Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Matt Staff
The 1940s were a turning point for motorcycle design, marked by wartime necessity and post-war creativity. As countries mobilized for World War II, bikes quickly shifted from leisure machines to tools of war, built tough, easy to fix, and capable of handling rough terrain. Brands like Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Indian, and BMW developed models that could endure the demands of battlefields, often becoming iconic in the process.
Whether it’s the rugged lines of a military sidecar rig or the smooth pull of a classic V-twin, each bike reflects a unique chapter in motorcycle history. These bikes are reminders of a time when motorcycles were more than transportation; they were symbols of resilience, innovation, and the human drive to keep moving forward. Here are 20 vintage motorcycles from the 1940s.
1. Triumph Tiger 100
A performance-oriented 498cc twin, the T100 was Triumph’s answer to the Speed Twin, designed for sport enthusiasts. Production paused during WWII but resumed post-war.
2. Ariel W/NG 350
Developed for military use, this 348cc OHV single was based on Ariel’s Red Hunter and served in various branches of the British military during WWII.
3. BSA A7
BSA’s first 500cc twin, the A7 featured a long-stroke engine and was introduced post-WWII to meet the growing demand for civilian motorcycles.
4. Harley-Davidson WLA
A military motorcycle produced for the U.S. Army during World War II, the WLA was based on the civilian WL model and earned the nickname “Liberator” in Europe.
5. Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide
Harley-Davidson introduced the ‘Hydra-Glide’ front forks, replacing the previous leading-link forks for superior comfort. It also featured the refined ‘Panhead’ engine.
6. Harley-Davidson WL
One of the last Harleys with a small V-twin, it proved to be a versatile engine that remained in production for more than four decades.
7. Norton 16H
The Norton 16H was a robust 490cc side-valve single used extensively by the British Army during WWII. Reliable and easy to maintain, it became one of the most commonly used Allied motorcycles of the war.
8. BMW R12
BMW’s R12 was one of the earliest motorcycles to integrate a sidecar seamlessly into its design, using a 750cc flat-twin engine and serving reliably with the German military.
9. Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Introduced in 1936, the Knucklehead earned its nickname from the distinct shape of its rocker boxes. It featured overhead valves and represented a major engineering leap, laying the foundation for Harley’s modern V-twin engines.
10. Harley-Davidson Model EL
Harley-Davidson’s Model EL was built on the Model E’s platform with improved performance, ultimately leading to the development of the now-iconic Knucklehead engine.
11. Harley-Davidson Model U
A reliable flathead engine motorcycle, it was popular among civilian riders and served as a foundation for future models.
12. Triumph 3T
Triumph’s 3T was a compact 350cc twin introduced after the war and was favored for both civilian transport and military utility during peacetime.
13. Zündapp KS 750
A 751cc flat-twin, it was a military motorcycle with a sidecar, offering versatility and off-road performance, and was used for transporting personnel and cargo.
14. DKW NZ 350
The DKW NZ 350 was a 350cc two-stroke single. It was a military motorcycle used by the German Army during WWII, known for its reliability and simplicity.
15. Indian 841
Indian’s 841 was built for desert warfare, powered by a 737cc V-twin and featuring a shaft drive along with a unique front girder fork for durability in harsh conditions.
16. Indian Chief
A 1,200cc V-twin, it was a heavyweight cruiser known for its smooth ride and distinctive styling.
17. Indian Scout
The Indian Scout, equipped with a 500cc V-twin, became a favorite for both everyday riders and military personnel due to its balance of power and agility.
18. BSA M23 Silver Star
The BSA M23 Silver Star was originally designed for civilian riders with its 500cc OHV engine, but was soon adapted for wartime service due to its reliability.
19. Moto Guzzi Super Alce
The Super Alce was an evolution of the earlier Alce. The Super Alce featured a 500cc single-cylinder engine with improved reliability and handling. Built for the Italian military, it was equipped with a larger fuel tank and reinforced suspension.
20. BMW R4
BMW’s R4 was a lightweight 400cc flat-twin motorcycle that started out for civilian use but saw extensive adaptation for military operations during the war.
Want to see more vintage motorcycle content?
Check out 20 Vintage Photos Of Classic Motorcycles And Sidecars, or take a look at 15 Legendary Motorcycles That Made People Dream of the Open Road (1990s). Finally, if you want to see the best bikes from the ’30s, check out 30 Motorcycles From The 1930s That Are Pure Old School Cool.
