Last updated on August 12, 2021
Today bike is a WWII Harley-Davidson. It is finished in Olive Drab with brown leather trim accessories. This was sent to me from Peter Bashaw in Australia. While Peter is not a professed bike specialist he knows a rare find for sale when he see one. As Peter would call himself a photographic observer in Australia. It has a $30,000.00 AU asking price which equates to $22,199.86 US.
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. It was based on an existing civilian model, the WL, and is the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) engine displacement and a single-rider design. The engine: 45.12 cu in (739.4 cc) has a top speed: 65 mph.
Harley-Davidson produced about 70.000 WLA and WLC military motorcycles for the US Army and their Allies during WW2. WLCs were mainly used by the Canadian (and Commonwealth) Armies, thus a correctly restored WLC should not have US Army markings. The key difference is in the wheel size, WLA used a 20″ front and 16″ rear, but the WLC had 16″ wheels front and rear. Another difference is the location of a toolbox on the front fender, headlight above the horn so it would shine over the toolbox. WLC should not have US Army markings.
So what I found interesting is that the side car is on the left side as it should be for the Common Wealth Army. But, the tool box, headlight and horn position are not correct according to what I read and looks more like a WLA style.
Anyways it looks pretty complete and has the rare moniker nailed. If it is a true WLC it is very rare. Thanks Peter for your great pictures and a rare find. Thanks for riding along. Frank
