Harley-Davidson XA

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Harley-Davidson XA (Experimental Army) flat-twin shaft drive motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson for the US Army during World War II.^[1][2]

During WWII, the Army produced a specification for a motorcycle much like the BMWs used by German forces, with shaft drive, a boxer engine, and several other features that made the BMW exceptionally reliable and low-maintenance machines. Harley-Davidson produced the XA, which was based closely on the BMW. Though an excellent machine, only about 1000 were produced. The XA was expensive and, by the time production had begun, it was clear that the Jeep was the Army's general purpose vehicle of choice. The less advanced but cheaper WLA was considered sufficient for its limited roles.

[edit] References

1. ^ A Boxer-Engine Motorcycle by Harley-Davidson
2. ^ Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum - Harley-Davidson XA

[edit] See also

• Harley-Davidson WLA
• Indian 841