Overview
This 1956 Harley Davidson FL was purchased new by the current owner in 1956 in North Dakota. He rode it locally and raced the law around town so after a couple of years he repainted it from Flamboyant Metallic Green to the Tangerine it currently sports. He did have less problems with the law then according to his wife. In 1965 the family moved to California for work and this Harley Davidson followed them a few years later. This created a piece of history for this original motorcycle in that the California government, DMV, and CHP demanded that the frame be stamped with a unique number even though Harley Davidson did not initiate the stamping of frame numbers until 1970. This 1956 Harley FL sports a “Blue Tag” number that is used on the Title; special California History!
This motorcycle was last registered for service in 1998. It was parked in the garage and occasionally kicked through or started. The owner experienced deteriorating health and passed away in 2018. The bike is pictured as found in the garage in California and is being placed for sale by the estate. There are a few accessories that travel with the bike including a North Dakota original registration, a short adjustable windscreen, and a small box of parts.A new NOS tool box was also discovered in the garage that was never mounted on the bike. It will travel with the bike. A new set of rings was found in the Side Bags indicating that a top end service was planned.
Mileage
33,058 showing on the odometer
Paint
This motorcycle had a spray over in late 1958. The Flamboyant Metallic Green is visible underneath in a few spots. The current Tangerine paint is in need of service and will clean nice but not hold much of a sheen.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is in excellent condition and well fit. No sign of any repairs made or needed. No dings or dents found.
There is a NOS tool box that was not mounted to the bike because of the bags that will go with the bike. It was found protected in a box in the garage!
Chrome
Most chrome on this motorcycle appears to be original and in good condition. A quick application of Never Dull may assist with the surface pitting.
Mechanical
This motorcycle is in questionable mechanical condition. It has compression but a new set of rings were found in the saddle bags. Transmission shifts through the gears and the bike rolls smoothly. All indicators are that it ran well when parked. The owner was an auto mechanic and the bike has been well tended to at all times.
Wheels & Tires
Rims are chromed steel with chromed spokes and nipples.
Front Tire is Firestone Sportsman 500 X 16 date coded out, probably not serviceable.
Rear Tire is Firestone Sportsman 500 X 16 date coded out, probably not serviceable.
Title
Clean California Title with a non-op registration.
Engine # 56 FL 2098
Frame # CAL 43060
Belly # Match
Valuation Resource Guide
NADA:
https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1956/Harley-Davidson/FLH-74ci/Values
Excellent $29,970
Very Good $18,330
Good $11,690
Hagerty Value Guide:
https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1956-Harley~Davidson-FL-Hydra~Glide
Concours $25,000
Excellent $20,000
Good $15,000
Mecum Auctions:
Multiple sales $22,000 to $30,000
Accessories
North Dakota original registration, a short adjustable windscreen, small box of parts, User's Manual, and parts manual shown in the pics. There is also a NOS tool box that was never installed because of the bags. This tool box will travel with the bike.
Check the pictures in this listing!
