HERE ARE THE MILITARY MOTORCYCLES THAT HELPED REV UP U.S. SUCCESS
The military motorcycle is known as one of the U.S. Armed Forces’s motorized heroes. Dating back to the Mexican Revolution, the military used motorcycles for many different types of jobs. Their simple and nimble functionality allowed them to be used for communication tasks and screening operations. They’ve even seen their fair share of combat, as they can offer faster transportation for the military over vehicles with four wheels. Considering motorcycles have been an asset to the United States military, we just had to ask, “What does the military use motorcycles for, and which ones are the most popular?” Below, you’ll find a list of the military motorcycles that helped the U.S. gain success at home and abroad. Suggested read:$100M Donation Creates National Museum of Military Vehicles
Most-Used Military Motorcycles
1. Indian Powerplus Big Twin
2. Harley Davidson WLA
Designed by Harley Davidson, the WLA is known as the most iconic military motorcycle, as over 90,000 of these motorcycles were produced for the military during World War II. The bike was based on the civilian model and was, at first, being produced in small numbers. The bike is finished with either chrome or nickel-plated parts and painted in the Army’s signature olive drab. The WLA had enlarged fenders that reduced mud clogging, a heavy-duty luggage rack, a skid plate, leg protectors, and a windshield that could be included, if needed. The WLA motorcycle was reliable, easy to repair, and had great overall speed, which would make it difficult for other vehicles to catch up to it.
3. Harley Davidson Model 17F/J
4. Zero MMX
Zero MMX motorcycle was designed to be used specifically for special operations in the United States military. The Zero MMX has a nearly silent electric motor, 54 horsepower, 68 pound-feet of torque, and can run for nearly 3,500 hours on just one charge. The bike was reported to be maintenance-free and could supposedly be ridden almost anywhere around the globe, which is the whole reason why it was ideal for recon missions, search, rescue, and other operations.
5. Kawasaki KLR650
6. Norton WD Big 4
Military Motorcycle Clubs
Since military motorcycles were most commonly used during the wartime era and reached peak popularity during the 1980s, there are many military Veterans who have a love for them. The U.S. Military Vet Motorcycle Club, established in 1987, is a national non-profit organization for military Veterans. Overall, the club strives to provide a club for male military Veterans who are qualified and offers brotherhood and an opportunity to connect with other male military Veterans who have served in their country. Within the club, they hope to ensure their members have a sense of pride from serving in the U.S. military; they also hope to improve the image of bikers and military Veterans. The military motorcycle is still in use within the United States military today, and many Veterans who’ve used motorcycles during their prime are still around to celebrate them. If you’re a member of the Armed Forces and have a love for military or non-military motorcycles, the Harley Davidson military discount could be helpful if you’re looking to buy a military motorcycle for sale and relive your glory days (or create some). Read next:Mobile Protected Firepower Contract Awarded for New Army Tanks
Images: Mecum Auctions; Zero Motorcycles; Yesterdays