The united states army was buying some harley motorcycles in 1940, a military version featuring the companys 45 cubic inch 740 cc engine and designated the wl model. Parts for the shopper or bobber builder s like the overstock springer frontforks. Noted for distinct styling and exhaust sound, harleydavison has established itself as a worldrenowned brand and is a major influential source of the modern chopper. Very valuable for wla restorers is the matrix describing all parts that differentiate the 17 types of wla 40wla 52wla. Wl, wla, wlc jan willem boon obsolete new old stock parts. Choose your harley davidson motorcycles to get the suggested retail or tradein value.
In recent years several books have been published about the 42wla model and various general harleydavidson related books have photos and information about the wla. The hagerty motorcycle valuation tool is designed to help you learn how to value your 1942 harleydavidson wla and assess the current state of the classic motorcycle market. Its 45cubicinch engine was smaller than the companys existing 61 and 74cubicinch fhead vtwins, which then. World war two harley davidson wla motorcycles for sale vintage. Frank from ottsville, pa, united states of america made available these photos of this great looking 1942 harley flathead oldschool bobber motorcycle. Engine casting date code is a5 january 1945 transmission casting date code is. Accessories included a luggage rack, ammo box, and leather rifle scabbard.
The 1942 harley davidson wla motorcycle and harley davidson xa motorcycle were two models harley designed for the united states military during world war ii though rival indian also supplied motorcycles to the u. The harleydavidson wla was produced to us army specifications during and around the second world war. Norbert from buford, georgia, united states of america sent us these photos of his custom 1942 harley wla flathead bobber which has a gas tank borrowed from a 2002 harley sportster. Harleydavidson wla military for sale hemmings motor news. Harley davidson 1942 wl 750 cc 2 cyl sv yesterdays.
Used, harley davidson wla rear axle part no 39954 harley davidson wla rear axle part no 399541. Even if its not a pure military book, sometimes the pictures showing finish, tires and other details make it worth purchasing. Thus, wartime machines would come to be known as 42wla s. Harley wla for sale in uk 31 secondhand harley wlas. Take a closer look at this 1942 harley davidson wla 19775 with glenn bator. Dec 15, 2011 based on the civilian wl model, harleydavidsons wla a for army motorcycle was first produced in 1940. Wla is listed in the worlds largest and most authoritative dictionary database of abbreviations and acronyms. Here you will find all the books, manuals and sparepartslists that 45 flathead. Oct 15, 2014 the harley davidson wla was produced to us army specifications during and around the second world war. During the past 3 years, the average book value per. However, decoding an engines vehicle identification number can be challenging and confusing. But i recall seeing a complete front fork in the wooden crate for sale at a. Engine is 42wla699xx and is registered with the wla registry.
Wlas were used extensively by us troops for messenger and military police duties and thousands were supplied to other countries thru lend lease agreements. Finding out what year a harley davidson engine was made can be important for a number of reasons. Specialty is in making the aftermarket and rebuilt to a motorcycle engine, make posh factory rehabilitate old iron lightly harleydavidson wla 1942 alerts to be hot. Motorcyclesatvsutility due to custom features such as chrome, paint, engine modifications, and market conditions, some. The engine runs great, pulls hard, and the sound it produces is sure to turn heads. Manuals and parts books for your flathead 45 cubic inch solo. During the years 19401945, nearly all harleydavidson motorcycle production was for military use. Is harleydavidson the worst motorcycle money can buy. Original restored matching numbers wwii 1943 series iv military wla harleydavidson motorcycle for sale auction may end at any time, unannounced, without prior notice. This individually handmade metal sculpture pays tribute to this wwii hero. During the past 3 years, the average book value per share growth rate was 2. Founded in 1903, harley davidson is an american motorcycle manufacturer that specializes in heavyweight motorcycles designed for highway cruising. Choose your harleydavidson motorcycles to get the suggested retail or tradein value. Displaying 1 total results for classic harleydavidson wla military vehicles for sale.
Hello and welcome to my sale of a harley davidson wla rear axle, in perfect condition. Older restoration restored back in the late 70s or early 80s so mostly original parts petrol and oil tanks, dash, speedo, cycle ray headlight, linkert carb etc. Parts for your american motorcycle 45 flathead service. Harleydavidson prices, harleydavidson values and book values.
The harley davidson motorcycle company started selling bikes in 1904 and, by 1920, it had become the largest motorcycle company in the world. Harley davidson motorcycles wla for sale car and classic. During the past 12 months, harleydavidsons average book value per share growth rate was 1. Based on the civilian wl model, harleydavidsons wla a for army motorcycle was first produced in 1940. Get the best deals on motorcycle parts for 1942 harleydavidson wla when you shop the largest online selection at. Supplier of aftermarket 45 parts for your classic harleydavidson and also bigtwins. Wla parts 45 restoration company 45 restoration company. The third harley davidsons army model was xa, designed for desert use, but german army lost north africa before there was any need to use these motorcycles and only about units were manufactured. It would remain in production through 1945, and eventually over 90,000 weredelivered for use in all theaters of wwii. Noted for distinct styling and exhaust sound, harley davison has established itself as a worldrenowned brand and is a major influential source of the modern chopper.
Harley davidsons book value per share for the quarter that ended in mar. Over 90,000 wla motorcycles were built in support of the allied war effort. The harleydavidson wla cycle comes with a movable gear shift lever, a springer seat. Flathead bobbers before choppers, there was bobbers. In depth view into harley davidson price to book value including historical data from 1986, charts, stats and industry comps. The model d evolved into the model r in 1932, with improvements to the frame and engine. This is destined to be a show piece in a collection or a museum display. It was one of two major american motorcycle manufacturers to survive the great depression, along with indian. Harley davidson wla for sale in uk view 52 bargains. In recent years several books have been published about the 42wla model and various general harley davidson related books have photos and information about the wla. In total 38 types, including of course wla for the 42wla alone 7 flavors are distinguished and wlc, but also xa, the big twins and others. The harleydavidson wla is a harleydavidson motorcycle that was produced to us army specifications in the years during and around world war ii. Wlc was a close wla variant made for the canadian army.
How to find out what year a harley davidson motor is. 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. Engine casting date code is a5 january 1945 transmission casting date code is a5 january 1945. Harleydavidson except in very early models gives a letter designation for each model family. Universal motorcycle scooter throw over lextek luggage panniers 50l top value. Powered by the 45 cid flathead, side valve engine rated by harley at 23 horsepower there is more than enough power to get this 562 pound motorcycle moving in a hurry. The united states army was buying some harley motorcycles in 1940, a military version featuring the companys 45. Harleydavidsons first flathead vtwin appeared in 1929 as the model d. Frank built this wla bobber bike around 2004 and has done about miles since then. This may have been in recognition of the use of the continued use of the same specification.
Harley davidson wla, harley davidson motorcycles, biker clubs, motorcycle clubs, harley davison, good times roll, custom bikes, custom choppers. There s even an aircooled vtwin motor and kick start pedal. Check out the front mounted rifle holder and ammo box. Inspect the protective leg shields and rear saddle bags. Sometimes wlas appear in motorcycle magazines, so a visit to the book shop from. Comprehensive vintage motorcycle price guide 20202021. But the decade the engine was made will determine where the year is located. The 1941 harleydavidson wla was produced in great numbers for the us army from the start of world. What is the value of a 1942 harley davidson wla answers. Hidden within a harleys engine vin will be the year that engine was made. Motorcycle parts for 1942 harleydavidson wla for sale ebay. Recent work in the last year includes fully rebuilt engine.
Motorcycle, solo harleydavidson model wla technical manual. Harley davidson classic cars wla for sale car and classic. It was based on an existing civilian model, the wl, and is of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45cubicinch 740 cm 3. Harleydavidson didnt make a 45 until 1929, and its model d was an attempt to regain the market share it had lost to the popular indian 101 scout and excelsior super x 750cc sidevalve vtwins. The w series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45cubicinch 740 cm3 flathead motor, and was developed from the earlier r family 19321936. We sell nos and repro parts to rebuild your classic to near original condition. Harleydavidsons book value per share for the quarter that ended in mar. During the past 12 months, harley davidsons average book value per share growth rate was 1. During the years 19401945, nearly all harley davidson motorcycle production was for military use. This 1942 harley davidson wla is a classic american military motorcycle.
The complete book of police and military motorcycles. In this category you find the motorcycles currently for sale at 45 flathead service. The flathead bobbers website is dedicated to all bobbers, choppers, oldschool motorcycles and custom bikes powered by one of the many versions of the classic harley flathead engine while technically speaking a bobber is a stock motorcycle with all parts removed that do not contribute to speed, you will note that most of those. I got this bike about two years ago from a noted vintage bike builder that completely rebuilt the motor, cases were split and the bottom end trued and. Wlas produced after pearl harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. There is something about getting the one step closer to the reliving of those days, though you know youll never actually be able to do so. Provider of parts for classic 45 wl, wla, wlc, wld, wr and servicar. Most photos taken august 26, 2007, in both the sunshine, and in the shade. It was an adaptation of an existing civilian model, the wl, the 45 solo type, having a 45cubicinch 740 cm3 engine displacement and singlerider design. It was based on an existing civilian model, the wl, and is of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45cubicinch 740 cm 3 engine displacement and singlerider design. Founded in 1903, harleydavidson is an american motorcycle manufacturer that specializes in heavyweight motorcycles designed for highway cruising. The wla designation was, w indicating 45ci flathead, l signifying high compression, and a for army use.
732 1134 184 178 1177 612 121 11 197 1352 163 1394 824 954 454 851 122 383 1252 832 105 114 122 1259 976 483 842 1267 227 1339 1409 652