What kind of motorcycle was the Harley Davidson WLA?
The Harley-Davidson WLA is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications in the years during and around World War II. It was based on an existing civilian model, the WL, and is of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) engine displacement and single-rider design.
Is the Harley Davidson WLA a shaft drive?
Harley was already producing the WLA, based on its traditional 45-degree V-twin but the army specifically wanted the one feature that the WLA didn’t have: shaft drive.
What kind of gas does a Harley Davidson WLA use?
In modern terms, the WLA’s compression ratio of 5:1 is very low. Due to this low compression, a WLA will run on 74 octane gasoline, necessary due to the poor quality of refining at the time, although fuel technology would improve rapidly during the war.
What was Harley Davidson used for in World War 2?
Development and production. During WWII, the U.S. Army asked Harley-Davidson to design a specification of a motorcycle much like the BMWs used by German forces, with shaft drive, a boxer engine, and several other features that made the BMWs exceptionally reliable and low-maintenance machines.
Can a Harley Davidson WLA 42 be used as a sidecar?
Popular with Harley-Davidson collectors, the WLA was the workhorse of its day and is now an ideal choice for weekend runs and club events. This WLA42 with Side Car has a reverse gear which is unique. It is 100% ready to ride. It can be ridden sole or with sidecar attached. Completely restored and better than new.
Where was the Harley Davidson WLA in World War 2?
This 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA is a hard-to-find military-issue example, one of the flatheads built in support of the U.S.’ efforts in World War II. The WLA is the American model while the WLC went to Canada, and Harley actually produced this wartime bike for multiple other Allied countries.
Is the Harley Davidson WLA considered a solo bike?
The WLA frame and engine were considered too light and the US Army always classed their 45ci bikes as ‘Solo’. The motorcycles they did order with sidecars from Harley-Davidson were all Big Twin 74ci models. However some countries who received WLAs under the ‘Lend-Lease’ act did attach sidecars to the bikes.
What kind of engine did a Harley Davidson sidecar have?
The engine, drive train, wheels, tires, electrics, lighting, paintwork and upholstery is in fantastic condition, well looked after. The WLA 1942 Harley Davison was produced to special American Army specification during the years of the Second World War.