Motorcyclist

American Motorcycles In Production And In The War

By Unknown

January 23, 2012

From the May 1941 issue of Motorcyclist Magazine

Last month we presented a few photos of Indian machines and the part they are playing in our national defense program. Herewith are photos of Harley-Davidson machines as they come from the factory and as they appear in actual use. These photos are available just now through the courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal. Their ace photographer made a special trip to Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where he was permitted to shoot various scenes as the boys went through their routine on motorcycles. It is with sincere appreciation that we give the Milwaukee Journal credit for these fine photos and the permission to reproduce them for our readers.

Another illustration of how motors are playing an important role in the mechanization of the U.S. Army

For the Nation’s defense. Line-up of motorcycles for Uncle Sam ready for crating at the Harley-Davidson factory.

Being a motorcycle scout isn’t all riding. Just as with guns, planes or any equipment, the army man must know “how she ticks.” Lieut. W.R. Patterson is shown instructing some of his men.

Uncle Sam is sending some of his men to the Harley-Davidson factory to study motorcycle mechanics. A recent class is shown with instructor O.F. Lamb, in the white coveralls, explaining those mechanical matters that a scout rider should know.

Broadside view of one of the 45 cu. in. Harley-Davidsons as they are being furnished to the U.S. Army. These machines are the result of designs submitted by the factory and then revised by the Army. There has been close cooperation between both factories and Washington.

Two Scouts get off concrete and take to some of the rough cross-country going that they are trained daily to traverse. Motorcycles possess a scouting and advance activity mobility that no other equipment could duplicate.

Some of the hardest riders of the army are the motorcycle scouts. Here we see Pvt. Gerald Lewis, typical of the men of the outfit, with his Thompson submachine gun in a holster anchored to the front forks.

A platoon of motorcycle scouts at Fort Knox. Used in the armored division for reconnaissance work and carrying messages, these outfits will see a lot of use.