Wartime 1943 changed the motorcycle landscape as factories balanced civilian demand with military contracts. Harley‑Davidson kept a focused lineup that reflected parts sharing and simplified production amid resource constraints, so a compact list makes it easier to see which machines were built and why.
There are 6 1943 Harley-Davidson Models, ranging from E to XA. For each, you’ll find below Engine displacement (cc),Production in 1943 (units),Military/Civilian to show how size, output and purpose varied across the range and clarify which models served armed forces versus civilians.
What were the main differences between the 1943 Harley models listed here?
The core differences are engine displacement and intended use: some models were civilian-focused with standard parts, while others were adapted or produced mainly for military use with specific fittings; the table below separates Engine displacement (cc) and Military/Civilian status so you can quickly compare technical and service roles.
How reliable are the 1943 production figures and where do they come from?
Production numbers for 1943 come from factory records and period registries; they’re generally reliable but can vary slightly between sources due to wartime recordkeeping and postwar reporting—see the Production in 1943 (units) column for the best available figures and notes where counts differ.
1943 Harley-Davidson Models
| Model name | Engine displacement (cc) | Production in 1943 (units) | Military/Civilian |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLA | 739 | 20,511 | Military |
| WLC | 739 | 5,237 | Military |
| UA | 1,208 | 368 | Military |
| XA | 739 | 1,011 | Military |
| G Servi-Car | 739 | 106 | Civilian |
| E | 989 | 31 | Military |
Images and Descriptions
WLA
The iconic “Liberator” built for the U.S. Army. This 45-cubic-inch flathead was the workhorse of WWII, featuring Olive Drab paint, a rifle scabbard, an ammo box, and blackout lights for front-line duty. Its reliability made it legendary.
WLC
The Canadian military variant of the WLA. Built for Commonwealth forces, the WLC featured modifications like different lighting, crash bars, and often a right-hand throttle. It served Allied forces across Europe and was known for its ruggedness in harsh conditions.
UA
A robust military model based on the civilian UL Big Twin flathead. Its powerful 74-cubic-inch engine was ideal for hauling sidecars used for reconnaissance, carrying personnel, or transporting radio equipment. These were specialist vehicles, not general-issue bikes.
XA
An experimental model designed for desert warfare in North Africa. It featured a shaft drive and an opposed-twin “boxer” engine, heavily inspired by German BMW motorcycles. Though never widely adopted, it remains a unique and highly sought-after piece of H-D history.
G Servi-Car
The three-wheeled utility model. While major civilian production was halted, a very small number were built in 1943 for essential domestic roles, such as mail and parts delivery within factories and on military bases, supporting the war effort from home.
E
An extremely rare military version of the 61-cubic-inch “Knucklehead.” With civilian production stopped, these few overhead-valve models were likely produced for special purposes like military police escorts, making them one of the scarcest of all wartime Harleys.
