Type: Motorcycle, Solo Government Number: XXX Model: WLA Manufacturer: Harley Davidson Date of Delivery: February 1942 Serial Number: 10985 Registration Number: Unknown |
This 1942 Harley Davidson WLA Type II Solo Motorcycle was produced under Army contract W-398-QM-10530. Between December 10th 1941 and February 15th 1942 Harley Davidson produced 6,650 Motorcycles between the serial number range 42XXX7001 and 42XXX13650. During this production cycle 3,884 Army WLA Model motorcycles were produced. The remaining production consisted of WLC (Canadian Military), non-military G Model Servi-Cars and WL Model civilian sport motorcycles. Two additional contracts were ordered during this production run: 430 WLA Motorcycles for Defense Aid (the forerunner to Lend Lease) contract DA-W-398-QM-185 to Brazil and 400 Motorcycles under contract DA-W-398-QM-221 to China. DA-W-398-QM-185 was not delivered. Army contract W-398-QM-10530 was assigned the Army Registration Number range W611204 through W614257. The cost of each Army WLA motorcycle was $394.61 |
This 1942 Harley Davidson WLA Type II Solo Motorcycle was purchased after World War Two and painted black. Many non-military accessories were added. The eagle on the front fender, air filter, gas tank badges and horn/head are not correct. |
Left Side of WLA 10985 showing the engine and post-war air cleaner assembly. |
Left Side of the engine case showing the serial number stamped 42WLA10985, above left photo. |
Rear of WLA 10985, above left photo. The tail light and bracket were added after WWII. WLA 10985 instrument cluster showing the speedometer and ignition switch, above right photo. |
Right side of WLA 10985. |
New old stock WLA tail light bracket, above left photo. Replica Army Registration Plate, above right photo. This 1942 Harley Davidson Type II serial number 10985 was ordered under Army contract W-398-QM-10530 which was assigned the Army Registration Number range W611204 through W614257. This replica registration or license plate is marked with the number W-613891 which is within the correct range for this motorcycle, but may be a little bit late in sequence for this exact WLA. The exact registration number for this WLA is not currently known. |