The Armored Force School Motorcycle Mechanics Handbook 1942

[Rakkasan187]

I picked this manual up several years ago, realizing that it is a treasure in many fields of collecting. Military Vehicle enthusiasts strive for original manuals to go with the vehicles they painstakingly restore, and Harley Davidson collectors also would have an interest in this book since it describes in detail the W.L.A model of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and of course armor enthusiasts who strive for TO&E requirements and statistics which include the use of motorcyles in military roles.

 

This particular manual as described above is from the Motorcycle Department from the Armored Force School which was located at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This motorcycle mechanics handook was printed in 1942.

 

What is interesting to note is that inside the front cover is an explanation as to why this book was developed. Here is a short summary...

 

"Although both the Indian and the Harley Davidson motorcycles are used by the United States Army, the Armored Forces uses the Harley Davidson almost exclusively. This text therfore, while dealing generally with all models, treats particularly and in detail the 1941 and 1942 W.L.A. model Harley Davidson, as this is the Motorcycle that Armored Force Mechanics study at present (January, 1942)"

 

Here are a few pictures of the details and diagrams in this manual..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you all enjoy. This is one of those manuals that you do not see very often, at least I haven't. Comments and of course pictures of other Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles are welcome. Feel free to post on here..

 

Leigh..

[Rakkasan187]

Here are a few more pictures..

 

 

 

[cutiger83]

Leigh,

 

This is very cool! I have always loved the Harley WLA. I have a Franklin Mint version. That is the only one I can afford!

 

Thanks for posting this.

 

...Kat

[Rakkasan187]

Last pictures for now..''

 

 

Leigh..

 

 

[Rakkasan187]

Hi Kat,

 

Thanks.. I will post clearer pictures later. Sorry for the poor quality. I may have to try to scan them and then post..

 

Leigh...

[Johan Willaert]

Great book and would absolutely love to add this to my collection of original manuals to go with my bike....

 

For those that want to see more pictures of HD WLAs, please look at my site

 

http://www.theliberator.be

[BEAST]

Leigh,

That's a great looking handbook! Nice locally developed piece.

 

I picked this TM up at a local thrift shop a few years back.

 

[BEAST]

[Rakkasan187]

Thanks for the postings folks, (Johan and BEAST) this is definetly an uncommon topic.

 

Leigh..