1942 Harley WLA WWII Motorcycle

This bike was a lend lease bike that was brought back from Europe.   When I purchased this bike I searched all over for the best least restored bike that was available.

Overall this bike is very nice and in running order. it is fun to ride and I have probably ridden it 50 miles in the last 2 years.   It resides in my climate controlled office in a common area and is my pride and joy.   I purchased it in memory of my grandfather who rode a similar WLA in WWII.

Due to business and health reasons I must let it go to a new home.   Trust me I do not want to sell it.

So here is the story from the seller (he used a broker and I never met him).   It was in a group lend lease bikes that was reimported from Russia. the stars are vinyl and have been stuck on because the previous owner used it in WWII reenactments and it was used in some video productions.   I understand bikes well. I am not a WLA expert but the curator from the National Motorcycle Museum looked at it and he agrees with my assumptions.   The previous owner was a Dentist and was selling it due to a divorce.

Positives:

For the most part it is an unmolested nearly original bike that is over 70 years old.   Obviously the tires and some wear and tear items are not factory. Work that I have had done has been done with NOS parts. I had a brake cable snap ad some minor tune up parts.   The bike starts with a kick or two after being primed.

Wiring shows all the age of original and works for the most part. I do not think the engine has ever been removed. oil lines appear to be stock. tranny. skid plate and frame seem unmolested.   I think the frame. forks and key items have never been touched. painted or restored.

Leather appears to be original and I was told that the light colored seat is original and there were some models like this made.

Negatives or Non original items:

Battery is a sealed type. it is better in my opinion because it does not leak.

Visor is broke on the front light (I have a spare. I never installed it)

Brakes suck. however I have not taken it apart to service. I think they are glazed or have some grease in there. it stops but you need to be cautious.

I believe the primary cover has been removed and had some dent repair done at one point and the tool box I think was replaced with a spare (the paint has peeled some and the primer does not look original). The rims have been repainted and the spoke nibbles are not parkerized and just painted OD. the rims are pitted and seem original. I expect that from bike of this vintage. Work on these items looks old. I have every reason to believe that for the most part this bike has never been restored. just maintained to riding condition.   There are so many variables with these bikes I almost do not believe some of the restoration data because the Military and other military's modified and maintained these bikes.

I have the mirror in the saddle bag. it is removed so no one runs into it in my office and the bike looks better without it.

Mileage is really unknown the spedo is nonfunctional but I believe the bike has low miles. it runs good and is too nice to have been ridden much.

I was unable to acquire any of the import data or other information on it. Since it does not have these details. a book of documentation and clear pedigree and I cannot guarantee the story stated to me. I can tell you I have seen many of these bikes and this is one of the most original running rideable bikes I have ever seen.

My business is designing vehicular parts and I have worked on projects as an engineer for Harley. Buell and the latest Indian bikes.   I would consider myself in the powersports business and understand bikes well.

I have an Iowa title. the bike was previously titled in Minnesota. I actually picked the bike up from the broker in Michigan.

Any questions please e-mail me I will call you back as soon as I can. /p>

Also published at eBay.com