Existing comment:
WLA-42 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Production of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle WLA series of motorcycles was begun in 1939, in response to a request from the British Army. By 1940, the American Army began purchases of the WLA for use in reconnaissance and messenger services, as well as military police duties. The WLA-42 was a modification of the original WLA-39 design, adding changes required by the American Army. In all, over 88,000 WLA series motorcycles were made during the Second World War.
The WLA-42 is powered by a 740cc V-type engine, which develops 23 horsepower, and is capable of speeds of over 60 mph. Heavier than many foreign motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson WLA weighs in at 535 pounds. Although very reliable, the WLA-42 saw only limited combat use with the US Army, being mostly replaced by the more useful Jeep. |