1955 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide

New Big Twin features introduced in the 1955 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide included revised cast tank badges boasting a prominent "V" in the background, along with a similar badge on the front fender with "1955" stamped into it.

The 1955 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra Glide was equipped with a powerful Big Twin engine. See more motorcycle pictures.

Meanwhile, taillights switched from the old "tombstone" style (which had been in use for nearly a decade) to a new oval design

Also, the existing FL was joined by a performance-oriented FLH with higher compression, hotter cams, and polished ports that resulted in about 10 percent more power.

Standard equipment included a Jubilee air trumpet, and a host of optional accessories were available; those fitted to our featured model include body-colored hand grips, chrome luggage rack, chrome engine guard, Buddy Seat with chrome grab rail, chrome fender dressing, and other chrome touches.

By this time, chrome trim had become a popular means of dressing up and personalizing one's mount.