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Dubbed the "King of the Highway," the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a badass cruiser with a rich history.

The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a touring bike with not only a big look but also a big history and a big future. Comparing the new 2021 Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide revival to its late-sixties predecessor shows how a classic has evolved. It also revives our appreciation for the earlier models.

When the 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide hit the market, it was the beginning of something big, especially with its electric setup. But as it evolved, we have seen the police force incorporate the Electra Glide into its fleet. Harley-Davidson may have cooked up an Electra Glide revival for its Icons Collection, but the awesomeness of the Electra Glide has never dwindled. Let's take a closer look at the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

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The sixties were here. A time of revolution. An era of experimentation. We saw Harley-Davidson bring out their golf carts – a history of a little-known rarity. But then there were the string of lightweight, two-stroke models, following in the Hummer's footsteps, such as the two-stroke Scat, with its 175cc engine. But at the same time, another story was breaking, and it was going to be big.

The 1958 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, a 648-lb beast, may have been commanding the highways; But it was only a matter of time before another touring beast would hit the market. It was coming no bigger than the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, especially with its electric starter. Bring on 1965.

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Starting with the two basic models of the Electra Glide: the FL and the FLH, one of the main differences between the two lies in their compression ratio.

The FLH Electra Glide had a slightly higher compression ratio. Its higher performance was one of the boasts of the early adverts. Understandably, the FLH was the more expensive option. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, even owned a 1966 FLH Electra-Glide.

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We first saw the Panhead engine in 1948 - the next stage of the Harley-Davidson story after the Knucklehead. Now, it was about to be retired. But not before powering the 1965 Electra Glide. But another transition was coming, and it was going to affect the Electra Glide in a big way.

The 1965 FLH Electra Glide was powered by its 74 cu in engine. Bring on the '66 Electra Glide and you are experiencing the Shovelhead engine, with an increase in power.

1965 was a year of contrasts for Harley-Davidson. We saw the '65 Harley-Davidson M50, a 50cc bike. But then to see the beefy '65 Electra-Glide, packing a curb weight of over 700 pounds.

Sometimes seen with the sidecar, fitted with its own windshield, the Electra Glide was a bike with lots of heart. The '66 model was promoted with its "big bold 10% power buildup", not to mention its new windshield and its new buddy seat. It was certainly the "King of the Highway."

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With its 12-volt generator and its electric starter, Harley-Davidson was entering a new future with the '65 Electra Glide. They were doubling their voltage from the standard 6-volt. The new electrical setup saw the bulbs on the headlight and the taillight match the increase. A larger battery meant that the oil tank and the frame needed to be redesigned accordingly.

Change is not always easy. So, the kick-starter was still there on the Electra Glide. But the electric starter was the new phase of this journey.

To ride for longer on an open highway is the ultimate freedom of a touring bike, such as the Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide.

With the '65 Electra-Glide's five-gallon 'Turnpike' tank, the cruising range is increased. It makes this touring beast one mean ride.

The Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide blends the touches of chrome with the shine of its two-tone paint job of the '65 model. Colors included Holiday Red, Hi-Fi Red, Police Silver, Hi-Fi Blue, Birch White, and black. Police Silver and Birch White were only used on the police editions.

It had its own signature mark, with the Electra Glide badge clearly featuring on the front fender. The Electra Glide was not only going to turn eyes but its legend was going to grow.

The 2022 Electra Glide Standard is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine. It has all the modern features we crave, such as electronic cruise control.

The high-performance rear suspension and the Reflex Linked Brembo brake setup give you more control. The 2022 Electra Glide Standard also features a mid-height windshield, along with Batwing Fairing, offering smooth airflow and protection against the elements.RELATED: These Are The Differences Between The Harley-Davidson Road King And Road Classic King

Many people don't know about the long history of Harley-Davidson's police motorcycles. In 1908, the first Harley was supplied to the Detroit Police Department. The Electra Glide has had an integral part to play in that history.

The latest Police Electra Glide weighs in at over 800 pounds, powered by its Milwaukee-Eight 114. This Electra Glide includes heat hand grips with heat settings, saddlebags with a One-Touch latch, ABS, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, and more.RELATED: Check Out The Harley-Davidson Pan America Police Concept

Based on the Hagerty's valuation tool, a good condition 1965 Harley-Davidson FLHB Electra Glide is worth about $15,500. But at auction, these bikes can sell for much more. On the other hand, a 2022 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard starts at $19,429.

The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is not only one big beast with a fierce reputation as the "King of the Highway," but it has a tradition and a history that has grown over the years.

Sources: Field, Greg (2002). Original Harley-Davidson Panhead. MBI Publishing Company.

Joshua Irvine is a writer, researcher and historian. His interests include the history of the automobile industry, including the history of cars in pop culture and cinema. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.