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Military Might

Harley-Davidson and Indian both contributed to the war efforts starting in 1941.  In this combined effort over 80,000 motorcycles were produced in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Springfield, Massachusetts. Although more Harley-Davidson machines were
produced, Indian still provided a major roll in the war.

It is not surprising that motorcycles have been utilized as fighting machines from the earliest days of their invention.  Before World War 1, both Harley-Davidson and Indian were involved in the production of fighting machines. In World War 2, Harley-Davidson produced nearly 70,000 of these reliable and rugged machines. Indian produced nearly 25,000 for the great war.

Going back to the early days of the American two-wheeled fighting machine, their usefulness was recognized by the likes of Teddy Roosevelt and the forces of soldiers around the world.

The fleet of Harley Davidson WLAs are the three Air Force motorcycles. Two of the machines remain in original condition, the third is in restored condition. You may remember these bikes featured on an episode of “What’s in the barn?”

The first recognition of military motorcycles in action took place during the border conflict in 1916 between General Blackjack Pershing and the legendary Pancho Villa in the border wars which were prior to World War I.  These motorcycles gained much popularity fighting against the Mexican horse mounted soldiers.  Probably most famous among all historical motorcycle military photographs depicts an American soldier described as the first “Yank and Harley to enter Germany” dated 11/12/18.  A memorable moment in history.

Harley-Davidson and Indian played an important part in World War II with their machines delivering messages, parcels, and doing recon missions at light-speed of the day.

Wheels Through Time’s Military Collection consists primarily of Harley Davidson Machines from both wars, including several rare prototypes and special use machines.

Exhibits

Board Track America

The first board track built for motorcycle racing opened in 1909 in Los Angeles...

The Chopper Graveyard

It did not take long for individuals to often modify their machines to a new level...

45's Forever

The Pre-War Harley 45 is a dominant force is motorcycle class C racing...

The Hillclimb Hill

As the glory days of American board track racing faded, American Hillclimbing became...

Americas Rarest

The rarest bike on earth are here at Wheels Through Time and...

American Restoration

This area is Dales cornucopia of rare, unusual, exquisite, bizarre but always...

The "Swim Shop"

The glory days of the Harley Davidson dealer in the late 1940’s and early 50’s...

American Racer

Class-C was intended to foster amateur racing and to discourage factory...

The Fabulous Fours

The story of the four cylinder motorcycle in America lasted a short 33 years...

Military Might

Before WW1 both Harley Davidson and Indian were involved in the production of...

1936 Style & Function

The man who led the design of both the Knucklehead and the improved Side Valve engine...

Home Made America

Throughout the 20th Century, various home-made machines were invented within the...

The Wheels Through Time Museum will sweep you back in time with its magnificent presentation of vintage all-American motorcycles and automobiles.

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