Istorie
The Harley-Davidson WLA (WL Army) is a motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications in the years during and around World War II. These bikes were nicknamed 'Liberators' in Europe since they were ridden by troops liberating their towns and countries from German occupation.
Full description
The Harley-Davidson WLA (WL Army) is a 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 (737 cm3) engine displacement and single-rider design. Harley-Davidson would also produce a close WLA variant for the Canadian Army called the WLC and would also supply smaller numbers to the UK, South Africa, and other allies, as well as filling orders for different models from the Navy and Marine Corps.
Harley-Davidson produced about 70.000 WLA and WLC military motorcycles during WW2. Spare parts for an additional 30.000 bikes were also produced.
These bikes were nicknamed 'Liberators' in Europe since they were ridden by troops liberating their towns and countries from German occupation. One of Belgium's most remembered 'Liberators' is commemorated every year in the Belgian town of Peruwelz where James Carroll of the 628th Tank Destroyer was the first GI to enter the village on 3rd September 1944 after 4 long years of German occupation.
The WLA was very similar to civilian models, specifically the WL. Among the changes making it a military model: painted surfaces were generally painted olive drab or black and chrome- or nickel-plated parts were generally blued or parkerized or painted white and some parts were left as unfinished aluminum. However, Harley-Davidson was apparently very practical in its use of existing parts and processes, and many finishes remained in their bright civilian versions for a time, and, in some cases, for the whole production run. In order to reduce nighttime visibility, WLAs were fitted with a second set of blackout head and tail lights. Also, to reduce mud clogging, the sides of the standard fenders were removed. Thw WLA also had a heavy-duty luggage rack (for radios), ammo box, leather Thompson submachine gun scabbard, skid plate, leg protectors, and removable windshield.
This motorcycle was completely restored at Tiriac Collection.
It has covered 534 miles (approx. 860 km).
