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.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Harley-Davidson |
|---|---|
| Production | 1932–1936 |
| Assembly | Milwaukee, WI USA |
| Predecessor | D 45 |
| Successor | W 45 |
| Class | standard |
| Engine | 45.32 cu in (742.7 cc) flathead V-twin |
| Bore / stroke | 2.75 in × 3.81 in (70 mm × 97 mm) |
| Top speed | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Power | 18.5 hp (13.8 kW) |
| Ignition type | 6 V, coil and points |
| Transmission | 3-speed |
| Frame type | Steel, single downtube |
| Suspension | Front: Leading link spring fork Rear: None, rigid |
| Brakes | Front: expanding shoe Rear: contracting band |
| Tires | 4.00 x 18 |
| Wheelbase | 57.5 in (1,460 mm) |
| Weight | 390 lb (180 kg) (dry) |
Overview
editDespite 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 stylized 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]
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]
A red 1934 RL45 was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Rafferty, Tod (2001-10-01). The Illustrated Directory of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. MotorBooks International. pp. 92–95. ISBN 0-7603-1126-9. Retrieved 2012-11-17.
- ^ Wilson, Hugo (1993). "The World's Motorcycles: America". The Ultimate Motorcycle Book. London: Dorling Kindersley. p. 17. ISBN 0-7513-0043-8.
- ^ Rafferty, Tod (1997). The Complete Harley-Davidson. Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers. ISBN 978-0-7603-0326-9.
- ^ "Welcome to the RL 45 Homepage Contents Page". www.dl45homepage.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
- ^ Alexander, Jeffrey W. (2009-01-01). Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History. UBC Press. ISBN 978-0-7748-5844-1.
- ^ Clark Gable's RL45 in Kiehl's Vintage Motorcycle Collection Archived August 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine