Harley-Davidson WLA
74/100 Overall
53 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Harley-Davidson WLA vs Indian Chief
Harley-Davidson WLA scores 74/100 overall against Indian Chief on 79/100. On the road: 53–57. As classics: 95–100. Overall result: Indian Chief.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Indian Chief
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Harley-Davidson WLA | Indian Chief | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 6 | Indian Chief |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 3 | 3 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 6 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 6 | Harley-Davidson WLA |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 8 | Indian Chief |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Indian Chief |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 10 | Indian Chief |
| 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 Indian Chief if…
you want flowing skirted-fender styling, deep American heritage and one of the most recognisable classic motorcycles.
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.
Indian Chief
The Indian Chief was produced from 1922–1953 and used a air-cooled side-valve V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. 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.
Indian Chief
- Its production span in this library runs from 1922 to 1953.
- The recorded engine description is: air-cooled side-valve V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
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.
Indian Chief
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Indian Chief. 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.
Indian Chief
- 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 Indian Chief
Final result
The verdict
Indian Chief wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Indian Chief wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Indian Chief takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.