The early 1940s put Harley-Davidson at the crossroads of civilian life and wartime production, with factories shifting priorities as the U.S. mobilized. That context shaped a small but distinct set of models from 1942 that reflect both road-going tradition and military specification.
There are 6 1942 Harley-Davidson Models, ranging from EL to XA. For each model you’ll find Designation,Engine displacement (cc),Military or Civilian in the table you’ll find below.
Which of the 1942 models were produced for military service?
Look at the Military or Civilian column to see which entries were intended for military use; military variants often feature altered gearing, mounting points, and simplified lighting. The table below makes it easy to spot which of the six were issued or adapted for service.
How should I use the engine displacement data when comparing these models?
Use the Engine displacement (cc) column to compare relative engine size and likely performance characteristics, and combine that with the Designation and Military or Civilian fields to assess parts compatibility, restoration needs, or suitability for riding versus display.
1942 Harley-Davidson Models
| Model | Designation | Engine displacement (cc) | Military or Civilian |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLA | WLA (45ci army model) | 740 cc | Military |
| WLC | WLC (Canadian military 45ci) | 740 cc | Military |
| WL | WL (45ci civilian ‘W’ family) | 740 cc | Civilian |
| UL | UL (45ci civilian OHV ‘U’ series) | 740 cc | Civilian |
| EL | EL (61ci Knucklehead big twin) | 1,000 cc | Civilian |
| XA | XA (45ci experimental flat-twin military) | 740 cc | Military |
Images and Descriptions
WLA
U.S. Army’s standard 45 cu in (740 cc) motorcycle in 1942; simple side-valve design, reinforced frame and military fittings. Mass-produced for wartime service and now highly collectible for authenticity and military provenance.
WLC
Canadian-built 45 cu in (740 cc) military variant produced in 1942 for Commonwealth use; similar to WLA but with local parts and minor changes. Valued by collectors for wartime Canadian production and surviving documentation.
WL
Civilian 45 cu in (740 cc) ‘W’ family side-valve sold early 1942; shared many parts with military WLAs. Civilian production halted later in 1942, but surviving WLs are collectible for pre-war styling and compatibility with WLA parts.
UL
Civilian 45 cu in (740 cc) OHV ‘U’ series model listed in 1942 catalogs; sportier than side-valves and favored by private owners and some police. Post-ban production shifted to military types, yet ULs remain sought by collectors.
EL
61 cu in (1,000 cc) Knucklehead big-twin offered in early 1942; overhead-valve performance and distinctive rocker boxes made it Harley’s flagship pre-war model. Civilian output was curtailed by wartime orders, making surviving 1942 ELs rare and collectible.
XA
Experimental 45 cu in (740 cc) flat-twin developed for Army evaluation in 1942, influenced by BMW designs. Limited production and service evaluation make XA rare; collectors prize original military XAs and documentation.
