Harley Davidson WLA Military Motorcycle
The Harley Davidson Model 50 WLA solo motorcycle provided the U.S. Army with fast, flexible transportation for reconnaissance, messenger service, police operations, and convoy control.
The military WLA was based on the H-D WLD civilian model. Changes included olive drab paint, blued or parkerized metal parts, blackout lights, ammunition boxes, cargo rack, a bracket for a submachine gun scabbard [mounted left and right of the front tire], modified fenders, military style windshield, and saddlebags [straddled over the rear tire]. Metal leg shields were authorized for winter use. An oil bath air cleaner and modified crankcase air breather adapted the WLA to field conditions and fording requirements.
| Engine | 45 cid flat-head, side-valve |
| Transmission | 3 fwd |
| Power transfer | Chain drive |
| Fuel capacity | 3.375 gal |
| Cruising range | 120 mi |
| Max speed | 65 mph |
| Brakes | Drum actuated by cable/lever |
| Fording depth | 16 in |
| Net weight | 562 lbs |
1941 War Department Photo of Harley Davidson WLA.
War Department Photo of Harley Davidson WLA with sidecar.
Harley Davidson WLA motorcycle, 45 cu. in. engine.
Owner: Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles
Photo: Courtesy of Bill Jeffers
1941/1942 Harley Davidson WLA motorcycle, 45 cu. in. engine.
Photo: Courtesy of Jan Smith
Harley Davidson WLA motorcycle.
Photo: Courtesy of Joe Bennett. Rider is Private Joseph L. Bennett, at Fort Lewis, WA, late in 1942. On September 22, 1942, he was selected to be a special motorcycle escort to President F. D. Roosevelt when the President visited Fort Lewis. He later became a Second Lieutenant and was awarded a Bronze Star.
