'The Liberator' helped troops defeat the Nazis

The Harley-Davidson WLA is known as the "motorcycle that won the war."

Also known as "The Liberator," a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA is proudly displayed among other military motorcycles at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. The motorcycle was made to U.S. Army specifications for service in World War II.

Beginning with the World War I, motorcycles have played a vital role in international conflicts. As with many industries in wartime, American motorcycle manufacturers ceased production of civilian models and switched over to serve the War Department during World War II, making products designed for military use.

After testing at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Harley-Davidson began producing limited numbers of the WLA for the army in 1940. Based on the then current WL model, the motorcycle was powered by a 45-cubic-inch (738 cubic centimeter) flathead, solo-seat V-twin engine. The suffix "A" was added to the model name to denote "Army."

Standard equipment on most WLAs included a windshield with lower apron, leg shields, special blackout lighting, leather saddlebags, a skid plate, luggage carrier, safety bars, ammunition box, an oil bath air cleaner and a left rearview mirror. If needed, the machine gun scabbard was added after the motorcycle went into service.

Its fenders were more open to clear mud. Forks were about 2.5-inches longer than regular production models to offer additional ground clearance.

More than 88,000 WLAs were built to go into battle before peace was struck. Some 30,000 units were sent to Russia on a Lend-Lease Program. Production restarted for the Korean War in 1949, finishing again in 1952.

Most WLAs produced after the bombing of Pearl Harbor were serial numbered as 1942, no matter what their actual year of production. Thus this bike is dated as 1942, but unlike other Harleys, this does not necessarily mean it was made in 1942 because this "42" prefix was on all WLAs. Not all WLAs were put into use and for many years after the war they were sold as government surplus.

Harley's 45-cubic-inch flathead V-twin was reliable. It could easily run on 74-octane fuel, hence its suitability for war zone police, escort, courier and radio duties. Although some WLAs were equipped with a Thompson machine gun scabbard, these wartime motorcycles were primarily used for courier service rather than as a battlefront fighting machine.

Few WLAs remain in original shape, though some have been carefully restored. Many were bought by returning GIs and "civilianized," with some fueling the postwar bobber and chopper cult. Its 2.5-inch longer forks were a suitable feature for this customization.

1942 Harley-Davidson WLA specifications

Engine: 45-degree V-Twin

Type: Air-cooled, side valve

Compression ratio: 5:1

Bore and stroke: 2.745 by 3.8125

Displacement: 739 cubic centimeters, 45.12 cubic inches

Carburetion: Linkert

Ignition: Battery, coil and points

Horsepower: 23.5, rated

Primary: Chain

Transmission: Three-speed

Final drive: Chain

Frame: Steel, single down tube

Suspension: Leading link "springer" fork, rigid rear, sprung seat

Brakes: Drum, front and rear

Wheelbase: 57.5 inches

Dry weight: 576 pounds

Top speed: 65 mph