This 1955 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra Glide was acquired by actor Dan Aykroyd in 1984 and was gifted in January 1986 to its current owner, award-winning composer Howard Shore, in appreciation for his suggestion to Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to name themselves “The Blues Brothers.” The bike is powered by a 74ci Panhead V-twin paired with a hand-shifted four-speed transmission and is finished in blue and cream. Features include a sprung solo saddle, a Hydra Glide fork, 16″ wire-spoke wheels, engine and rear guards, valanced fenders, rubber-lined footboards, a dual chrome exhaust system, and both rear and side stands. The bike has remained on display during Shore’s ownership and recommissioning work in preparation for the sale reportedly included draining the fuel system, changing the oil, and replacing the spark plugs, fuel lines, air filter, and ignition points. This FL Panhead is offered by the seller on behalf of its current owner with transferable New York registration in the owner’s name.
The fuel tank and valanced fenders are finished in blue and cream paint over a black rigid frame. Brightwork includes chrome side panels, engine and rear guards, front fender trim, and the headdress. Additional equipment includes a headlight, a taillight, passing lamps, rider footboards, both rear and side stands, and a sprung Buddy Seat with a chrome handrail. Corrosion is noted on the hardware as are chips and fading in the paint and pitting on the brightwork. Photos of paint depth readings are provided in the gallery.
Wire-spoke wheels with chrome 16″ rims wear older Goodyear whitewall tires. Suspension is provided by a Hydra-Glide fork as well as a spring in the saddle post. Braking is from drums at both ends, the front of which is operated with a hand lever on the left side of the handlebar.
The chrome handlebar features dual mirrors and blue Harley-Davidson-branded rubber grips. A chrome tank-top console flanked by dual fuel-filler caps houses a 120-mph speedometer with an inset five-digit odometer displaying 50k miles, several hundred of which are said to have been ridden under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The speedometer is not functional.
The 74ci Panhead V-twin features a Linkert carburetor, a two-into-two exhaust system with dual chrome mufflers, and a kickstarter. The engine features a dry-sump oiling system and a distributor-type ignition system. Service in preparation for the sale is said to have included draining the fuel system, changing the oil, and replacing the spark plugs, fuel lines, air filter, and ignition points. The seller notes oil leaks from the front cylinder head and bottom end.
The bike is registered in the state of New York by the number 55FL1435 stamped on the left-side engine case.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a hand-shifted four-speed transmission with a rocker foot clutch on the left as well as a drive chain.
