Harley-Davidson WLA
During World War II, both the Allies and the Axis nations used thousands of motorcycles. Although the advent of the Jeep significantly reduced the role of the motorcycle in U.S. military strategy, both Harley-Davidson and Indian produced numerous models of motorcycles for military use.
Harley-Davidson had built motorcycles for the military since World War I, and the famed World War II-era WLA was simply the latest in a long series of government sales. Today, it is the Harley-Davidson WLA that most often comes to mind when the term “Army motorcycle” is heard.
These bikes were based on Harley’s civilian model WL, modified with the addition of military items. The 42-WLA is what most collectors are referring to when they say “WLA.”
The powerplant, the classic 45 cubic-inch Harley-Davidson 45-degree V-twin, could push the bike
