch. However, the old setup was still optionally available -- and would remain so until the mid-1970s -- as it was still preferred by some riders and police departments

The 1952 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide offered elaborate chrome detailing as a standard option. See more motorcycle pictures.

Never one to turn a deaf ear to its customer's wishes, Harley continued to lavish its bikes with more chrome and polished pieces. Some additional brightwork was made standard, such as polished lower fork legs (which were at first painted black), while accessory packages offered such niceties as chrome fender rails, chrome instrument panel, and chrome front-fender lamp.

Also, the 61-cubic-inch (EL) version of the Panhead was dropped after 1952 due to lack of interest, leaving the 74-cid FL as the only Big Twin.

On the flathead front, the faithful 45-cubic-inch WL was superseded by the Model K, which was entirely redesigned. New features included a foot-shift transmission in unit with a reworked 45-inch flathead V-twin, hydraulic front forks (the WL kept its old springer till the end), and Harley's first rear suspension, a conventional swingarm with dual coil-over shocks

1998 Ducati ST2

The 1998 Ducati ST2 motorcycle was aimed squarely at the sport-touring crowd, something of a departure for Ducati. Yet despite its more relaxed driving position and touring amenities, the ST2 boasted the kind of performance expected of the marque.

Ducati's desmodromic valvetrain helped the 1998 Ducati ST2 maintain a level of power and speed unusual in a touring bike.

Along with an analog speedometer and tach, the ST2 included a digital display for fuel level, engine temperature, and time of day. Rearview mirrors were spring-loaded to help absorb shock, and the full-coverage fairing offered the driver an increased level of protection from the elements.

Integrated saddlebags swallowed a full-face helmet and were detachable with the turn of a key, while the sleek 5.5-gallon fuel tank allowed plenty of pleasurable miles between stops.

But Ducati didn't forget the "sport" in "sport-touring." Along with triple Brembo floating disc brakes, the ST2 featured fully adjustable suspension and a powerful 944-cc, water-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin with Ducati's famous desmodromic valvetrain.

Though this was a two-valve version of the V-twin, a four-valve variant appeared shortly thereafter carrying the ST4 designation.

More pictures of the Ducati ST2 appear