Harley-Davidson’s W series “45” established a reputation as a rugged, no-nonsense motorcycle through its military service in World War II and competitive prowess on the dirt of America’s flat tracks. Still, this gorgeous, meticulously restored red and chrome 1946 WLD demonstrates that the iconic utilitarian model can also be a gleaming show-stopper. Historically, America’s motorcycle enthusiasts have favored the torquey headroom and burly comfort offered in the large-displacement V-twin machines since their early development in the 1910s. However, as American motorcycle manufacturers began expanding their markets into Europe and Asia, relying solely on beefy big twins was leaving money on the table. The needs and preferences of riders in other countries who often favored lightweight, commuter-friendly motorcycles helped motivate America’s “Big Three” manufacturers of Harley-Davidson, Indian and Excelsior to experiment more with displacement size, engine configuration and chassis design in the 1920s. A flurry of smaller, more accessible motorcycles began rolling out of Springfield, Milwaukee, and Chicago with varying levels of success. Harley-Davidson’s Model W Sport, a 36 CI (584cc) sidevalve, horizontally-opposed twin similar to the British-made Douglas failed to inspire domestic riders, much like Indian’s 257cc Model O. However, Indian’s 37 CI (596cc) V-twin Scout proved to be wildly successful, and when Excelsior unveiled its 45 CI (750cc) middleweight Super-X in 1925, its displacement set the mold for what became a long- lived platform. Indian followed in 1927, bumping displacement of its mighty Scout to 45 CI, and in 1929, Harley-Davidson released its own “forty-five” with the Model D. Harley’s middleweight Model D was its first sidevalve V-twin and the start of a line that would remain in production into the 1970s. By the early 1940s, Harley’s W series “45” became a darling among enthusiasts for its rugged reliability, ease of use and performance potential, as demonstrated in the hot-motor racers in the AMA Class C. When Uncle Sam called in World War II, Harley’s WLA was the war machine of choice for the US and its Allies, further solidifying Harley’s W series 45 as a two-wheeled workhorse of choice. This stunningly restored 1946 WLD marked the Motor Company’s return to civilian production and a final year for several notable features like its cat’s eye dash and beehive taillight. Though material shortages resulted in sparse paint options, brightwork and trim, this beautiful example features ample chrome on its fork, exhaust, primary cover, crash bars and trim. NO RESERVE F232.1 1946 HARLEY-DAVIDSON WLD
