Harley-Davidson WLA
74/100 Overall
53 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson WLA vs Harley-Davidson XR-750
Harley-Davidson WLA scores 74/100 overall against Harley-Davidson XR-750 on 79/100. On the road: 53–57. As classics: 95–100. Overall result: Harley-Davidson XR-750.
Photo: Mike Schinkel · CC BY 2.0
Harley-Davidson XR-750
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson WLA | Harley-Davidson XR-750 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 9 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 5 | 10 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 3 | 3 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 3 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 2 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 10 | Harley-Davidson XR-750 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Harley-Davidson WLA if…
you want unmistakable wartime history, rugged simplicity and one of the world's most recognisable military motorcycles.
Choose the Harley-Davidson XR-750 if…
you want America's dominant dirt-track racing motorcycle, with immense competition history and raw V-twin character.
Background
History
Harley-Davidson WLA
The Harley-Davidson WLA was produced from 1940–1952 and used a 739cc air-cooled side-valve V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Harley-Davidson XR-750
The Harley-Davidson XR-750 was produced from 1970–1985 and used a approximately 750cc air-cooled racing V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, handling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Harley-Davidson WLA
- Its production span in this library runs from 1940 to 1952.
- The recorded engine description is: 739cc air-cooled side-valve V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
Harley-Davidson XR-750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1970 to 1985.
- The recorded engine description is: approximately 750cc air-cooled racing V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, handling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Harley-Davidson WLA
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson WLA. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Harley-Davidson XR-750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson XR-750. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Harley-Davidson WLA
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Harley-Davidson XR-750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson WLA
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson XR-750
Final result
The verdict
Harley-Davidson XR-750 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Harley-Davidson XR-750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Harley-Davidson XR-750 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.