Harley-Davidson RL 45

The Harley-Davidson RL 45 is a model of the R-series range produced from 1932 to 1936, preceded by the DL range (1929-1931), which was Harley-Davidson's first 45 cubic-inch and first flathead V-twin motorcycle, and succeeded in 1937 by the WL. The R-series range included 45-solo, R, RL and RLD models. The RL, like the DL before it, featured a total-loss oiling system; the following WL had a recirculating oil system.

A RL45 British side car model
Harley-Davidson RL 45[1]
ManufacturerHarley-Davidson
Production1932–1936
AssemblyMilwaukee, WI USA
PredecessorD 45
SuccessorW 45
Classstandard
Engine45.32 cu in (742.7 cc) flathead V-twin
Bore / stroke2.75 in × 3.81 in (70 mm × 97 mm)
Top speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Power18.5 hp (13.8 kW)
Ignition type6 V, coil and points
Transmission3-speed
Frame typeSteel, single downtube
SuspensionFront: Leading link spring fork
Rear: None, rigid
BrakesFront: expanding shoe
Rear: contracting band
Tires4.00 x 18
Wheelbase57.5 in (1,460 mm)
Weight390 lb (180 kg) (dry)

Despite being launched in the middle of the Great Depression, when Harley-Davidson's sales were at a twenty-year low,[1] the RL continued in production, helping Harley-Davidson to become one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Depression.[2] Influenced by the way in which the automobile industry had used Art Deco stylings, Harley featured a stylised Art Deco style image on the motorcycle's fuel tank.[3]

Harley offered a competition-bred RLDR 45, and also produced a three-wheel Servi-Car (or 'Service-Car') model.[4]

Clark Gable's 1934 Harley-Davidson RL45

Prior to the Second World War, Harley's RL Sports model and Servi-Car were produced in Japan under license to the company Rikuo (Rikuo Internal Combustion Company) [5] Production continued until 1958.

A red 1934 RL45 was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable.[6]

References
  1. Rafferty, Tod (2001-10-01). The Illustrated Directory of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Illustrated Directory. MotorBooks International. pp. 92–95. ISBN 0-7603-1126-9. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
  2. Wilson, Hugo (1993). "The World's Motorcycles: America". The Ultimate Motorcycle Book. London: Dorling Kindersley. p. 17. ISBN 0 7513 0043 8.
  3. Complete Harley Davidson: A Model-By-Model History of the American Motorcycle - Google Books
  4. Introduction to DL/RL45
  5. Google Books: Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History
  6. Clark Gable's RL45 in Kiehl's Vintage Motorcycle Collection Archived August 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
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