1941 Harley-Davidson WLD is Brand New Again

Rare Bird

In 1941, this stunning 'Flight Red' WLD Sport Solo was already a rare motorcycle. By December of that year, America went to war, and Harley-Davidson shifted its production focus to the WLA — the W-series military version. In fact, between 1941 and 1946, there were no new model offerings from the Motor Company due to wartime demands.

EL Genes

Sandwiched between a decade of economic hardship and the start of WW2, the 1941 WLD was a sort of last 'high-compression' hurrah. Introduced in 1937, the W-series was a modern update that replaced the R-series. Mechanical advancements were accompanied by good looks as the W-series mimicked the elegant design of Knucklehead EL — released the previous year.

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Trusted Mill

Powering the W-series was the updated, but time-tested, side-valve 45 cubic-inch Flathead. Also known as the 45, the motor was introduced with the 1929 DL Model, and was used again in the 1932 RL Model. One of the most notable changes for the 1937 W-series debut was a dry-sump recirculating oil system and centrifugally-controlled oil pump that replaced the previous total-loss system.

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Cool Heads

The 45 Flathead motor was reliable, easy to maintain, and ran well on low-octane gasoline. Offered in four formats, the W-series could be purchased as the standard-compression W, the high-compression WL, the WLD sport model, and the WR factory racer. The WLD Sport Solo shown here features aluminum cylinder heads for better cooling and a Linkert carburetor.

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Get in Gear

Tank-gate shifting was standard for most motorcycles of the day. The 45 Flathead's 25-horsepower output was coupled to a three-speed gear box with a duplex chain primary, via an improved dry multi-disc clutch. The clutch was actuated through a rocker-style foot pedal. Shifters could be ordered on either the right or left-side of the tank, and remained a factory option on Big Twins up until 1973.

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Factory Style

The 1941 WLD was offered with a range of optional factory extras. Accessorized on this Sport Solo are the chrome gas tank and fender trim, a front fender guide light, and a rubber mudguard. Often overlooked, upgrades were made to the speedometer in 1941. The white pointer received triangular sides that better caught the light, and the bezel covering the dial was made slightly convex for optimal viewing.

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Safety Upgrades

Upgraded to sixteen inches for better handling in 1940, the Sport Solo's front and rear wheels were interchangeable. The 1941 W-series also featured a number of brake improvements. The braking area in the drums was increased by almost half, which helped with heat dispersion. For increased leverage, the hand brake lever was lengthened. Along with the bracket, the brake lever was recast in aluminum, making it stronger.

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Bygone Era

The wartime WLA entrenched Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the psyche of many servicemen. After WW2, many surplus WLAs were converted to civilian livery by those seeking a bit of adventure. Unique as the converts are, this 1941 Sport Solo is something of a pristine time-capsule. It points to a moment of fun and abandonment right before the world was irrevocably changed through conflict.

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