Harley-Davidson in World War II: The Motorcycles That Helped Win the War
If you close your eyes and imagine World War II, you might picture roaring tanks, thunderous aircraft, and endless columns of soldiers marching into battle. But what you might not immediately think of are motorcycles—specifically, Harley-Davidsons, tearing through mud, dodging artillery fire, and delivering messages across battlefields.
Harley-Davidson wasn’t just a motorcycle manufacturer during World War II—it was a key player in the war effort, producing thousands of rugged, battlefield-ready machines that saw action in every theater of combat. From the legendary WLA to experimental shaft-driven prototypes, Harley’s wartime contributions cemented its place not only in motorcycle history but in military history as well.
So, let’s fire up the engine, shift into gear, and ride into one of the most fascinating chapters of Harley-Davidson’s past.
The Call to Arms: Harley-Davidson Goes to War
When the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, the country needed everything it could get—guns, tanks, planes, and yes, motorcycles. The military had already seen the advantages of motorcycles in World War I, where they were used for messenger duties, reconnaissance, and escort missions.
Harley-Davidson had been a trusted supplier to the military before, but WWII saw the company step up production to an unprecedented level. With civilian motorcycle manufacturing put on hold for the war effort, Harley dedicated almost all of its resources to military contracts.
The result? Over 90,000 motorcycles built for the U.S. and Allied forces, most of them the now-iconic Harley-Davidson WLA.
The Harley-Davidson WLA: The “Liberator”
The Harley-Davidson WLA was the backbone of the military’s two-wheeled fleet. It was affectionately nicknamed the "Liberator" because of its widespread use in Europe during the liberation of Nazi-occupied territories.
What Made the WLA Special?
✅ 745cc Side-Valve V-Twin Engine – The WLA wasn't built for speed but for durability and reliability in the toughest conditions.
✅ High-Mounted Air Intake – Designed for river crossings and muddy battlefields, the air intake was placed high on the bike to prevent clogging.
✅ Protective Leg Shields & Skid Plates – Keeping mud, dirt, and shrapnel from damaging critical components.
✅ Solo Saddle & Heavy-Duty Suspension – Built for long hours in the saddle, the WLA could handle rough terrain while keeping the rider (somewhat) comfortable.
✅ Blackout Lights – Specially designed to reduce visibility during nighttime operations.
✅ Leather Rifle Scabbard – Mounted on the front fork, perfect for carrying a Thompson submachine gun or M1 carbine.
The WLA wasn’t a luxury machine—it was built to endure war zones. With reinforced fenders, thick tires, and a frame designed to take a beating, it became the workhorse of the military’s motorcycle corps.
Harley-Davidson’s Role Beyond the WLA
While the WLA was Harley’s most famous war motorcycle, it wasn’t the only one.
Harley XA: America’s Shaft-Driven Experiment
The U.S. Army needed a motorcycle that could handle the same kind of rough terrain that the German BMW R75 could. So, Harley developed the XA, an opposed-twin, shaft-driven motorcycle unlike anything Harley had built before.
✔️ 750cc Flat-Twin Engine (similar to BMW’s design).
✔️ Shaft Drive Instead of a Chain (for lower maintenance in the desert).
✔️ Lower-Heat Engine (perfect for the North African campaign).
Only about 1,000 XAs were built, and they were never mass-produced since the Army ultimately preferred jeeps over motorcycles for reconnaissance. But the XA remains a fascinating "what-if" in Harley’s history—a glimpse at what the brand could have been if it had pursued shaft-driven models.
Motorcycles on the Battlefield: What Were They Used For?
You might be wondering—what exactly did the military do with these motorcycles?
✔️ Messenger & Dispatch Riders – Before radios were common, motorcycles were the fastest way to deliver critical information.
✔️ Reconnaissance Missions – Scouts used motorcycles to gather intelligence and report enemy positions.
✔️ Military Police Escorts – WLAs were heavily used by military police to control traffic, escort convoys, and maintain order.
✔️ Frontline Support – Some riders even took their Harleys into combat zones, carrying supplies, medical equipment, or acting as couriers under fire.
Motorcycles weren’t just tools—they were lifelines on two wheels, connecting soldiers and providing mobility where trucks and jeeps couldn’t go.
Harley’s Lasting Impact on Military Motorcycles
By the end of World War II, Harley-Davidson had cemented itself as the go-to American military motorcycle brand. While motorcycles were gradually phased out in favor of all-terrain vehicles like jeeps, the legacy of the WLA lived on.
✔️ After the war, thousands of surplus WLAs were sold to civilians, leading to one of the biggest booms in motorcycle culture. Many of these bikes were chopped, customized, and became the first bobbers and choppers of the postwar era.
✔️ The WLA’s rugged DNA influenced later Harley models, proving that motorcycles weren’t just recreational—they could be built for survival and endurance.
✔️ Harley’s reputation as a "tough, American-made machine" was solidified, carrying through into later decades with bikes like the Panhead, Shovelhead, and beyond.
Own a Piece of Harley’s Military Legacy
Even today, vintage WLAs are some of the most sought-after collector’s motorcycles. If you own one (or dream of it), keeping it roadworthy is part of honoring its history. CycleVisions offers parts, accessories, and everything you need to restore or customize your Harley—whether it’s a WWII-era machine or a modern cruiser that carries the same rebellious spirit.
Final Thoughts: A War Machine Turned Cultural Icon
Harley-Davidson’s contribution to World War II wasn’t just about making motorcycles—it was about mobility, resilience, and the spirit of the open road. The WLA became a symbol of freedom, not just on the battlefield but in the postwar world of motorcycling.
From the muddy trenches of Europe to the streets of postwar America, these machines carried soldiers, messages, and a whole lot of history.
And if there’s one thing that remains true today, it’s this: a Harley isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a legend on two wheels.