The 120th birthday celebrations of our favourite motorcycle brand remind Ian Falloon, one of the world’s leading motorcycle historians, of a very special Harley-Davidson produced 30 years ago, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary.
The bike in question is the 1993 FLSTN Heritage Softail Nostalgia, colloquially dubbed the “Cow Glide” or “Moo Glide” thanks to some creative use of Holstein calf-hide bovine inserts on the upholstery.
“Up until that time, 1993 was the only year Harley had limited the production and gave any bike a ‘numbered plate’, says Ian, “the Nostalgia was limited to 2700 units. 2000 were sold in the U.S. and the remaining 700 worldwide.”
The Nostalgia was initially sold with a US$13,000 price tag, but demand quickly outstripped supply with canny speculators immediately asked $17,000.
While The Motor Company decided to continue the FLSTN the following year, it was without the numbering. The model ceased production in 1996 and is identified with its distinctive paint scheme of silver on dark green with gold pinstriping.
“Basically, the Nostalgia was a restyled Fat Boy,” said Ian, “Like the Fat Boy the Nostalgia began with a Softail chassis, Evolution engine, broad mudguards, and a fat car-like front tyre.”
Ian says that while some of the rarer racing Harleys, such as the VR-1000, are known to achieve the highest prices, it seems diehard Harley-Davidson collectors still prefer style, pedigree and cruising.
It is quite common for the more desirable Harleys to increase in value as they age, some almost exponentially as they become older and rarer and he rates the Heritage Softail Nostalgia as one that is a sure bet to substantially increase in value.
It always pays to check out the pre-loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles at your local Harley-Heaven dealer. You never know what you’ll find - and even if your dream machine is in another state, we can arrange freight.
