Point d’intérêt
Harley-Davidson 42 WLA
A military motorcycle used for messages, convoy control and police duties.
Langue du contenu
The Harley-Davidson 42 WLA represents military motorcycles in the Gdynia museum. The WLA family was developed from civilian motorcycles adapted to army requirements. Military equipment included saddlebags, ammunition boxes and a mount for a weapon scabbard.
Its principal role was fast transport. WLAs were used by messengers and military police, for reconnaissance and to control convoy traffic. They were not designed for direct combat, and limited ground clearance restricted their ability on difficult terrain. Messengers carried information between units, while convoy duties required riders to move efficiently along roads.
The WLA was powered by a 45-cubic-inch V-twin engine paired with a three-speed gearbox. It was a side-valve engine, commonly called a flathead. This means the valves were positioned alongside the cylinders, unlike engines with valves in the cylinder head.
Pour les enfants
The Harley-Davidson 42 WLA was prepared for military use. It was based on a civilian design, with extra equipment such as saddlebags for carrying supplies. Its main purpose was transport rather than direct fighting.
Messengers rode motorcycles like this to carry information. Military police used them too, and riders helped control columns of vehicles. Low ground clearance, the space between the ground and the bottom of the machine, made very rough terrain difficult. The engine had two cylinders arranged in a V and a capacity of 45 cubic inches. Its gearbox offered three speeds. These details describe the WLA family and its uses.
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