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1943 Harley-Davidson WLC Motorcycle

Date1943
Dimensions221 x 88.9 x 101.6 cm (87 x 35 x 40 in)
244.9 kg (540 lb)
Object numberR.2018.001.0016
CollectionReynolds-Alberta Museum Collection
Description

Engine: V-twin, four-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement: 739.4 cc (45.12 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 70 x 97 mm (2.75 x 3.81 in)
Power: 17.15 kW (23 hp)
Transmission: 3-forward, manual
Weight: 249 kg (549 lb)
Original Cost: C $514 (estimate)

The Harley-Davidson model WLC is similar to the Model WLA used by American forces, but is built to Canadian specifications, including interchangeable front and rear wheels.  The WLC was used in Canada and overseas, but was not preferred for combat theatres because of their weight and ground clearance.  This single seat version is a WLC Export model while the Domestic version had two seats.  

More Information

Chronology:

1903 - William A. Davidson, Walter Davidson Sr., Arthur Davidson and William S. Harley founded Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
1904 - Prototype machine raced in Milwaukee
1905 - Started producing a limited number of motorcyles
1906 - Harley-Davidson built their first factory
1907 - Production increased and introduced their V-Twin prototype
1911 - Introduced their improved V-twin model
1912 - Introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing" seat
1917 - Started producing bikes for the military and also launched a line of motorcycles aimed at the domestic market
1920 - Harley-Davidson becomes the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world
1921 - Otto Walker, riding a Harley, set the record for the first motorcycle to win a race at greater than 100 miles per hour
1929 - Harley introduced the Model D - a flat-head V-twin aimed to compete with Indian and Excelsior. Vivian Boles drove 5,000 miles acoss the United States and Canada on a Model D
1929-1933 The Great Depression caused sales of motorcycles to plummet but Harley-Davidson still continued to produce motorcycles
1934 - Harley-Davidson unveiled a new line-up of motorcycles
1936 - Knucklehead engine models introduced
1939-1945 - Harley produced a large number of motorcycles for military efforts during World War II
1969 - After years of financial troubles, AMF buys the Harley-Davidson Company. To make the company profitable, AMF streamlined production and slashed the workforce, causing sales and quality to decline
1981 - AMF sold Harley-Davidson and the new investors changed operations, adding new technologies and improving quality and slowly growing the brand repuation
1985 - This motorcycle is purchased by donor in Olds,  Alberta, Canada
1990 - Harley introduces the Fat Boy motorcyle which became the industry leader in the heavyweight motorcycle market
2003 - Harley-Davidson celebrates their 100th anniversary
2018 - This motorcycle donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum

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