Episode #16: World War II Motorcycles
In this episode of Army ArtiFACTS, Kathleen Lugarich (Army Historical Foundation) and Christopher Ripstein (Harley-Davidson Museum) talk about the Harley-Davidson WLA model motorcycle and its purpose in World War II. The WLA was not a cavalry vehicle and was instead used for scouting, supply, and courier missions. The model was based on the civilian model WL motorcycle but had several modifications to meet the Army’s needs.
In addition to discussing the WLA, Lugarich and Ripstein also discuss what Harley-Davidson did on the homefront including providing jobs to the families of those drafted to help support them during the war and support the overall war effort.
