Author Topic: question (Read 184 times)

acepilot2 · « **on:** April 15, 2004, 11:50:24 AM »

in band of brothers there is a scene with motorcycles. Everyone says the US did not use motorcycles during WWII. After a few image searches on google, I disagree. But everyone claims those are fake.

So the question is-Did the United States use motorcycles during WWII?

101ABN · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2004, 11:52:48 AM »

yes they did. one type was a model from harley davidson. old leather belt driven.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2004, 11:56:39 AM »

IIRC, Harley owes alot of its early survival to Fed bike contracts. Indian too.

101ABN · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2004, 11:57:35 AM »

The Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle was used by the U.S. Army and our allies for military dispatch and escort duties. It was designed to survive abuse and rugged terrain while being easy to repair. Harley-Davidson built over 80,000 motorcycles for the Allied war effort between 1941 and 1945. The average price of the motorcycles was $380.00.

Original Motorcycle Statistics
Dimensions Performance
Weight: 540lbs
Wheelbase: 57.5in (146cm)
Ground Clearance:
Fuel capacity: 3.375 gal (12.8 lit)
Oil capacity: 7.5pts (3.55lit)
Tires: 4.00 x 18in (10.16 x 45.7cm) Engine: Flathead 45° V-twin
Horsepower: 23.5 @ 4,600rpm
Displacement 45.12ci (739.38cc)
Bore & stroke: 2.75 x 3.81in (70 x 97mm)
Transmission: 3-speed
Top Speed: 65mph (105km/h)

Rafe35 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2004, 11:58:36 AM »

Also, I believe that Great Britain use Harley-Davidson Motorcycle from US and I also know that Germany use BMW Motorcycle during World War II.

acepilot2 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2004, 12:04:42 PM »

thank you.

Boroda · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2004, 07:39:55 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 101ABN
The Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle was used by the U.S. Army and our allies for military dispatch and escort duties. It was designed to survive abuse and rugged terrain while being easy to repair. Harley-Davidson built over 80,000 motorcycles for the Allied war effort between 1941 and 1945. The average price of the motorcycles was $380.00.

AFAIK many motorcycles were lend-leased to USSR. I may be mistaken, but motrocycles were used in standard Soviet motorized/tank units.