The Harley-Davidson WLA was produced to US Army specifications during and around the Second World War. It was an adaptation of an existing civilian model, the WL, the 45 solo type, having a 45-cubic-inch (740 cm3) engine displacement and single-rider design.

In 1944, the US War Department published this manual for troops ahead of entering the Second World War. In addition to a basic description of the motorcycle, and how to ride it, this manual contained all the technical information required for identification, use and care of the materiel. It is the essential guide for any owner, giving vehicle maintenance instructions for many technical issues, and no doubt saved many soldiers’ lives out in the field.