1946 WR model

[panzer45]

Does anybody know of a reference book that goes into detail about the special WR factory racers. Looking into building a clone, but would like to find out what specific to just a WR and what was common HD parts. Like the frame for instance. Did they use a factory WL frame or was is special built.
Thanks in advance.
Mike K

[RUBONE]

Does anybody know of a reference book that goes into detail about the special WR factory racers. Looking into building a clone, but would like to find out what specific to just a WR and what was common HD parts. Like the frame for instance. Did they use a factory WL frame or was is special built.
Thanks in advance.
Mike K

WRs are different in almost every way from a WL. Some parts are close (frames other than missing brackets and lugs) but some parts like crankcases, cylinders, heads, transmissions, etc are very specific to WR. This is the front page of '46 specs showing what differences were specific to WR. The later chromemoly frame and specific wheels did not appear until later in '48 and '49 along with vertical mags (Wico). Also many variations depending on privateer, dealer sponsored, or factory sponsored, flattrack, road race, or hillclimb, and on and on.
Why '46?
I have a couple of racer projects idling in the back of the shop, a 41WLDR and a WR hillclimb clone. Long term projects.

[kitabel]

Have a nice day

[panzer45]

Thanks!
I’m not not trying for a museum copy, just something close. I guess a repop WL frame will have to do. They have a certain look to them, very badass.

[RUBONE]

Thanks!
I’m not not trying for a museum copy, just something close. I guess a repop WL frame will have to do. They have a certain look to them, very badass.

The major issue is the engine. A stock frame with mods will look fine. A stock trans will look fine. Aftermarket WR tanks will look fine. But big fin cylinders with angled valves, correct cases, factory race wheels, correct carb, etc will make anyone in the know just shrug and say "oh, another fake".
My suggestion is rather than try to fake a WR, build a period privateer racer. H-D even sold a "WR Kit" in the postwar era for owners to "racerize" their war surplus 45s for local events. Here it is listed in the competition parts catalog.

[RUBONE]

WRs have no brakes. WRTTs (roadrace) do. All were always magneto ignition with front mounted Edison mags up to the Wico mag era when verticals became available. Early cam covers have no hole for timers in them. Carbs are 4 bolt MR3 or MR4 with bullseye venturis and no provision for a choke on the shortened bodies. clutches are prewar type with special gearboxes and narrow primaries.

Sprockets came from 17 to 34 tooth for the engine, 15t to17 for the trans, and after 48 36 to 47 for the rear wheel.

[George Greer]

Robbie,

Is that oil tank in your photo the one for WR’s?

And do you have any other photos of it?

Thanks, George

[panhead]

1948 WR Specifications and Instructions

[panzer45]

Great information, thank you.

[panzer45]

Screenshot (7).png (68.39 KiB) Viewed 563 times

V-Twin sells this as their "WR" model rolling chassis for ($6800) It doesn't have a right-side oil tank. You have to use a horseshoe style behind the seat.

[kitabel]

Have a nice day

[kitabel]

Have a nice day

[RooDog]

I noticed on the Victory Library site that the introduction states; "the Linkert (L&L) Model “M” bronze carburetor, as used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles 1933-56 (and some until 1964)".
What about the 1965 FLs with M74-B carbbies?
Just wondering if I'm missing something there.....

[kitabel]

Have a nice day

[RooDog]

I've read the conversion to the Model DC occurred about that time, but no factory documents?

The DC was a two bolt mount and went on the 1966 Shovelheads, in '67 the Tillotson was tried for a while.
All the two bolt carbs for Big Twins could use the same manifolding....
Or so the H-D parts manuals seem to indicate....