1942 harley-davidson wla liberator army motorcycle patches

Vintage bikes vintage motorcycles bike with sidecar harley davidson trike motorcycle manufacturers harley bikes hot bikes riding gear autos. Harleydavidson began producing limited numbers of the wla for the us army in 1940. The harleydavidson wla or liberator was produced to us army specifications in the years during and around world war ii. After armistice is signed, corporal roy holtz becomes the first american soldier to enter germany. This was part 370242m since it was designed or approved in 1942. History of motorcycles in the military thrillist harley davidson wla, harley davidson engines. Harleydavidson the 42xa with opposed cylinder engine. Andys 1942 wla flathead engine has the left foot clutch and left hand tank shift, all in the good old harley davidson tradition. Complete with three handcharge gearbox transmission. Cold weather inner helmet liner as used by us army motorcycle riders.

Harley davidson wla 1942 harley 45 for sale byford, wa. A complete and original tool set and spare parts pouch are the ultimate accessories to any restored wla. Harley davidso n 45 wla liberator riders training 4 fort knox 1942 motorcycle. Wwii harley davidson wla, vintage harley davidson, harley davidson motorcycles. The harleydavidson wla is a harleydavidson motorcycle that was produced to us army specifications in the years during and around world war ii. Willys mb gpw harley davidson 1942 wla army tail light blackout 6v ww2. If it looks a little familiar to you, thats because youve probably seen it a few times before, but with a different badge on the fuel tank. The united states army was buying some harley motorcycles in 1940, a military version featuring the companys 45. 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. We see a soldier with his harleydavidson 45 wla liberator model making an almost impossible descent. Army demanded short, mediumsize bikes with ample ground clearance, so harley davidson had to abandon for a time its long, heavy big twins. The wla emerged after a 1939 request by the army for a motorcycle better.

Most photos taken august 26, 2007, in both the sunshine, and in the shade. The harleydavidson wla is one of the most important models ever made by the milwaukeebased motorcycle manufacturer, it saw a production run of over 90,000 units during the second world war and earned itself the nickname the liberator during the latter part of the war, when allied forces were chasing the german armed forces back across europe the wla would often be the first allied. The wla whose name under harleydavidsons arcane designation. Now, the legend returns in a precisionengineered model so exact you can almost hear the roar of its vtwin engine. Based on the wl w a model line of bikes, l high compression, a army, this bike helped create a dramatic rise in harleys. Captain america rides a 1942 harley davidson wla liberator.

This may have been in recognition of the use of the continued use of the same specification. These bikes were tough and dependable, and were used for solo escort, dispatch and police duties. Based on the wl w a model line of bikes, l high compression, a army. Thus, wartime machines would come to be known as 42wla s. Jul 14, 2016 harley davidson wla 1942 harley 45 for sale byford, wa, australia. The wla is geared up with a 45 cubic inch vtwin engine. Nevertheless, the wla acquired the nickname liberator, since it was seen ridden by soldiers liberating occupied europe. All objects are properly named for their easy identification. And this 1942 harley wla, which we spotted on the mecum auctions site, is a fantastic example of the breed. Made to united states army specifications it is sometimes known as the liberator or the motorcycle that won the war. Wlas produced after pearl harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. Used for police and escort, courier duties and some scouting. History of the 19411945 harleydavidson wla xa with the second world war well under way and with the american entry into the hostilities at the end of 1941, the u.

Taking a short ride on my 1942 harleydavidson wla with my old friend cary on fathers day 2017. Get the best deals on motorcycle parts for 1942 harleydavidson wla when you shop the largest online selection at. I think the paint loss is from moving the bike and storage as it does not appear to have been. See more ideas about harley davidson, motorcycle and vintage motorcycles. Army between december 10, 1941, and february 15, 1942. The motor company also worked with marvel studios to recreate additional parts, such as an ammunition box and leather gun scabbard, to ensure the motorcycles looked as authentic as possible. Nicknamed liberator since it was ridden by soldiers liberating occupied europe.

The 750cc 45ci vtwin liberator flathead has been professionally rebuilt. Of all the motorcycles harley produced for the military, the harleydavidson wla. 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. In 1939 the first wla prototype went from the harleydavidson factory to fort knox, kentucky for testing.

Military cutaway 1942 harleydavidson wla harley davidson. Harleydavidson 45 wla liberator riders training 4 fort. This motorcycle is a proven rider with an updated 12 volt electrical system and has many original components used in the restoration with a few aftermarket items such as sidecar tub, saddle bags, thompson rifle. 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. S ince no specific garments were designed for the us army motorcycle rider, a ww2 wla rider was issued the basic uniform and equipment worn by every us army serviceman. This 1942 harley davidson wla is a classic american military motorcycle. The harleydavidson wla is a harleydavidson motorcycle that was produced to us army. Find 1942 harley davidson motorcycles for sale on oodle classifieds. Find 1942 harley davidson classic motorcycles for sale on oodle classifieds.

Join millions of people using oodle to find unique used motorcycles, used roadbikes, used dirt bikes, scooters, and mopeds for sale. Unfortunately, this example isnt in running shape, but hopefully you wont mind because its a cutaway that was used to. Harleydavidson wla 1942 ww2 fully modeled in 3ds max 2010. Division united states on a motorcycle harley davidson wla liberator.

The harleydavidson wla was designed to be an exceptionally tough motorcycle for use in the second world war that could ford a stream up to 16 inches deep, carry 40 lbs of equipment, run on very low octane fuel, and remain reliable in environments ranging from the deserts of north africa, to the soviet russian tundra, to the jungles of the pacific theatre of war. Canadian soldiers, canadian army, canadian history, harley davidson wla. Harleydavidson wla liberator 1940 1451 1940 harleydavidson wla liberator. This is my first ever gopro video, and i used my home made chest mount. Find 1942 harley davidson from a vast selection of collectibles.

Just about the entire harleydavidson part inventory went to the military during the war which resulted in rationing parts for civilian use. Harley davidson news harley davidson bike pics motorcycle posters, motorcycle. The widely used nickname liberator apparently originated in belgium. The december 1942 issue of the harleydavidson enthusiast magazine featuring another 41wla on the cover. Motorcycle parts for 1942 harleydavidson wla for sale ebay. Two military policemen straddle their shiny motorcycles early in ww2. A superb and rare photo of the us army riders training centre at fort knox in the state of kentucky, usa, in 1942. On september 22nd, 1942, he was selected to be a special motorcycle escort to. The wla motorcycle was soon recognised as a sturdy and reliable vehicle and for their excellence in production, the harleydavidson motorcycle company received the army navy e award on may 12th, 1943. Wwii pictures on harley davidson wla, harley davidson.

Theres just something special about the combination of military might and harleydavidson grit. Of all the motorcycles harley produced for the military, the harleydavidson wla was by far the most common though that doesnt mean its easy to find nowadays. The harley davidson motorcycle company started selling bikes in 1904 and, by 1920, it had become the largest motorcycle company in the world. Us army technical manuals including the fort knox motorcycle mechanic handbook and. My liberator harleydavidson 42wla31854 dod early 1943. Motorcycle bullet turn signals tail lights for harley cafe racer bobber chopper. As was common with many of the military motorcycles after world war ii, this one was sold for civilian use. View the best 1942 harley davidson wla wla motorcycle pictures uploaded by users all over the world. Nice and wellrun hd totally renovated and only used for exhibition show has won 1 prizes and been in magazines renovated with the old original bits, new chrome and paint danish papers matching numbers. During ww2 harley davidson produced nearly 90 000 motorcycles for military use. It was easy to tune and maintain, and in the wla military version the a standing for army, gained the affection of tens of thousands of riders in very rough use during world war ii along with the nickname the liberator. The soldiers of the us army were trained into perfection how to use their wla s in a variety of extremely hard conditions. Royal canadian artillery patches canadian horse, canadian army, support our.

By the end of the war, nearly 88,000 of the wla and wlcs were built, and they ended their careers almost everywhere, gaining the nickname of liberator. The horn has the early cover with harleydavidson logo. Fast and durable, this solid motorcycle carried allied soldiers on countless campaigns. He wears the tan cotton service uniform with 4th service command patch on his shoulder. Affectionately known as the liberator, harleydavidsons wla is one of the most famous military motorcycles of all time. Original restored matching numbers wwii 1943 series iv military wla harleydavidson motorcycle for sale auction may end at any time, unannounced, without prior notice. Harleydavidson joined the war effort and rolled over europe with the powerful wla motorcycle. See pictures of these classic world war ii military bikes. Civil defence grey 19421946 from a 1945 sample john pierce colorwrite paint for and how to paint antique and vintage motorcycle restorations. Unfollow harley davidson 1942 wla to stop getting updates on your ebay feed. These 45 cubic inch low compression engines of the wla army liberator motorcycles were designed for durability rather than speed. The motorcycle otherwise known as the liberator and the bike that won the war is perhaps even more popular today than ever. The harleydavidson xa was a motorcycle developed for use by the us military during wwii.

Military cutaway 1942 harleydavidson wla bikeurious. A young officer poses on a wla motorcycle during training at the armored force school at fort knox, kentucky, early in the war. Harley davidson classic cars wla for sale car and classic. Harley davidson liberator military motorcycle with goulding sidecar. This 1942 harleydavidson wla type ii is the standard 45 ci model built for the u. Government placed orders with harleydavidson for a stout military motorcycle, and the 45 cubic inch sidevalve vtwin wl model was selected. Harleydavidson 45 wla liberator riders training australia.