Need help with a 45 for sell

[Ramblin_Man]

This is for sale about an hour from where I live. It's the bike I want but I'm too new at this to tell how much is repop stuff. Can someone take a look at it and shoot me a reply with your thoughts? And no, this is not mine and I'm not the seller. Just looking for some info.

Thanks.

https://greensboro.craigslist.org/mcy/d/antique-1947-harley/6258738509.html

[1950Panhead]

The speedometer, tank badges, fender light are reproduction, good chance front fender is reproduction would need a closer look.
Price some high, offer $14k if you want it.

[Rubone]

The fork rockers, entire front wheel and brake assembly, and fender are wrong for a WL. They are all Big Twin type as used on Servi-Cars and WLC military bikes. Coil is aftermarket, seat is wrong year, ignition switch is reproduction.

[Sargehere]

Besides all of the above, the muffler is a repop; a replica of one from the late Thirties.
The bike all over tells that it was put together by someone building something that would be a fun rider, get "oohs," and "aahs" at bike nights. but it's no "judgable restoration."
I put it at ~$12 grand today.

[Ramblin_Man]

Thanks everyone. $12k was about what I was thinking. The guy has owned it for 2 years and the harley museum he's referring to is a half diner half museum that's really just more of I guys collection from what I saw. I've been there and it's a great place with a great owner but he said the owner of the place told him this bike was correct. I wasn't convinced.

[cdndewey]

The seat is incorrect (much newer) for that bike.

[whp]

I've run into more "WL" stamps that are incorrect than anything else. I'd double check the VIN & belly numbers and make sure it isn't a surplus WLA engine that some fellow bought in 47. They are still around NOS in crates!

[Ramblin_Man]

I've run into more "WL" stamps that are incorrect than anything else. I'd double check the VIN & belly numbers and make sure it isn't a surplus WLA engine that some fellow bought in 47. They are still around NOS in crates!

I'm still trying to learn here. "WL" (racing motor) is rarer than a surplus "WLA" (military bike motor) but how could I run the numbers to see which it is?

Thanks

[JoJo357]

*1937-1938 (W) 45'' Low Compression
*1937-52 (WL) 45'' High Sport Solo
*1937-42 (WLD 45'' Extra High Sport Solo
*1937-40 (WLDR & WLDD) *RACING.
*1941-52 (WR) 45'' *RACING.
*1940-45 (WLA) 45'' Low solo / US Army---*Plus Korean 1949-52
*1942-43 (WLC) 45'' Low Solo/Canadian Army.
*M.A.D.*

[Ramblin_Man]

*(WL) Civilian. *(WR) H.D.Factory Race. *(WLA)-Army. *(WLC)-Canadian Army. *M.A.D.*

Thanks JoJo. What's the difference in a WL and a WLA or where could I find that out? I searched this forum and came up empty.

[1950Panhead]

Thanks JoJo. What's the difference in a WL and a WLA or where could I find that out? I searched this forum and came up empty.

WL is a civilian model with skirted fenders sold to the public.
WLA is a army motorcycle with open fenders sold to the US government for war use.

[JoJo357]

Much better deal in Muskegon, Michigan Ramblin' Man. $10,000.00 ***PM Me if interested, hurry, this 42' WLA won't last long!!! *M.A.D.* 00606_bzPbwqbg3hE_1200x900.jpg00I0I_gMvzORi0U4x_1200x900.jpg

[Ramblin_Man]

WL is a civilian model with skirted fenders sold to the public.
WLA is a army motorcycle with open fenders sold to the US government for war use.

Thanks Panhead. I didnt know if there was any difference in the motors for the two different models.

Much better deal in Muskegon, Michigan Ramblin' Man. $10,000.00 ***PM Me if interested, hurry, this 42' WLA won't last long!!! *M.A.D.* [ATTACH=CONFIG]20535[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20536[/ATTACH]

JoJo, that's awesome. Is that yours?

[JoJo357]

Negative, but i have contact info. I have a 1943 WLC that was civilianized. I'm planning on selling, after i go through it. *M.A.D.*Harley43_3.JPGHarley43_2.JPG

[Rubone]

I didnt know if there was any difference in the motors for the two different models.

Compression ratio, carb, and number stamped on the case...