1942 Harley-Davidson 42XA | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 140

The National Military History Center

1942 Harley-Davidson 42XA

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$40,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
NA42XA1716
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Production Year: 1942

Engine: Harley-Davidson HO, 45.04-cid, side-valve, 23-hp, air-cooled, two-cylinder, gasoline

Transmission: Four-speed foot-change gearbox, shaft-drive

Brakes: Mechanical

Length: 90-inches

Width: 36-inches

Height: 40-inches

Weight: 525-pounds

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example – does have holster - Typically one Thompson .45 caliber M1928A1 or M1A1 submachine-gun in a front fork-mounted holster

Maximum Road Speed: Approximately 65-mph

Markings: US Army, North-African sand paint scheme

The Harley-Davidson 42XA was a limited production model introduced in 1942. The 42XA was a reverse engineered copy of the German BMW R-12, an example of which had been captured in North Africa. The horizontal flat-twin engine was a dramatic change from the proven V-twin design featured on all previous Harley-Davidson civilian and military motorcycles. The flat-twin engine had side valves and twin carburetors. The air cleaner went on top of the gearbox housing, which was bolted to the rear of the crankcase, and the transmission featured the foot-change and transverse kick-start pedal, both on the left, as on the BMW R-12. A German style driveshaft and handlebar mounted clutch lever, both on the right side, were also copied from the BMW R12. The frame was a tubular cradle with telescopic rear suspension, but the front featured the standard Harley-style leading link forks. A hydraulic damping unit was added to the right fork leg. The 42XA had Harley-style footboards with aft-mounted footrests plus heat shields behind the cylinders. The 42XA displayed features oversize tires and disc wheels that were unique to the desert version. The flat-twin engine needed frequent oil changes. Approximately 1,000 42XAs were built during WW II.

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