DRIVE TIME— My Ride: ’42 WLA Harley
Name: Doug Aylsworth
The motorcycle: 1942 WLA Harley Davidson
Tell us about it: 1942 WLA Harley Davidson, 45 ci (750 cc) 3-speed. It is a low-compression bike that goes from 0-55 in about 20 minutes. It was originally a war bike but over the years it has been “civilianized.” The bike’s components aren’t all ’42 but all the parts are from the 1940s. I like the bike being a little beat up, if it was too nice I would be afraid to ride it. Since I purchased it a couple years ago I’ve been working on it one piece at a time.
Favourite feature?
How everything on the bike is different from modern bikes, foot clutch, hand shift, front brake on left side. The fins of the cylinder heads. For a seasoned mechanic it would be an easy bike to work on, but for me I am learning as I go. That is half the fun.
Best place for weekend cruising? Going out to Deep Cove along the low road.
Favourite driving tunes? Its too loud for music.
Favourite motorcycle movie? The Great Escape with Steve McQueen and The Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.
Best bumper sticker you’ve seen: Some guy that was riding a Moped with a sticker that said “Satan drives an SUV”
Dream ride? 1940 ULH Harley Davidson (Same look, but bigger. Gotta love the Flatheads).
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