1946 Harley-Davidson WL45 For Sale

The Appeal

It's not often an opportunity comes up to get hold of a 'proper' Harley. This is a genuine 1946 mount that was built when Arthur Davidson was still alive - and we expect it'll get a lot of purists very excited. With its robust design, and beautifully simple V-Twin engine, the bike is effectively a higher-performance variant of the W45 that came before it, in 1937.

This was when bikes were far more straightforward than they appear today. A simple three-speed gearbox, with a hand lever and foot-operated clutch. These were hard-tail bikes, too - if you wanted rear suspension, you'd have to go elsewhere. This gritty, true-to-rider spec is exactly what makes these impressive machines so enduring.

This particular WL45 underwent a full restoration in 2021 - a remarkably sympathetic one. Most of the components are original to the machine, to such an extent that it'd be a shorter job to list what's new. It's been AMCA certified, and comes to us in a fabulous Skyway Blue that perfectly suits its lines.

The Condition

Skyway Blue paintwork is only 3 years old and its beautifully presented

All badges and branding are nicely kept

All major metal work is OEM

16” wheels rebuilt on original Kelsey Hayes rims with blasted stainless spokes

German Heidenau Classic Tyres in good condition

Original seat pan recovered as a period solo deluxe by Heathers Leathers in the USA

Reconditioned Stewart Warner 1946 speedometer is clear and legible, and working well

Rack-mounted saddlebags date to circa 1960 - these are hot collectables in themselves!

The Mechanics

750cc V-Twin engine

Manual transmission with 3 gears

Original to the bike, with 1946 belly numbers and VIN

Dispatch rider cams and large exhaust valves, heads 6:1

Clutch assist installed

M41 Linkert carburettor

Converted 2 Brush 32e Generator

All mechanics have been rebuilt and are working well

We've no reports of any mechanical issues

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]

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1946 Harley-Davidson WL45

Highlights

The Appeal

History and Paperwork

The Condition

The Mechanics

The safest way to buy a classic car online