Harley-Davidson RL 45

Harley-Davidson RL 45^[1]

Manufacturer	Harley-Davidson
Production	1932–1936
Assembly	Milwaukee, WI USA
Predecessor	D 45
Successor	W 45
Class	standard
Engine	45.32 cu in (742.7 cc) flathead V-twin
Bore / stroke	2.75 in × 3.81 in (70 mm × 97 mm)
Top speed	70 mph (110 km/h)
Power	18.5 hp (13.8 kW)
Ignition type	6 V, coil and points
Transmission	3-speed
Frame type	Steel, single downtube
Suspension	Front: Leading link spring fork Rear: None, rigid
Brakes	Front: expanding shoe Rear: contracting band
Tires	4.00 x 18
Wheelbase	57.5 in (1,460 mm)
Weight	390 lb (180 kg) (dry)

The Harley-Davidson RL 45 is a model of the R-series range produced from 1932 to 1936, preceded by the DL range (1929-1931), which was Harley-Davidson's first 45 cubic-inch and first flathead V-twin motorcycle, and succeeded in 1937 by the WL. The R-series range included 45-solo, R, RL and RLD models. The RL, like the DL before it, featured a total-loss oiling system; the following WL had a recirculating oil system.

A RL45 British side car model

Despite being launched in the middle of the Great Depression, when Harley-Davidson's sales were at a twenty-year low,^[1] the RL continued in production, helping Harley-Davidson to become one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Depression.^[2] Influenced by the way in which the automobile industry had used Art Deco stylings, Harley featured a stylised Art Deco style image on the motorcycle's fuel tank.^[3]

Harley offered a competition-bred RLDR 45, and also produced a three-wheel Servi-Car (or 'Service-Car') model.^[4]

Clark Gable's 1934 Harley-Davidson RL45

Prior to the Second World War, Harley's RL Sports model and Servi-Car were produced in Japan under license to the company Rikuo (Rikuo Internal Combustion Company) ^[5] Production continued until 1958.

A red 1934 RL45 was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable.^[6]

References