£17,500

offers 0

1946 Harley-Davidson WL45

Highlights

  • Full restoration completed in 2021
  • AMCA certified for authenticity
  • Original 1946 parts including major metalwork and handlebar spirals
  • Rebuilt 16” wheels with original Kelsey Hayes rims and Heidenau Classic Tyres
  • Reconditioned Stewart Warner 1946 speedometer

The Appeal


It's not often an opportunity comes up to get hold of a 'proper' Harley. This is a genuine WL45 1946 mount that was built when Arthur Davidson was still alive - with its robust design, and beautifully simple V-Twin engine. 

This was when bikes were far more straightforward than they appear today. A simple three-speed gearbox, with original foot-operated rocker clutch and the addition of a hand operated clutch assist for first gear starts. 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. It is a hard tail however the rear suspension is in the seat post and pivots on the tank where it’s packed with springs which gives a comfortable ‘floating’ bounce as you ride.

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. 



History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1946
  • Full restoration completed in 2021
  • AMCA certified for authenticity
  • First UK registration in 2022
  • No road tax or MOT required



The Condition

  • Skyway Blue paintwork is only 1 year 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 correct 1946 belly numbers and VIN
  • Correct 1946 frame only for that year
  • Correct WL tanks with ‘OIL’ mark indentation
  • 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
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1946
  • Make Harley Davidson
  • Model WL45
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 0
  • Engine size 750
Listing Details
  • Seller type Private
  • Town Twickenham
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom

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