This model is produced by Franklin Mint it is made in 1:10th scale and is a $135 precision engineered scale model... ie, not a toy.

The Duo Glide was named after the fact that the bike utilized front and rear oil (hydraulic) damped suspension shock absorbers.  The bike that the Duo Glide preceded was the Hydra Glide that utilized rear hydraulic shock absorbers only.

There are many operating parts on the model as seen on the real bike. The kickstand moves in and out, the front and rear suspension works,  The foot-brake lever moves as does the drive belt which turns as the wheels revolves freely on the pivots and the steering works, the kick-starter pedal moves and the saddle can be lifted up.

The saddle is even covered with leather and has chrome studs tacked in around it, the attention to detail is amazing, I could almost get on and ride it !

The engine components, handle bars, wheels, exhaust pipes, front forks, headlamp, shockers, license plate and fender trim are all vacuum chrome plated.  The white wall tires are made of rubber with a detailed tread pattern.  The two tone paint work on the tank and fenders is also done to a high quality, finished off nicely with the Harley Davidson logos.

The photos I took of the bike were a lot better definition than shown here but I had to optimize them for the internet from 3 meg pictures down to like 50k, otherwise the detail is 100% lifelike.

Over all its a very realistic miniature replica of the real thing.  If there is one model bike to collect then this is it, its a fine centre display piece and never fails to be included in conversation.

Engineered with great craftsmanship the model is a result of advanced precision engineering and has been directly copied from the real bike.  I have several 1:10 scale model bikes but this one is my favorite, if only it was real ! who knows maybe one day I might be able buy a real one...lottery numbers permitting.

The Speedometer on the Duo Glide was calibrated as 1 to 12 as opposed to 10 to 120, dropping off the zeros gave the speedo a more easy uncluttered look and this has also been encapsulated on the Franklin Mint model.

Weighing in at 1Lb 4 ounces its quite a heavy model, the reason being is that its made from metal with limited plastic being used.  The Bike is approximately 9 ¼" (23½cm) long and is assembled by hand from more than 300 separate parts.

The Harley Davidson 1958 Duo Glide had the legendary Panhead 74 cubic inch 45 degree V-twin engine that produced 65 Horsepower.  The bike featured superb chrome forks and shocks and at the time in 1958 the Duo glide was perhaps the most powerful and most comfortable bike on the American Highways.

The bike is a low slung cruiser, powerful and fast it became a popular choice for Police departments across the USA in the late 1950's and early 60's

The quality of the chrome work on this model is 100% and all the brake cables and clutch cables are accurately depicted.

A nice touch with this model was the inclusion of a Harley Davidson scale model helmet in the Duo Glide paint scheme.

The 'Duo Glide' logo has been accurately represented on the front fender too.  A bit later Harley Davidson added an electric starter to the Duo Glide and it became the world famous Electra Glide.