1993 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Heritage Softail

The unusual 1993 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Heritage Softail motorcycle was nicknamed the "Cow Glide," and Harley immediately sold all 2,700 it built.

The FLSTN Heritage Softail was released in 1993. Dubbed the "Cow Glide," it was a fast seller.

Ever since William "Willie G." Davidson, grandson of a Harley-Davidson founder, took over as the motorcycle maker's chief of design in 1963, the company showed a willingness -- a passion even -- for bringing daring designs to market. But this one was unusual even by Harley-Davidson standards.

For 1993, Harley offered anniversary models to celebrate the company's 90th birthday, and right alongside those two-tone silver anniversary bikes was this striking black-and-white Heritage Softail with heifer trim, soon to be nicknamed the "Cow Glide."

Combining the classic look of wire wheels, whitewall tires, running boards, and chromed headlight nacelle with the black-on-white paint scheme resulted in a classic look. Add the bovine trim, and the image is truly unique.

But like other Harley-Davidson "factory customs," the FLSTN boasts modern mechanicals, such as belt drive, disc brakes, hydraulic forks, and Harley's Softail frame that looks rigid, but isn't.

Also like most of its other customs, the Cow Glide sold out immediately, its 2,700 copies not near enough to go around.

Continue to the next page to see more 1993 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Heritage Softail motorcycle pictures.

1973 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide

The 1973 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide is one of the few Harley models to sport "AMF" alongside the Harley name on its logo.

The 1973 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide offered front and rear disc brakes. See more motorcycle pictures.

Though purchased by AMF in January of 1969, "AMF" didn't begin to appear on Harley badging until 1971. When it did, many owners -- not altogether happy about the association -- removed the badges and repainted the bike. As a result, relatively few Harleys from the AMF years survive in unmolested condition.

This one did, however. It isn't in pristine shape because it's never even been restored. Save for the inevitable ravages of Father Time, it's an original example -- just as it left the showroom -- with only 69 miles on the odometer.

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.

1918 Harley-Davidson 18-J

The 1918 Harley-Davidson 18-J was Harley's most powerful motorcycle for that year. As such, it was well suited for use with the matching sidecar, which afforded its occupants far more luxury -- and better weather protection -- than the motorcycle's rider enjoyed

The 1918 Harley-Davidson 18-J's sidecar was one of the company's most popular accessories. See more motorcycle pictures.

The staggered shifter gate for the three-speed transmission placed first gear toward the front, with neutral, second, and third to the rear. As it had since 1915, the tank-mounted speedometer was driven by a gear on the rear wheel.

The 18-J introduced Harley riders to a new standard of power.

Though electric lighting was available, this example is fitted with an acetylene-powered headlight and taillight that were fed from a tank mounted on the handle bars.

The speedometer was mounted to the 18-J's tank.

To learn more about Harley-Davidson and other classic motorcycles,