Most came with at least these accessories less the windshield or leg protectors.
Many WLAs would be shipped to allies under the Lend-Lease program. This is common prior to adoption of the vehicle identification number (VIN). Frames and many other parts were not tagged with the serial number, and cannot generally be dated. The precise serial number, as well as casting marks, can be used to date a specific motor accurately, and some other parts bear year and month stamps. Most WLCs were produced in 1943, and are marked 43WLC. This may have been in recognition of the continued use of the same specification. Thus, war-time machines would come to be known as 42WLAs.
#HARLEY TRANSMISSION SERIAL NUMBERS SERIAL NUMBERS#
Unusually, all the WLAs produced after Pearl Harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. 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. The later entry of the United States into World War II saw significantly increased production, with over 90,000 being produced during the war (along with spare parts the equivalent of many more). Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA in small numbers in 1940, as part of a general military expansion. The WLCs differed from WLAs chiefly in the use of some heavier components, usually Big Twin parts, as well as Canadian blackout lighting. The company would also produce a model to the slightly different specifications of the Canadian Army, which would be named the WLC. The "low compression" W model was only briefly available.
#HARLEY TRANSMISSION SERIAL NUMBERS SERIES#
The W series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45-cubic-inch (740 cm 3) flathead motor, and was developed from the earlier R family 1932–1936. Harley-Davidson (except in very early models) gives a letter designation for each model family. 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 cm 3) engine displacement and single-rider design. 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. A Harley-Davidson 42WLA on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.Ģ.75 in × 3.8125 in (69.85 mm × 96.84 mm)Ħ V battery and coil with circuit breaker (timer)