Harley Davidson and Shaft Drive Motorcycles: A Brief History

Introduction

Honda and BMW may be closely associated with shaft-driven motorcycles, but did you know that Harley-Davidson has also produced a shaft-drive model? Specifically, the V-Rod and the 1942 XA represent notable instances where Harley-Davidson ventured into shaft drive technology.

The V-Rod

The most famous of Harley-Davidson's shaft-driven motorcycles is the V-Rod, introduced in 2001. While most Harley motorcycles traditionally use chain or belt drive, the V-Rod featured a unique design that included a shaft drive. This marked a significant departure from the brand's usual mechanical setup, highlighting Harley's willingness to innovate and embrace new technologies.

The 1942 XA

Even before the V-Rod, Harley-Davidson had a brief flirtation with shaft drive technology during World War II. The 1942 XA was the first and only Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be produced with a shaft drive. This rare model was built in response to a US Army request to build a similar motorcycle to the BMW/Zündapp shaft drive opposed twins.

Reverse Engineering and Prelude to War

In late 1939/40, the Harley distributor for one of the Low Countries/Scandinavia purchased a BMW R75 and shipped it back to Milwaukee. The Motor Company reverse-engineered the motorcycle and built an American version. This original prototype became the first Harley-Davidson with a foot shifter and the only Harley ever built with a shaft drive. Interestingly, the prototype was also the first Harley-Davidson with a hydraulic fork.

Wars and Production Hiccups

By the time the build contract was completed, the Desert War had ended, and the workhorse 42WLA military 45 cu. in. Flathead had already proven its worth. Consequently, the XA was never accepted by the military and was never deployed beyond testing units. Near the end of World War II, Harley offered these motorcycles to dealers, but the lack of factory support for parts and future development marked a significant factor in their limited production.

Post-War Innovations

Despite the limited production of the 1942 XA, Harley-Davidson did not stop its exploration of shaft drive technology. They built several prototypes that used various parts from the XA, such as a ServiCar replacement shaft drive, motorcycles, trikes, foot shift modifications, and of course, hydraulic forks to replace the Springer front end. Some design elements from these prototypes found their way to modify the Flathead 45 and led the design of components for the K/KH Flathead 750/883 from 1952–56.

Conclusion

While Harley-Davidson's foray into shaft drive was limited, it represents a fascinating chapter in the company's history. From reverse engineering foreign technology to pioneering innovative designs, Harley-Davidson continues to be a leader in motorcycle innovation. Whether you are a fan of the V-Rod or the forgotten 1942 XA, the brand's history is full of interesting stories and innovations.