The 1947 Norton International from United Kingdom was powered by a 490cc OHV single producing 29hp at 6000rpm. Weighing 155.0kg (342 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at racing riders.
The 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 739cc of SV V-twin power, delivering 23hp at 4600rpm. Tipping the scales at 260.0kg (573 lbs) with a top speed of 105km/h (65 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1940s motorcycles, especially military-era models, hold strong collector interest with values reflecting their historical significance.
Specifications Comparison
| 1947 Norton International | 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 490 cc | 739 cc |
| Power | 29 hp | 23 hp |
| Torque | 35.0 Nm | 40.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h | 105 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 155.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 168.0 kg | 280.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 3 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1947 Norton International is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1947 Norton International's 29hp trumps the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA's 23hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1947 Norton International if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA for all-round versatility and everyday riding. Parts availability is difficult for the 1947 Norton International and moderate for the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1947 Norton International
The 1947 1947 Norton International packs a 490cc OHV single engine with 29hp into a racing machine package from Norton.
Full 1947 Norton International Profile →About the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
The 1942 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA is a 739cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle that became one of Harley-Davidson's most memorable motorcycles of the 1940s.
Full 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Profile →