In this article
How we found it
The video and photos were taken before we did anything to the bike. Not washed, not polished: exactly as it came out of storage. It needs a lot of attention, but we’re happy to give it.
The bike came with the side cover and quite a few extra parts. The battery currently fitted is too big for this model, so the side cover is temporarily off. That’s why you don’t see it in the video.
A bit of history: from Panhead to Shovelhead
The Electra Glide name arrived in 1965, when Harley-Davidson gave the big FL an electric starter for the first time. That was still a Panhead then. A year later, in 1966, came the Shovelhead engine, and with it a new legend began.
The years 1966 up to and including 1969 are called the early or “generator” Shovels. They still have the Panhead-style bottom end with a generator. In 1970 Harley switched to an alternator. That makes these early Shovels a sought-after piece of Harley history.
| Model | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (FLH) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
| Engine | Shovelhead V-twin, 74 cubic inch (approx. 1,200 cc) |
| Starting | Electric starter and kick starter |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Paint | Original, blue and white |
| Owner | Third owner |
Blue and white: Harley brought the look back
In 2021 Harley-Davidson brought this colour scheme back with the Electra Glide Revival, the first model of the Icons Collection. Only 1,500 of those were built worldwide. That Revival is based on the 1969 Electra Glide, the first year with the well-known batwing fairing as an accessory. So this 1968 is a year older: the original Harley still goes back to today.
Do you know more about the early Shovel?
We’re curious about the knowledge of real Shovelhead fans. Which windshield and which exhaust belonged on it in 1968? Do you know the original name of the paint? Or do you see something else we should look at? Let us know in the comments under the video on YouTube or send us a message. We’d love to hear from you.
Soon for sale at Thundercycle
This Electra Glide will soon be for sale at Thundercycle in Ochten, the Netherlands. Thundercycle specialises in restoring classic Harley-Davidsons. Getting a Panhead or Shovelhead that has been standing for years healthy on the road again, or a complete rebuild: they know exactly what such an old bike needs.
So this Shovelhead is in good hands there. Soon you’ll be able to see it with your own eyes.
Registering a bike from 1968 is usually simpler than a modern one, but the rules differ per country. Read what to look out for in our guide to registering a US Harley.