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Harley-Davidson RL 45

Field	Value
name	Harley-Davidson RL 45
image	1936 Harley-Davidson RL 45.jpg
manufacturer	Harley-Davidson
production	1932–1936
assembly	Milwaukee, WI USA
predecessor	D 45
successor	W 45
class	standard
engine	45.32 cuin flathead V-twin
bore_stroke	2.75 x
top_speed	70 mph
power	18.5 hp
ignition	6 V, coil and points
transmission	3-speed
frame	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
dry_weight	390 lb

Rear: None, rigid Rear: contracting band

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.

Overview

Despite being launched in the middle of the Great Depression, when Harley-Davidson's sales were at a twenty-year low, the RL continued in production, helping Harley-Davidson to become one of only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Depression. 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.

Harley offered a competition-bred RLDR 45, and also produced a three-wheel Servi-Car (or 'Service-Car') model.

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).

A red 1934 RL45 was owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable.

References

(2001-10-01). "The Illustrated Directory of Harley Davidson Motorcycles". MotorBooks International.
Wilson, Hugo. (1993). "The Ultimate Motorcycle Book". Dorling Kindersley.
Rafferty, Tod. (1997). "The Complete Harley-Davidson". Motorbooks International Publishers & Wholesalers.
"Welcome to the RL 45 Homepage Contents Page".
Alexander, Jeffrey W.. (2009-01-01). "Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History". UBC Press.
[http://www.kiehls.com/The-100-Vintage-Motorcycle-Collection%21/hundred-vintage-motorcycle-collection,default,pg.html Clark Gable's RL45 in Kiehl's Vintage Motorcycle Collection] {{webarchive. link. (August 11, 2011)

Info: Wikipedia Source

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