1942 WLA Dream Bike Gets Old School Makeover
Every build step of this war-era Bobber received personal attention.
Refurbished Parts
Blacked-out and beautiful, this pristine 1942 WLA was a labor of love for Hamburg-based Stephan. The moment he acquired the complete, but leaky Flathead, he knew that every part had to be refurbished by his own hands. From the crank to the powder coating, every build step of this war-era Bobber received meticulous and personal attention.
Photos courtesy of Horst Rößler.
Short Years
It is never too late to start, especially with a 'can-do' attitude. Stephan began riding in his mid-thirties, which is young given the average age of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Rather than opt for a small machine, he earned his license on a Sportster Forty-Eight and quickly graduated to a Softail Slim. A few short years later, he was spinning wrenches on his first restoration project.
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Project Manager
Like many devoted to the century-old Milwaukee make, Stephan had hankered after a Harley-Davidson for as long as he could remember. When it came to the WLA project, his background was key to success. He elaborated in a Pipeburn interview. “I work as a Project Manager in a medium-size machinery factory. My background is actually electronics engineer.”
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Flathead Makeover
A member of Germany's FORTYFIVERS Motorcycle Club, Stephan had all the help and guidance he needed. Established in 2018, the club comprises of “like-minded owners, riders and builders of vintage Harley-Davidson Flatheads.” By the time he started the WLA restoration, he had already customized his Sportster and given the Slim a full Bobber makeover.
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Curious Luck
Despite Stephan's dedication and work with modern bikes, he really wanted a vintage machine. He elaborated, “The idea was born to take the challenge and do a complete rebuild of a Flathead. I read a lot and became even more curious but also a little respectful.” As luck would have it, he found a complete 1942 WLA close to his home city.
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Backyard Learning
While a runner, the WLA had a serious oil leak. Stephan recalled, “I thought this will probably be just the start of several challenges to come.” Undaunted, the bike was quickly pulled apart, and he set to work learning how to clean and powder coat parts in his backyard shed. Next on the list was the Flathead engine, which was completely dismantled.
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Free Flow
With some trial and error, Stephan got busy reassembling his bike. With a 'factory feel' in mind, the freshly painted and polished engine was fitted with a Fairbanks Morse Magneto, while a new Mikuni carburetor was installed for hassle-free fuel flow. As winter set in, he lugged the half-completed WLA into the basement of his house.
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Good Looking
Stephan recalled that prepping the metalwork for paint was a massive task, but it paid off. Well-known Spirit Leather in Meerbusch fitted a perfectly patinaed seat to the custom pan—one of a few items that were outsourced. With its updated electricals and brand-new mechanicals, this good-looking Flathead is ready for another seventy-odd year of service—if not more.
>>Join the conversation on this Flathead custom right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.
