For some reasons, people have always
been attracted by army tales and any piece of machinery related to it. Military
vehicles continue to fascinate many of us, and so is the case with
Harley-Davidson WLAs, the motorcycles produced to US Army specifications in the
years of the World War II.
The bikes were based on an existing civilian model, the WL, and were used for
police and escort work, courier duties, and some scouting, as well as limited
use to transport radio and radio suppression equipment.
Recently a French company, Milwaukee Belle has launched a custom-built replica
of the military-spec 1942 Harley WL Liberator. However, dubbed 883 XWL Warboy,
the machine is, in fact, based on a 1994 Harley 883 Sportster XL.
It evokes the military WLAs
The bike comes fitted with 18-inch wheels shod with Avon tires, an ammunition
box, machine gun scabbard, full windshield, saddlebags, air-pump and clamps and
WWII-style black-out equipment.
Accessories are also available, including a canteen set, luggage rack ties,
black-out mirror wrap and military-style fire extinguisher and bracket. The
Warboy also has a full complement of modern touches, such as electric start,
front and rear disc brakes, 12-volt electrical system, Fournales rear
shock-absorbers and a five-speed gearbox instead of the original WL’s
three-speed hand-shift gearbox.
According to its creator, the 883 XWL Warboy is perfectly street legal and
totally reliable thanks to its modern technology.
Milwaukee Belle plan to offer this bike in various versions, including WLA, WLC
and South-African Desert-spec models, while Civilian and Racer versions will
also be available.