1946 Harley-Davidson Touring

1946 WL For Sale - Original paint, unmolested time capsule. Bike purchased 17 years ago in Milwaukee WI. Looks to have had a minor fender bender (literally) and then it was parked for 40-50-years. This bike is complete with all its original parts and running gear, with a few small exceptions. When I purchased this bike, the right handlebar was bent, the right tank dented, the front fender was bent/dented and the rear frame kickstand was rusted from ground contact for so long. Also, one fin on the rear head was cracked off at some point. Thankfully, when the machine was stored, all the fluids were drained, leaving the tanks in mostly great condition. The exception was a small amount of oil in the oil tank. This caused a small area of rot in the oil tank. This is a list of what was done to bring this bike back to life and make it run flawlessly for me the past 15 years.
- New handlebars welded to original center section by Faber Cycle
- Speedo repaired, (not restored) by John Bordas
- Oil tank repaired by me (A&P mech) with a formed steel patch that was applied internally using aviation fuel tank sealant (proseal) and painted by a body shop in the repair area only
- Rear stand replaced with correct Harley replacement
- Saddlebags repaired and conserved by Worsham Castle Leather
- Generator maintained and converted to two brush by me
- Relay converted to solid state using original base and cover
- Battery 6v Sealed unit
- Added NOS WLA buddy springs to original buddy seat
- Added replica mirror to original clamp
- Replaced original float with rubber ducky float this spring
- Added PEEK tip to original fuel shutoff rod, aligned fuel rod to seat
- I have not washed this bike since I've owned it, I rub it down with an oily rag and leave it alone

This is a 1-2 kick bike that runs, shifts and stops great! It has clean WI Title with all the correct and matching info and matching case #'s.
The 1946 model year was still subject to Wartime limitations on chrome and other materials. As such, this was not a flashy offering by Harley as compared to the pre or post war years. This bike is what it was like when the boys came home from WWII, leaving their WLA's and buying a civilian Harley to experience the freedom they had just fought for.
This is a 76 year old, ORIGINAL-UNRESTORED-NOT REBUILT machine. It is a tight bike for its age, it starts runs and stops like it should. I suspect that it has never been apart! The tires appear to be original, but I can't prove that. Point being is that you are buying an OLD motorcycle that is not perfect! Be prepared to maintain it and love it.
Please consult Palmers book to confirm all the original 1946 parts are in place. This is the most complete, original machine that I have owned!
I will not release this bike to a shipper or allow you to take it away until your payment method clears my bank and cash is in my hand! Please feel free to contact me if you would like to come by to inspect this bike.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Videos of bike:
https://youtu.be/CkJf5p_tIl8
https://youtu.be/KQQJOXn3L5M