WLC General Information

Prior to WW2, the Canadian Army, known as the Canadian National Defense Forces, purchased and used Norton, BSA and Indian motorcycles. Their preference was to use the same motorcycles as the British, their Commonwealth partner.
But as war progressed, England did not have enough motorcyles to meet Canada's needs and they had to turn to other manufacturers. After France capitulated, the British took over an Indian contract for the French Army and supplied several Indian Chief models to Canada.
Canada ordered more Chiefs, along with the 640 Scout Model straight from Indian, as they were pleased with the supplied bikes.
However when Indian started to have trouble meeting spare parts orders and several problems arose with the bikes themselves, Canada started looking for another motorcycle supplier which they found in Harley-Davidson. As with Indian, Canada ordered both 45ci Solo models and Big Twins from the Milwaukee factory. These would be known as the WLC and ELC Models respectively.

WLCs were made from late 1941 through 1944 and were known as the Model 42WLC and Model 43WLC. The 43WLC was made in a 'Domestic' model for use in Canada and an 'Export' version for use overseas. Contrary to the WLA, the WLC Models had two different style Engine Numbers, either 42WLCXXXX or 43WLCXXXX.

The WLC Model, although very similar to the US Army WLA, differs in many details from its American counterpart. Front and rear wheels are interchangable, front brake drum is the 'Big Twin' style, lighting equipment is quite different, throttle is on the left handlebar with ignition timing on the right, oil and gas lines are rubber, an auxiliary clutch hand lever is provided on the handlebars, later 43WLC have green plastic handlebar grips, a ride-control is provided on the front fork with an extra stand on the front wheel, the rear stand has additional 'Sand Pads', etc....

WLCs were not equipped with a Submachinegun bracket and Ammo box at the factory!
WLCs were mainly used by the Canadian (and Commonwealth) Armies, thus a correctly restored WLC should not have US Army markings* , just as a restored WLA should not have a WLC numbered engine.
(*except for very few exceptions used by the US Army as shown on the next page)

Below is a chart showing which engine numbers were used in which types and what timeframe they were produced. The chart also shows the Canadian National Defense Forces Registration Numbers which were assigned to each bike. More information about these numbers is found below. The chart was compiled from information in Bruce Palmer's books, and a few numbers falling outside of this list have been observed. There may be a few exceptions to the 42WLC Engine Numbers, but to date there are no records to verify these....

* From photographic evidence it seems some 42WLC Models were registered with the later 43WLC style numbers ( CC42xxxxx )

Throughout its history, Harley-Davidson has been using a combination of letters to designate the different models it manufactures. The Model WLC is no exception.
Since the WLC was based on the WLA which was already being delivered to the US Army, Harley-Davidson only changed the last letter to indicate a variation on an existing model.

The 'W' shows that the motorcycle is equipped with a 45 cubic inch, side valve engine, introduced in 1937 and first used on the Model W bikes.
The letter 'L' stands for High Compression. It is however not indicative of compression on current models.
And finally 'C' indicates a model developed for the Canadian National Defense Forces.

On original WW2 images, it's impossible to make out the engine number but typical features of each type can help in properly distinguishing a certain type of WLC from another. Using Bruce Palmer's books, a list was compiled to aid in identification and this chart should enable any WLC buff to distinguish different types....

All 42WLC and the 'Domestic' 43WLC were delivered with a tandem seat above the rear fender, but the 'Export' version of the 43WLC was supplied with a luggage rack identical to the WLA, with attached leather Saddle Bags. Even so, most 43WLC were fitted with passenger foot pegs.
The passenger seat on the 42WLC was similar to the British seats, but on the 43WLC it sat higher above the rear fender.
In July 1943, the Canadian MT User Committee recommended that windscreens, leg guards and pillion seats be removed from Harley-Davidsons. It was felt by the Committee that English weather did not at any time call for the need for these articles. In fact there had been several complaints raised about the increase in injuries caused by striking the windscreen. Also, in cases where the rider lost control of the machine, the hand grip was accused of aggravating the injuries. As a result of these recommendations the windscreens were discontinued from production immediately (7 July 1943), the pillion seat and hand grip as of 21 July 1943, and the leg shields at the end of July, concurrent with the end of the 9th Canadian order. However even after this date, 43WLC are often seen fitted with windshields.....

(Official HD Images)

'Domestic' Model 43WLC left and 'Export' Model 43WLC right

The 42WLC was issued with an additional toolbox on the front fender, which was sometimes replaced by a mounting of this same box above the rear fender behind the passenger seat (see photo on top of page).

The 42WLC was equipped with the standard Guide Cycle Ray glass lens headlight, mounted in the high position above the horn, and unshielded front marker and rear lights. The bikes that were shipped overseas were supplied with a lens shroud on the headlight and shielded marker lights front and rear. These 42WLC were issued with a small steel box containing this shroud and other shields. The box was marked "BLACK OUT EQUIPMENT for Harley-Davidson '45' cu. in. WLC model".

Left is the Auxiliary Tool Box (Part N° 3452-41A) mounted on the front fender of the 42WLC.
The Black-Out Equipment Box for the 42WLC, shown on the right, held shrouds for the headlight, front marker and rear lights.
It was issued with bikes that were shipped overseas.

The larger front marker and rear lights on the 42WLC.
The insignia painted on the front fender is that of the Canadian 1st Army which took part in the liberation of France,
Belgium and Holland in 1944-1945.

The 43WLC was manufactured with either plain or shrouded headlight, mounted below the horn, and the smaller Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) tube style marker and rear lights.

The WLC was equipped with an Auxiliary Cut-Off Switch on the right rear forks just above the toolbox, which allowed switching off the STOP light. It was later moved forward on the frame underneath the saddle.
The switch is marked: 'STOP LIGHT ISOLATION SWITCH'.

Canadian Dispatch Riders with their 42WLCs during exercise Spartan in England, March 12th, 1943.
The Auxiliary Cut-Off Switch is clearly visible on the first two bikes and on the detailed images below.

Photo left courtesy of John G, fellow 42WLA Yahoo Group Member and detail of the above WW2 picture

WLCs did not receive a frame tag or frame number during production and were identified by the engine number, embossed on the left side of the crankcase in the following fashion '42WLCXXXXX'. This was the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Furthermore all Harley-Davidson engine crankcases were numbered during their production on the lower front side of both halves by the year of manufacture followed by the sequence in which the crankcases were mated together (ie 42-12345 = the 12345th engine assembled in 1942).
The WLC motors were not all made in succession and from approximately 43WLC6000, 1944 dated crankcases were used.

Since the WLC was identified by its engine number only, this made control and accounting of the WLC Motorcycles by the Army very difficult, especially after engine replacement. In 1944 the Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) issued 'Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Modification Instruction N°1' ordering the RCEME workshops to stamp the WLC Serial Number on the frame just in front of the saddle post at the time of overhaul. More about this Modification Instruction is found at the bottom of this page.

Close-up of Engine Number 42WLC10226 on Prem Zizka's WLC.
The number has been stamped on top of the right rear forks just above the toolbox
instead of to the front of the saddle post following the Modification Instruction N°1.

Most differences between the WLA and WLC are obvious, but some of them, mainly on the engine, are barely noticable. These are visible on the photos shown below.

This close-up of a 42WLC pilot model engine on the left shows the changes requested by the Canadian Army. Note the neoprene covered fabric oil lines, passenger foot peg, auxiliary hand clutch cable on the clutch release lever ands the Rajah spark plug rubber caps. The lap apron roll is fitted to the rear forks above the battery box. Note the cadmium plated and parkerised finish of the different parts.
The photo on the right shows the same details on an unrestored 43WLC; note the OD-painted Engine Crankcase and Black Cylinder Heads,
and the OD-painted Transmission which appeared from 43WLC3072 up....

Above left is a set of Neoprene covered oil and gas lines, typical for the WLC.
Right an unissued set of Rajah Spark Plug Rubber Caps N° 43-41. They are marked 'RAJAH 066424' on one side,
and 'NIPPLE' and 'BLOOMFIELD N.J. USA.' on the reverse.

WLC motorcycles were delivered in exactly the same color as the US Army WLA, ie US Army QM Spec ES-N° 474 (enamel, synthetic, olive drab, lusterless flat). They were not to be repainted in either Canadian or British colors until the condition of the vehicle made it necessary, most likely during a complete workshop overhaul or rebuild near the end of the war or even after WW2.
In 1944 the British Army even adopted a paint color similar to US olive drab to match the color of American made lend-lease vehicles, a practice described in Army Council Instructions (A.C.I.) 533 on Camouflage of War Equipment, dated April 12th, 1944.
It was not common practice to apply a camouflage pattern to motorcycles contrary to larger Commonwealth vehicles.
Click Here to read more about WW2 British Army vehicle colors and camouflage.

Upon delivery to the Canadian Forces, each WLC received a Canadian National Defense Registration Number, which was painted on both sides of the tanks or somewhere on the fenders. The style of these numbers changed during the war.

The earlier numbers followed a simple pattern; the first two numbers represented the calendar year, followed by a number '1', and the sequential number of actual registration (starting from 100). These numbers were not only issued for motorcycles but randomly for all Canadian Army vehicles. As an example; WLC 42-1-5561 was the 5462nd vehicle issued to the Canadian Forces in 1942.

At some point in 1942 after the Canadian Military moved its forces over to England and became part of the British Commonwealth Military Forces, the British War Office allocated the Canadian Army census (vehicle) numbers that started at 4200000 matching the British style of vehicle numbers.
British census numbers were composed of a letter indicating the type of vehicle followed by a registration number (ie M1234567 was a Motor car numbered 1234567). The letter assigned to motorcycles of the Commonwealth Armies was the letter 'C'.
The Canadian Forces eventually fielded 92000 motor vehicles which were numbered in the 4200001 to 4292000 range with no particular number blocks being assigned to particular vehicle types.
In order to make it clear it was a Canadian Defense Forces vehicle a 'C' preceded the census number of the vehicle (ie Motorcycle CC-4213708 or Jeep CM4230213).
The few vehicles with numbers that deviate from this formula are the unexplained exception to the rule...

Left: A 42WLC bearing SerNr 42-1-5561. Seated on it is Lt Stevens while serving in Newfoundland with the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, circa 1942. According to the Nr this would be the 4562nd vehicle issued to the Canadian Army in 1942.
(Picture from Colin Stevens)
Right: The later Commonwealth style Vehicle Census Number CC4217966 has been painted on the front fender of this 42WLC Model. It is not clear on the original image if the number on the oil tank is identical to the fender number.....
The meaning of the other markings remain unclear.
(Photo: National Motor Museum)

Unit identification markings followed the typical British style showing the larger unit insignia (Army, Corps or Divisional sign) painted in a rectangle above a Tactical Sign representing the smaller unit. Other units, mainly Royal Air Force units carried a numerical code...

This Export 43WLC heads a CMP Truck column carrying food to the Dutch population in April 1945. The rider has been identified as Corporal William James (Jamie) Shipton from Kingston,Ontario of the First Division,Royal Canadian Army Service Corp. The markings on these vehicles identify the unit as 3rd Medium Regt RCA, attached to the 1st Canadian Army in Holland in 1945.
(Picture from Steve GUTHRIE)
Inspired by the wartime image, Joeri Quintyn marked his 43WLC5668 accordingly just prior to the Belgian Wings&Wheels Show on August 8th 2004. The white line under the insignia was still missing.

On 43WLC equipped with a Radio-Suppression electrical system, a letter 'S' is factory-applied to both sides of the dash cover. Bruce Palmer states this marking was red, but just as it has been proven to be blue-drab on the WLA, one can expect it to be of the same color on the WLC.

Photo from www.noviomagus.nl via James Thompson

The 'S' marking on the side of the dash cover is clearly visible on this 43WLC of the No. 64 Army Transport Company, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (R.C.A.S.C) attached to the Canadian 1st Army, stationed in Nijmegen, Holland in early 1945.
Although hard to say, it seems the color is blue drab rather than red.
Note the US Black Out Marker light mounted on the front safety bar.

WLC Motorcycles were fitted with Firestone Sportsman Type 4.00-18 tires, recognisable by the distinctive cross-lug pattern tread; but just as with the WLA, other brands and types may have been used. These original tires are made of very hard rubber and are not safe to ride! Coker Tire produces acceptable replacement tires with similar patterns for restorations.

Tires from a Private Collection

A clear view of the Firestone Sportsman tires and their distinctive tread pattern
Note the markings 'S-3' and 'MILITARY' and the red dot indicating synthetic 'war-production' rubber.

Private photo from James Bobyn

'1944 Signals Training'

2nd Lt Edward "Eddie" Bobyn of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals sits on a 42WLC at the Vimy Barracks of the Kingston Ontario Army Base during training in the summer of 1944.
Lt Bobyn took Officer's Training at Brockville before going thru Signals training at Kingston.

Close study of the pictures shows the holes in the front fender to mount the tool box. The fender marker light has been removed.

The Firestone Sportsman tire pattern is perfectly visible in the picture.

Upon delivery, each WLC was equipped with a Windshield, a Lap Apron and two leather Saddle Bags. A Tool Roll, Spare Parts Set and various Manuals were provided with each motorcycle.

Photo: Public Archives of Canada

On this beautiful image of a 43WLC 'Export' Model in front of rows of Ford T16 Carriers in an Army Depot somewhere in England before the Normandy invasion; most of the distinguishing features of the WLC are clearly visible. Of special interest here is the lap apron attached to the handlebars and the way the windshield apron is attached behind the handlebars rather than in front. Also note the flat 'sand pads' attached to the rear stand. The markings on the front fender are not clear and the Vehicle Serial Number on the tank is partly obscured by the apron. A rear view mirror, not normally fitted to the WLC has been added to the handlebars. Tires seem the Firestone All Non Skid (ANS) type.

As with the WLA, the publications applying to the WLC are marked on the motorcycle's data plate, attached to the upper frame between the dash cover and saddle.
Above left is the Data Plate from a 42WLC which lists the HD-WLC-03 Parts List and M/C-HD1 Maintenance Manual. The 43WLC Data Plate on the right, lists the HD-WLC-04 Parts List and other types of oil.
A selection of WW2 printed manuals is shown below. Note all were printed in the USA.

Shown above are the covers of original Parts Lists for the WLC.
FORM N° 13850-42C, dated September 1st, 1941 (left) and March 15th, 1942 (middle)
FORM N° 13850-43C, dated July 1st, 1943 (right)
Note that the 1941 and 1942 editions only list parts of the 42WLC while the 1943 edition has parts for both the 42WLC and 43WLC models.
Below are the Operator's Manuals provided with the bikes. The 1942 edition left, 1943 middle and the general MC-HD1, from the Data Plate on the right.
Manuals shown are all from the Prem Zizka Collection.

A set of tools and spare parts were issued with each WLC. These kits allowed small repairs in the field.
Both the 42WLC and 43WLC were provided with Tool Set 11800-41, although the drawings in the manuals show some subtle differences.

42WLC Tool Kit as shown in the manual. Parts Numbers are the HD Company numbers
Mouse Over image for a 1942 WLC Tool Kit from the Prem Zizka Collection

43WLC Tool Kit as shown in the manual. Note the Saddle Bags with extra internal pocket (see below)

Identical to the WLAs windshield, the apron provided with the WLC was made out of leatherette. Two different types have been observed, one with a narrow slot, and one with the larger rounded slot. This second type was superceded by a canvas apron late in 1943 at approx 43WLC3072. Although it is not clear why these were made in two different types, the narrow slotted one was probably issued with the 42WLC which had the high mounted headlight, while the 43WLC with low headlight and wider headlight and horn bracket was provided with the second pattern apron.
A large lap apron was issued with each WLC and protected the rider's legs and lower body in bad weather. It was rolled and stowed above the battery box when not in use. This fabric apron was considered more adequate than the WLAs metal legshields which were cumbersome to carry when not in use and therefore often discarded in the field.

Early narrow slotted Leatherette Apron left with later rounded Leatherette Apron right.

The Lap Apron was attached to the handlebars and frame with provided studs and clips.
It was rolled up with two straps when not in use.

The photo right shows an unidentified Dispatch-Rider of the 2nd Canadian Corp's HQ with two WLC Motorcycles during exercise Spartan in England, March 12th, 1943.

The bikes are clearly 42WLC Models, evidenced by the bicycle style starter pedal.

Of special notice here is the first pattern narrow slotted leatherette apron on the windshield of the bike on the left and the lap apron on the bike on the right.
The Auxiliary Cut-Off Stop Light Switch is visible on both bikes, mounted on the rear forks.

Note the Canadian Army Registration Number on the tank (CC-4222117), partly worn off from use.
The marking on the rear fender remains unclear.

A tire pump is attached to the front safety bar and saddles have been mounted in the high and low position with the provided washers above or under the seat T-bar.
A map case is slung from the windshield right.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection/Ottawa Canadian Archives

The 43WLC was supplied with a set of two saddlebags (Part Number 11786-43). These bags seem identical to the ones issued with the WLA (Part Number 11786-XM) but are equipped with a large leather pocket sewn inside the bag.

As war progressed; the use of the WLC Motorcycle was evaluated by the Canadian Defense Forces and a number of modifications were ordered to be made to the bikes by the RCEME workshops upon overhaul or during Maintenance. These 'Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Modification Instructions' are shown below, click on the link to view them....

'Modification Instruction N°1': Stamping of Engine Serial Number on Frame
'Modification Instruction N°2': Re-inforcing of Rear Support Stand
'Modification Instruction N°3': Shortening of Transmission Filler Plug
'Modification Instruction N°4': Relocation of Auxiliary Stop Light Switch
'Modification Instruction N°5': Reworking Tire Holding Lugs Page 1 & Page 2
'Modification Instruction N°6': Installation of Spring Rod Spacer Plate
'Modification Instruction N°7': Throttle, Spark, Hand Clutch and Hand Brake Changeover
Page 1 & Page 2
'Modification Instruction N°8': Relocation of Stop and Tail Light Wire Conduit

All Instructions shown, courtesy of John G, except N°7, courtesy Jerome H!

Two WLC in Normandy for the D-Day Commemorations in June 2009
The bike on the right is 42WLC1941, and both were nicely restored.

While photos of WLAs in action during WW2 are rather common,
those showing the use of WLC motorcycles are quite scarce.
A selection is shown on the next page.

WLC	Date of Manufacture	Engine Crankcase Numbers	CNDF Registration Numbers
Type 42WLC	August 1941-November 1941 January-May 1942 & August 1942	42WLC1000-42WLC4800 42WLC10000-42WLC25000	41-1-2200 - 41-1-6200 42-1-100 - 42-1-8000 *
Type 43WLC	October 1942-February 1944	43WLC1000-43WLC9134	CC-42xxxxx (see below)

Type WLC	Rapid Identification Distinguishing Features
42WLC	High Mounted Headlight, Large Marker and Rear Lights, Auxiliary Tool Box on Front Fender (sometimes on Rear Fender), Low (British Style) Tandem Seat, Black-Out Equipment in Box, Stop Lamp Cut-Off Switch on right rear forks, Round Air Cleaner, Bicycle Type Starter Pedal (up to 42WLC19000), Air Cleaner Guard only
43WLC 'Domestic'	Low Mounted Headlight, CMP Style Marker and Rear Lights, High Tandem Seat with integrated Saddle Bag Carrier, Stop Lamp Cut-Off Switch on right rear forks, Rectangular Air Cleaner, Steel Spool Type Starter Pedal, Air Cleaner Guard only, OD Painted Crankcase and Transmission and Black Painted Cylinder Heads (From 43WLC3072)
43WLC 'Export'	Low Mounted Headlight with Black-Out Shroud, CMP Marker and Rear Lights, Luggage Rack with Saddle Bag Carrier, Rectangular Air Cleaner, Steel Spool Type Starter Pedal, Complete Rear Safety Guard, OD Painted Crankcase and Transmission and Black Painted Cylinder Heads (From 43WLC3072)