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The web has an incredible amount of motorcycle information online. Now you can easily find your dreamed motorcycle with the help of online search.
Online sites allow you to search according to the category, price, model, location of the auto dealers of the motorcycle and many more. It’s like bringing auto dealer at your door step you don’t have to go an search at any auto dealer for finding the motorcycle of your choice.
Before you buy a motorcycle it’s very important to make a decision about what exactly are you looking for it will save your time and energy. As there are many types of motorcycles are available. The mainly difference is in their engines and weight capacity. It’s always good to buy a heavy motorcycle.
Those who can’t afford the new motorcycle can go for used one they are always in good condition and even in used motorcycle you can find a wide range. So you can easily find motorcycle according to your choice and in your budged.
You can even find motorcycles designed for children called as mini motorcycles. If you are looking for a unique motorcycle it’s always good to buy a custom made one that is designed according to your specifications and it will be in your budget.
As compare to other powered vehicles motorcycle is a good mean of transportation. Because of the smaller engine motorcycle has a good mileage and even it’s easy for servicing. Always get insured your motorcycle from good insurance company how is specialize in motorcycle insurance and offers you a reasonable rates in the market.
The Harley-Davidson WLA is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was produced to US Army specifications in the years during and around World War II. It was based on an existing civilian model, the WL, and is of the 45 solo type, so called due to its 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) engine displacement and single-rider design. The same engine, in a slightly lower state of tune, also powered the three-wheeled Servi-Car (the “G” family), leading to the “solo” distinction.
Model designation
The model number breaks down as follows:
- W : the W family of motorcycles. Harley Davidson (except in very early models) gives a letter designation for each model family. The W series at the time was the newest incarnation of the 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) flathead motor, and was developed from the earlier R family 1932–1936.
- L : “high compression”, in the usual HD scheme. The “low compression” W model was only briefly available.
- A : Army. The company would also produce a model to the slightly different specifications of the Canadian Army, which would be named the WLC. The WLCs differed from WLAs chiefly in the use of some heavier components, usually Big Twin parts, as well as Canadian blackout lighting.
History
Pvt Robert J Vance, from Portland, Oregon, riding his bike as a messenger of the 33rd Armored Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division in the fields of Normandy in late July, 1944.
Harley-Davidson began producing the WLA in small numbers in 1940, as part of a general military expansion. The later entry of the United States into World War II saw significantly increased production, with over 90,000 being produced during the war (along with spare parts the equivalent of many more). Harley Davidson would also produce a close WLA variant for the Canadian Army called the WLC and would also supply smaller numbers to the UK, South Africa, and other allies, as well as filling orders for different models from the Navy and Marine Corps.
Unusually, all the WLAs produced after Pearl Harbor, regardless of the actual year, would be given serial numbers indicating 1942 production. Thus, war-time machines would come to be known as 42WLAs. This may have been in recognition of the use of the continued use of the same specification. Most WLCs were produced in 1943, and are marked 43WLC. The precise serial number, as well as casting marks, can be used to date a specific motor accurately, and some other parts bear year and month stamps. Frames and many other parts were not tagged with the serial number, and cannot generally be dated. This is common prior to adoption of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Many WLAs would be shipped to allies under the Lend-Lease program. The largest recipient was the Soviet Union, which was sold over 30,000 WLAs.
Production of the WLA would cease after the war, but would be revived for the Korean War during the years 1949–1952.
Most WLAs in western hands after the war would be sold as surplus and “civilianized”; the many motorcycles available at very low cost would lead to the rise of the chopper and other modified motorcycle styles, as well as the surrounding biker culture. Many a young soldier would come home hoping to get a Harley-Davidson like he saw or rode in the service, leading to the post-war popularity of both the motorcycle and the company in general.
However, this also ensured that few nearly-original WLAs would survive in the US or even Western Europe. A significant number of WLAs were left in the Soviet Union, and either stored or put in private hands. With little access to parts and no chopper culture, and no export path to the West, many of those WLAs were preserved during the Cold War. Russia and other former Soviet countries are now a major source of WLAs and parts.
Military changes
Mostly-restored WLA originally sent to Russia
Harley-Davidson WL photographed in Madrid.
The WLA is very similar to civilian models, specifically the WL. Among the changes making it a military model:
- paint and other finishes: painted surfaces were generally painted olive drab or black and chrome- or nickel-plated parts were generally blued or parkerized or painted white. Some parts were left as unfinished aluminum. However, Harley Davidson was apparently very practical in its use of existing parts and processes, and many finishes remained in their bright civilian versions for a time, and, in some cases, for the whole production run.
- blackout lights: in order to reduce nighttime visibility, WLAs were fitted with a second set of blackout head and tail lights.
- fenders: to reduce mud clogging, the sides of the standard fenders were removed.
- accessories: a heavy-duty luggage rack (for radios), ammo box, leather Thompson submachine gun scabbard, skid plate, leg protectors, and windshield could be fitted. Most came with at least these accessories less the windshield or leg protectors.
- air cleaner: an oil bath air cleaner, originally used for tractors and other vehicles in dusty environments, was fitted to handle the dust of off-road use and to allow easier field maintenance. Oil bath cleaners require only the addition of standard motor oil rather than replaceable filters.
- fording: changes to the crankcase breather reduced the possibility of water intake into the crankcase.
Uses
US Army Manual diagram of the HD WLA.
The US Army would use motorcycles for police and escort work, courier duties, and some scouting, as well as limited use to transport radio and radio suppression equipment. Allied motorcycles were almost never used as combat vehicles or for troop mobility, and so were rarely equipped with sidecars as was common on the German side. Nevertheless, the WLA acquired the nickname “Liberator”, since it was seen ridden by soldiers liberating occupied Europe.
Technology
The engine of the WLA is a side-valve design, which is reliable though not particularly efficient in comparison to overhead-valve designs. Harley Davidson already had overhead valve engines in production for its Big Twin lines, but the “small twin” flathead design was popular in applications needing reliability more than power. This engine remained in production from 1937 to 1973 in the Servi-Car, although it was superseded in two-wheeled motorcycles by the more advanced flathead engine used in the Model K (the ancestor of the OHV Sportster) in 1952.
Though the model designation suggested high compression, for reliability, the Army version actually used a medium-compression version. In modern terms, the WLA’s compression ratio of 5:1 is very low. Due to this low compression, a WLA will run on 74 octane gasoline, necessary due to the poor quality of refining at the time, although fuel technology would improve rapidly during the war.
The WLA also features springer front suspension. Harley-Davidson would not adopt telescopic front forks until after the war. The rear wheel had no suspension, giving this type of motorcycle the nickname “hard tail”.
Other military motorcycles
Harley copied the BMW R71 to produce its XA model.
Harley-Davidson provided motorcycles to the Army during World War I and for earlier excursions against Mexican bandits like Pancho Villa.
During World War II, the Army produced a specification for a motorcycle much like the BMWs used by German forces. That meant shaft drive, a boxer engine, and several other features that made the BMWs exceptionally reliable and low-maintenance machines. Harley-Davidson produced the XA based closely on the BMW. Though an excellent machine, only about 1,000 were produced. Due to its new features and low production, the XA was expensive, and by that time it was clear that the Jeep was the Army’s general purpose vehicle of choice; the less advanced but cheaper WLA was considered sufficient for its limited roles.
Other motorcycles produced by HD for World War II included US Army and Canadian versions of the Big Twin EL family, the ELA and ELC, as well as an Army version of the UL, the ULA. These were produced mainly for “home front” use, and not in very large numbers. Consequently, they are very rare today.
Indian, Harley-Davidson’s major competitor at the time, also produced a war-time model, the Indian 741, and a longitudinal V-twin shaft-drive model, the Indian 841.
Harley-Davidson would later produce the MT350E, after acquiring the British Armstrong company in 1987. These were dual-sport machines, capable of both on-road and off-road service, powered by 350 cc Rotax engines. The MT350E was a redesign of the 500 cc Armstrong MT500, which reduced weight, added an electric start, and upgraded pollution standards. The MT500 began as the Italian SWM XN Tornado, which Armstrong acquired the rights to in 1984 when SWM liquidated, and then modified for military use with assistance from CCM.[1][2] The MT350E mostly saw British and Canadian service, and some are still in use.[3]
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EagleRider, a leading motorcycle rental company, is now paving the way for a revolution in the way enthusiasts travel. EagleRider’s self-drive tours are beginning to generate a buzz within the industry as result of their dramatic growth since conception.
EagleRider does all the planning and provides all the gear, leaving travelers the freedom to marvel at the scenery and experience the trill of adventure on the road alone or with the company of their own friends and family. More than 100 self-drive tours are available out of every EagleRider location.
Companies like EagleRider are springing up everywhere and are more than just motorcycle rental or tour organizations. They are complete travel and concierge service companies tailored for the motorcycle market. EagleRider offers the personal service of an in-house trip planner, with customized itineraries focusing on the most majestic motorcycle touring routes.
EagleRider’s self-drive tour customers rent a late-model motorcycle, stay at first-rate accommodations and receive a personalized road book designed with everything a rider would need, including mapped routing, restaurant suggestions and interesting stops along the way.
Round-the-clock roadside assistance and motorcycle concierge services come standard with an EagleRider rental, and customers can choose to have a GPS navigation system installed with their personal trip routing for ease of travel.
“Being able to leave a blustery winter in Omaha, go to Southern California and rent a motorcycle for a ride to Cabo is absolutely wonderful,” said Joe Ricketts, chairman and founder of Ameritrade. “EagleRider provides truly great service.”
Motorcycle travel will never be the same again thanks to companies like EagleRider, who make amazing, hassle-free vacations their priority.
Eagle Rider is located at: http://www.eaglerider.com
Yearly motorcycle gatherings are something that many motorcycle enthusiast’s look forward to attending. It gives them a chance to see what’s new in the world of motorcycle’s, catch up with old friends and frankly hit the road for a nice road trip. Knowing when and where can be a hassle if your not familiar with out of state events. Because surely everyone knows about Sturgis. But did you know there’s a Ride For Pride held yearly in Wisconsin? Or Thunder Beach Rally in Florida?
Some of the yearly motorcycle shows and events are listed below along with their locations and approximate time of year that they are held.
In California there is:
Ride the Mountains at Big Bear Lake.. It’s an annual Ride the Mountain Rally. You can visit the Big Bear Choppers Factory, poker runs, and perhaps a country music concert. Of course there are exhibits and vendors there also.
In Florida there is:
Thunder Beach Rally at Panama Beach. This rally is Widely known as “The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” This Rally is held twice yearly, the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September. You can find five venues, each with different sights and sounds. Custom motorcycle builders, biker wear and accessories, parts manufacturers and distributors, and entertainment. Each venue is located on different parts of the beach so you can drive your bike back and forth on the beach checking out each venue along with the vendors and exhibitors.
In Maryland there is:
3rd Annual Rally for RAACE at Bel Air. This is an annual rally held to raise awareness for child sexual abuse. Proceeds benefit the RAACE foundation. It’s a 43 mile ride through scenic Hartford county in Maryland. You will be escorted by the Harford Sheriff’s department. There’s music, entertainment, food, drinks and vendors at the beginning and end of the ride. Your fee includes a commemorative pin and T-shirt.
In New Hampshire there is:
Laconia Rally at Laconia. This is a week long rally held at Laconia. With much in store for the rider who goes to the rally. Vendors, music, special events, fireworks, racing and much, much, more.
In New York there is:
Americade Motorcycle Rally at Lake George. This is rally is billed as the “World’s Largest Touring Rally” There is so much to do and see. With over dozens of tours, 3 exciting poker runs, 2 parades, 2 TourExpo tradeshows, 14 beautiful boat cruises, 50 seminars, 2 rough and rowdy rodeos, parties, over $100,000 in prizes and 14 manufactures that give demo rides on the latest bikes and trikes.
In Ohio there is:
USA Biker Tattoo Classic at Stark County Fair Grounds. With 80 acres, there’s so much to do here that if you get bored it’s your own fault. There’s dealers, vendors, and tattoo artist’s. There’s antique, and vintage bike exhibitors. New and Used parts, accessories, apparel, and leather vendors. Hammer’s Tattoo and Body Piercing. Look up and see Sky divers from Canton Air Sports. Dyno Testing by Canton Cycle. Along with a Burn out Pit. A men’s and ladies tattoo contest. And live band tribute bands.
In South Carolina there is:
Myrtle Beach Bike Week at Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach rally is a week long rally with much to do. There are many many things. Poker tours, dealers, vendors, there’s so much to do there that it’s a week long and still you might not see it all.
In South Dakota there is:
Sturgis Black Hills Rally at Sturgis. It’s Sturgis, need I say more?
In Wisconsin there is:
The Ride for Pride at Fond du Lac held approximately in April The ride consists has a pre-ride party. The ride consists of a 100 mile scenic motorcycle tour led by the Fond du Lac Police Motor Patrol, with one stop at the half-way point and returning to Fond du Lac for a buffet dinner and entertainment.
In Texas there is:
Hawgs of Texas Rally and its Location:-Park Road 4 Lyons, Somerville, TX. The event includes live music, biker games, contests, free tent camping, and much more!
To operate a motorcycle on streets, an individual must obtain a motorcycle license. You do not need a license to operate a dirt bike as long as you keep it off of the streets. The procedure for doing so varies by state. In most states, you can obtain one at the age of 16, the same age for obtaining a regular driver’s license. The process involves a written test as well as a motorcycle driving test.
Keep in mind that if you get caught operating a motorcycle without a valid license, you face the same penalty in your state as driving a motor vehicle without a valid license. It is also very likely that the motorcycle you are operating will be impounded. Nationwide, 32% of motorcycle accidents involve those who do not hold a valid motorcycle license. Likewise, any person who has a suspended or revoked driver’s license won’t be allowed to obtain a motorcycle license either.
Each state offers a motorcycle operator manual for you to review free of charge. In some states, you can even review the information online. It is very important that you read the manual thoroughly and ask about any information you are not understanding. The information in this manual is what will be on the knowledge test you are required to pass in order to obtain a valid motorcycle license.
In some states, you will then be issued a motorcycle learners permit. This allows you to practice operating a motorcycle with the assistance of another licensed motorcycle rider. After a set amount of time or a set amount of practice hours, you will then be able to take a motorcycle operator skills test. Make you to bring along any safety equipment for riding that is required in your state. For states that don’t issue motorcycle learners permits, you will be issued your license upon successfully passing both the written and skills tests.
Make sure you have spent plenty of time going over the proper procedures for operating a motorcycle before you attempt to take the skills test. Test administration is very strict because of the huge risk operating a motorcycle comes with. Some of the same rules apply as when testing for a traditional driver’s license including looking in your mirrors, using signal lights, stopping appropriately, watching for pedestrians, and obeying posted speed limits.
Some common motorcycle skills you will be tested on include starting your motorcycle, stopping, turning, and balancing the bike. In some states, they set up an obstacle course for motorcycle testing that you have to be able to maneuver through. You can ask your local Department of Motor Vehicles what to expect on the skills test. This gives you plenty of time to practice particular skills before you test.
To find out the specific requirements including age, testing, cost, and other important information for obtaining a motorcycle license in your state contact your local department of motor vehicles. You can also find the information on the internet. If you are interested in learning to operate a motorcycle but don’t have anyone to teach you, consider enrolling in a motorcycle instructional course. This is a great way to develop the skills you need to operate a motorcycle safely and properly. You will also get a discount from most motorcycle insurance companies if you can verify you successfully completed such a class.
Motorcycles with flat tires . . . roll hard! If your motorcycle is cruising along at 55 mph and your rear motorcycle tire suddenly deflates [has a blow out!] you now have a tremendously, dangerous challenge ahead of you. Avoiding other vehicles, controlling the steering, a swaying rear-end making everything unstable makes for a sizable victory when you roll off the side of the road and come to a stop. Congratulations, job well done! More riders than not end in an accident or something worse. All because of their motorcycle tires. Who knows your thoughts if it is the front tire to blow? You better be prayed up.
We all want a sharp looking bike. Once you select your make and model, your interest is on chrome, color, accessories, personal appearance, dress etc. but let us not forget about the importance of the rubber motorcycle tires that get us around. Frame, structure and engine all work together and hopefully are worry free for years. Motorcycle tires keep moving and we need to often watch for wear and safety.
There are two critical places that motorcycles need to be checked before each ride or at least once a month. Both are easy to do and both are many times overlooked. One area is brake fluid. If the pedal is mushy, bleed the lines or have someone else do it. Two, motorcycle tires need to be inspected. Why do we forget these?
Our safety depends on it. We trust our life to the two motorcycle tires under us that have at best two patches of rubber in contact with the ground the size of our two hands at any given moment. Move that along at 55 mph or even at 15 mph and each of the motorcycle tires is taking on a serious responsibility. The attention and care we offer towards our motorcycle tires can help us tremendously with our safety and enjoyment of biking.
Here are some areas where things can go wrong with your motorcycle tires:
– Tire Pressure: Under-inflation may cause uneven wear, loss of control [stability], wears the motorcycle tires out faster and increases the chances of the motorcycle tires failure. Over-inflation allows motorcycle tires to heat up, limit traction [although a slight 10% over-inflation may actually increase traction in wet conditions] and affects the wear. To correct these, use a good tire gauge and check the motorcycle tires when it is cool. Keep the motorcycle tires pressure at the recommended PSI.
– Fluids: Brake fluid, gas and lube spills need to be cleaned immediately. It deteriorates the rubber. Many of the cleaner protectants used on motorcycle tires harm the finish rubber. The best way to clean is to use old-fashioned soap and water.
– Bumps: Potholes, curbs and stones may slash or crack the tire. Look for any problem.
– Accelerated wear: Everyday use may be a potential hazard. Spinning motorcycle tires on take off or holding the brake on emergency stops need to be checked.
– Nails, screws etc.: It is better to find them before you ride than to discover these nuisances 20 minutes down the road. Motorcycle tires that use a tube may “pop” from a nail/screw or sharp object, where a tubeless tire may have the nail/screw actually plug the hole they created which gives you a little more time for repairs.
– Valve stems: Make sure the cap is on. It helps to protect the valve stem from leaking air and protects the stem valve from opening by centrifugal force and leaking air at higher speeds. When you use motorcycle tires with tubes, the valve stem should be straight out. If it is on a slant, the tire has been under-inflated and the tube has moved around the rim. Often this damages the tube and creates a leak.
– Tire weights: Weights need to be firmly fixed to the rim. If they fall off it will throw the tire out of balance and cause uneven wear.
– Rim: Cracked or dented rims are potential problems. You may want to replace wire spoke wheels when they become damaged with a cast or billet wheel that uses tubeless tires. Check with your dealer on this.
– Worn/torn: Thin tread is easier to detect. Flat wear is due to leaning very little and driving mostly in a straight line, resulting in a ridge at the edge of the flattened middle of the tire. This causes motorcycle tires to become unstable in a leaning turn. It wants to warble. The tire may have more wear but it should be replaced. [It is good to replace both front tire and rear tire at the same time.] Sidewall punctures, cracking, cord separation are an alert.
– Tread: Check the grooves called “sipes” making sure that the tread is still sufficient. The lack of having tread affects the cooling of the tire when in use, wear, stability, traction and can cause hydroplaning on wet roads.
When doing your inspection of motorcycle tires get a friend to roll the bike while you check the tread and sidewalls. You may need to get a work stand if alone. Obstacles to having a good inspection are long pipes, saddlebags, fenders etc. making it hard to see the rear tire. Front motorcycle tires are a bit easier to examine. This sounds like a lot but it goes quickly and is easy to do. Make it a habit to check your motorcycle tires frequently.
Some miscellaneous information you need to know. You will have better handling and get more out your motorcycles tires when you keep the rear tire aligned and balanced. Consider having this looked at approximately every1000 miles. Be careful when you have new motorcycle tires it takes the first couple of rides to get traction working well.
So! Happy riding and remember to check your motorcycle tires often.
