Harley-Davidson 45 WLA Liberator riders training Australia 1940s motorcycle

Description

A superb and rare photo of the Australian training centre in the
1940s
. We see soldiers with his
Harley-Davidson 45 WLA Liberator
models.
The bikes were smartly made in this aspect, for example using the huge and strong bottom engine protection cover as a very effective skid plate over rough terrain. They could plow themselves through terrain where other motorcycles simply got stuck.
The WLA is proudly nicknamed “Liberator’ as many US Army bike-riding soldiers rode the WLA during the WWII campaigns in
Europe
.
The
Harley-Davidson WLA
or
Liberator
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 of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45 cubic inches (740 cc) engine and single-rider design. The same engine, in a slightly lower state of tune, also powered the three-wheeled Servi-Car (the "G" family), leading to the "solo" distinction. The model number breaks down as follows:
* W : the W family of motorcycles. Harley Davidson (except in very early models) gives a letter designation for each model family. The W series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45 cubic inches (740 cc) flathead motor, and was developed from the earlier R family 1932-1936.
* L : "high compression", in the usual HD scheme. The "low compression" W model was only briefly available.
* A : Army.
The company would also produce a model to the slightly different specifications of the Canadian Army, which would be named the
WLC
. The WLCs differed from WLAs chiefly in the use of some heavier components, usually Big Twin parts, as well as Canadian blackout lighting.
Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA in small numbers in 1940, as part of a general military expansion. 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 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. Unusually, all the WLAs produced after
Pearl Harbor
, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. Thus, war-time machines would come to be known as 42WLAs. This may have been in recognition of the use of the continued use of the same specification. Most WLCs were produced in 1943, and are marked 43
WLC
. 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. Frames and many other parts were not tagged with the serial number, and cannot generally be dated. (This is common prior to adoption of the VIN.) Many WLAs would be shipped to allies under the Lend-Lease program. The largest recipient was the
Soviet Union
, which was sold over 30,000 WLAs. Production of the WLA would cease after the war, but would be revived for the Korean War during the years 1949-1952. Most WLAs in western hands after the war would be sold as surplus and "civilianized"; the many motorcycles available at very low cost would lead to the rise of the chopper and other modified motorcycle styles, as well as the surrounding biker culture. Many a young soldier would come home hoping to get a Harley-Davidson like he saw or rode in the service, leading to the post-war popularity of both the motorcycle and the company in general. However, this also ensured that few nearly-original WLAs would survive in the
US
or even
Western Europe
. A significant number of WLAs were left in the
Soviet Union
, and either stored or put in private hands. With little access to parts and no chopper culture, and no export path to the West, many of those WLAs were preserved during the Cold War.
Russia
and other former Soviet countries are now a major source of WLAs and parts.
We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of various Harley Davidson and other (racing) machines. Please check out our auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! The auction selection is refreshed and changed continuously.
It is a superb and rare non period photo, and this is your rare chance to own it! It reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling history in a great way! The size is perfectly suited for framing as it is large: ca. 8 x 10” (ca. 20 cm x 26 cm).
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