Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.harley
From: Bruce Bryner <BBry...@iusb.edu>
Date: 1999/03/22
Subject: HD tidbits from '42
HD tidbits from '42
[ XA = X-out ]
The Army required motorcycles that would attain 65mph, and wanted them to run cool. They believed a horizontal engine was the answer. So HD developed a BMW styled 45ci - the XA. The XA featured shaft drive and plunger rear suspension, (vetical, zero degree mounted shock). The Army later decided the 45ci was good enough at a cheaper price, and bought never bought more XA's, which turned out a good move, the XA's bearings had a propensity to fail.
Development was underway for a 3 wheeled version and sidecar version, but the introduction of the Jeep, called for cancelation of the projects.
XA specs:45.04ci, (738cc), flathead horizontally opposed, 3.125" x 3.125" bore/stroke, 5.7:1 compression, dual Linkert carbs, 23hp @ 4,600 rpm, 4 speed, gear primary and shaft final drives, double downtube, 58.7" wheelbase, 538 lbs, 4.1 gallon fuel, 2 qts oil, 65mph, $870.35.
The fork was a longer WLA model, and the fork scabbard carried a Thompson submachine gun.
Other changes for this year are almost nill. Universally, the oil pump and tappet guides were painted white.
Thee W series Army models, lamps were blacked out, and the horn and headlight switched places.
The servicar got shocks, and box cover ribs parallel to rear bumper.
Main Models, (Production #'s):
V-Twins 45ci, 4 speeds, Flatheads:
WL Solo, high compression, (142), $350
WLD Special Sport Solo, (133) $365
Servi-Cars, 45ci, 3 speed and reverse.
G Servi-Car, w/tow bar, (138), $525
GA Servi-Car, w/o tow bar, (261), $510
Big-Twins:
Flatheads: (4 speed), $385
U Solo, 74ci, med-compress, (421)
UL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, hi-compress, (405)
Knuckleheads: OHV, (4 speed),
EL Special Sport Solo, 61ci, hi-compression, (620), $425
E Solo, 61ci, medium compression, $425
FL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, hi-compression, (799), $465
F Solo, 74i, medium compression, $465
Specialty models:
XA 45ci flathead for US Army, (1011/ 1,000 to Army)
WLA 45ci for US Army, 13,460/ 13,051 to Army)
WLC 45ci for Canadian Army, (9,825)
ELC 61ci for Canadian Army, (45)
WLS sidecar, 45ci, w/4.75:1 compression
US Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compress, (978)
[There was also a model USA, production of 426, but I have nothing
else on them]
Sidecars & Chassis:
LE - Sidecar single passenger
LEC - LE chassis
LS - sidecare for 45ci
LSC - LS chassis
LLE - left hand LE
LLEC- LLE chassis
LLS - left hand LS
LLSC- LLS chassis
M - Side van w/cover
MO - Side van w/o cover
MC - M chassis
MWC- chassis w/57-7/8" tread
LMC- left hand chassis
Option Groups:
Sport Solo, Deluxe Solo, Utility Solo, Standard Police, Deluxe Servicar, Utility Servicars, Utility for sidecar or package truck, Deluxe sport sidecar.
Price ranges from $12 to $60.
Paint:
brillian black, flight red, police 'gray', cruiser green, skyway blue.
MoCo Minutes:
-February 7th, Walter Davidson, president, dies.
-February 23rd, William H Davidson named president.
-HD Service School is now the 'Quartermaster School' for teaching
military mechanics.
***tidbits taken from various sources. Exceptions may apply.
Bruce
The Journey IS the Reward.
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