Harley Davidson Classic: 06/23/13

Harley Davidson World War 2

Most of us know that motorcycle clubs, whether of the law-abiding or outlaw biker gang variety, are descended from WWII vets who caught the "riding" bug in the combat zone. But what role, exactly, did motorcycles play in the military?
Most of us know that motorcycle clubs, whether of the law-abiding or outlaw biker gang variety, are descended from WWII vets who caught the "riding" bug in the combat zone. But what role, exactly, did motorcycles play in the military?

Harley Davidson World War 2

Harley Davidson World War 2They're riding around on the Harley-Davidson WLA, which first saw production in 1940. Harley engineers took an existing civilian bike, the WL, and adapted it for military use with several changes. The fenders were shaped in such a way that mud flung by the wheel could exit from the sides rather than clog. It was fitted with a heavy duty carrying rack in the rear that could support an ammunition box or two radios, and saddlebags could be hung from its sides. A scabbard placed up front was sized large enough for the driver to tuck a Thompson submachine gun in. On the other side of the front wheel, another ammo box could be attached.

There were mechanical changes as well. In a nod to the Army's logistical needs, the air filter was replaced with an oil-bath air cleaner—something then used in farm tractors in high-dust environments—for ease of maintenance; rather than having to stock replacement air filters, the rider could "freshen up" his filter by adding regular motor oil. And the crankcase was redesigned to reduce water intake, so that the vehicle could reportedly ford 16 inches of water without stalling out.

Harley Davidson World War 1

Harley-Davidson sold over 15,000 motorbikes to the U.S. military during World War I. Our contributor wants to know whether his bike clocked mileage in war-torn Europe.

Harley Davidson World War 1

Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle 2013

Most men dream of owning a muscle car. The perfect partner for the muscle car is a muscle bike, and Harley Davidson V-Rods are muscle bikes. Developed by Porsche, arguably the biggest designer of international muscle cars, V-Rods feature water-cooled engines which can reach 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds! Now that’s power!

Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle 2013

Designed with a racing theme, bikes in the Harley V-Rod family sport extra wide rear tires and high performance triple-disc brakes. While they can race past most of their competition, V-Rods are just as content to cruise Interstate 20 and enjoy the Carolina landscape. V-twin engines housed beneath the tank alongside drag-style handle bars make the HD V-Rod easy to distinguish in a line of bikes at any poker run.

Sitting around 26 inches off the ground and weighing around 600 pounds, Harley Davidson V-Rod bikes give riders the feeling of break-neck speed even at lower rpms. However, 1250 cc engines with 6000-8000 rpms can easily find 100 mph with little effort. That’s why the expert designers complimented the massive motors with 600-pound triple-disc brakes and an extra-long wheelbase of approximately 67 inches. Even muscle bikes have to think of safety.

Minggu, 23 Juni 2013

Harley Davidson World War 2

Harley Davidson World War 1

Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle 2013