🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

WLA

Model Variant:

Military Civilian

Production Start Year:

1937

Production End Year:

1973

Engine Code Common:

45 Solo

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, amateur mechanics, professional technicians, collectors, and restorers of Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles.

Advantages Over Print:

Cost-effectiveness, convenience of digital access, searchability, selective printing, no wear and tear compared to old paper manuals.

Unique Selling Points:

Covers an exceptionally long production run, detailed step-by-step instructions, hundreds of photos/illustrations, complete official factory service information, accessible on multiple devices.

Accessibility:

Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, accessible on desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets via web browser.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not provided, but implies comprehensive content)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Major Systems:

General Information, Maintenance, Chassis, Fuel System, Cooling System, Engine, Clutch, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Removal/Installation, Drive, Transmission, Wheels/Tires, Final Drive, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Frame, Electrical System, Wiring Diagram

Electrical System Details:

Ignition system, lighting, charging system (generator/alternator depending on specific year), battery, wiring harness.

Repair Procedures:

Complete disassembly and reassembly, step-by-step instructions for all service and repair procedures.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic steps for engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

Maintenance Tasks:

Regular servicing, tune-ups, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, brake adjustment, tire pressure checks.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds, suitable for DIY and experienced mechanics)

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, repair, and reassembly, including piston, rings, valves, crankshaft, and bearings.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for transmission disassembly, gear inspection, bearing replacement, shift mechanism repair, and clutch servicing.

Frame Suspension Steering:

Detailed guidance on fork service, shock absorber maintenance, steering head bearing adjustment and replacement, frame inspection.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (or equivalent decompression software) are required and free to download.

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print entire manual or specific pages.

Binding Style:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format - preserves original quality)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

45 cubic inch (750cc) V-twin, air-cooled, four-stroke

Bore X Stroke:

3-1/16" x 3-13/16" (77.79mm x 96.84mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 5.0:1 to 6.0:1 (varies by year and specific model)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 20-25 HP (varies by specific year and tune)

Torque Figure:

Not explicitly stated in provided info, but expected for its displacement and era.

Carburetor Type:

Likely Linkert or similar vintage carburetors (specific models would be detailed in the manual).

Fuel Type:

Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 - 3.5 US gallons (11.4 - 13.2 liters), depending on specific model/tank.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed constant mesh manual transmission

Optional Gearbox:

N/A (Standard for WLA)

Clutch Type:

Multiple disc wet clutch

Final Drive Type:

Chain drive

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 57 inches (1448 mm) - varies slightly by model year.

Dry Weight:

Approximately 500-550 lbs (227-250 kg) - varies by configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in this format for vintage motorcycles, but related to dry weight plus rider and cargo.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

N/A (Vehicle from an era before standardized crash testing for motorcycles).

Braking System:

Drum brakes front and rear.

Lighting:

Headlight, tail light, brake light (depending on civilian/military specification).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

N/A (Pre-infotainment era motorcycle).

Electronic Aids:

N/A (Mechanical systems only).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Recommendation:

Typically every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually (detailed specs in manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended at regular intervals or as part of tune-up (manual will specify exact mileage/time).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 50 or SAE 60 motorcycle-specific oil recommended for this era (e.g., straight-weight mineral oil).

Transmission Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, 80W-90 (specific grade may vary, manual will confirm).

Primary Drive Oil Type:

Similar to transmission or engine oil depending on internal design (manual will specify).

Brake Fluid Type:

N/A (Mechanical drum brakes typically do not use hydraulic fluid).

Common Wear Items:

Valve guides, piston rings, clutch plates, primary drive chain, electrical components (due to age), aging wiring, carburetor wear.

Typical Troubleshooting:

Carburetor adjustment and cleaning, ignition timing, fuel delivery issues, oil leaks, electrical shorts.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

United States

Key Developments:

The WLA (W-series, L-head, Army) was a military version of the WL civilian model. Significant production for WWII, with many civilian variants produced throughout the years, sharing core components.

Military Designations:

WLA (standard military), WLD (Desert troops), WR (Race version).

Notable Production Runs:

Massive production for Allied forces during WWII. Continued civilian production and updates post-war.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

Iconic WWII military motorcycle, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical role and robust design.

Vintage Motorcycle Value:

Highly valued for restoration and historical display.