Old Dog Old Bike 1957 XLA
#11
02-12-2024 | 09:14 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,066
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Welcome to da joint. Found this info on your very rare (one of 418 produced!) bike:
http://www.ridingvintage.com/2013/10...otorcycle.html
Some tidbits from the article -
Built for the US Army and Military Police, the XLA began production in 1957.
Except for it's olive drab paint scheme, the XLA was very similar to the civilian XL model. It was powered by the same OHV 883cc v-twin engine with 2-into-1 exhaust and mated to a 4-speed transmission. Like the XL, the XLA also had rear shocks, which were not available on Big Twins until the following model year in 1958. Some of the earlier XLA used a "oilbath aircleaner" like the WLA, but this was eventually replaced by the standard round model.
Only 418 XLA's were made for the US military during the period from 1957-1965.
Not from the article, but simply something I remember - Around 1977 or 1978 I was the leading electrician on a guided missile destroyer. While hunting for some obsolete parts for the degaussing system , I stumbled across the Federal Stock Number for a Harley-Davidson Sportster, 1969, to be used for Shore Patrol service. Of course, being me, I had to have some fun. I wrote the request up with the Sportster FSN but with the noun name of the actual part I needed. Made it past my Chief Engineer and two supply types. Unfortunately, the Supply Officer caught on to my shenanigan. I didn't get the bike, LOL.
http://www.ridingvintage.com/2013/10...otorcycle.html
Some tidbits from the article -
Built for the US Army and Military Police, the XLA began production in 1957.
Except for it's olive drab paint scheme, the XLA was very similar to the civilian XL model. It was powered by the same OHV 883cc v-twin engine with 2-into-1 exhaust and mated to a 4-speed transmission. Like the XL, the XLA also had rear shocks, which were not available on Big Twins until the following model year in 1958. Some of the earlier XLA used a "oilbath aircleaner" like the WLA, but this was eventually replaced by the standard round model.
Only 418 XLA's were made for the US military during the period from 1957-1965.
Not from the article, but simply something I remember - Around 1977 or 1978 I was the leading electrician on a guided missile destroyer. While hunting for some obsolete parts for the degaussing system , I stumbled across the Federal Stock Number for a Harley-Davidson Sportster, 1969, to be used for Shore Patrol service. Of course, being me, I had to have some fun. I wrote the request up with the Sportster FSN but with the noun name of the actual part I needed. Made it past my Chief Engineer and two supply types. Unfortunately, the Supply Officer caught on to my shenanigan. I didn't get the bike, LOL.
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