JAMESVILLE '43 WLC FLATHEAD

STORY WRITTEN BY BIKE EXIF.

Copenhagen-based James Roper-Caldbeck has a real eye for building (rebirthing?) vintage Harleyflatheads. His lovely 1200 U caught our attention six months ago, and has just picked up a trophy at the Scandinavian Custom Show for Best Old School. But this one is just as sweet. It’s a little older, being a WW2-era WLC military bike, and James calls it the XXX750 WLC. The ‘C’ means that it was built for the Canadian army, and you’d be right in thinking it’s a close cousin of the US army WLA. The Canadians specified different wheels, brakes and lighting, and apparently the throttle is on the left—but otherwise it’s basically the same bike, with the same 45 cubic inch (740 cc) motor. The bronze detailing on this machine is beautifully observed, from the paintjob to the copper-plated wheels: proof that less is usually more when it comes to vintage bikes. Roper-Caldbeck’s company,Customs From Jamesville, is currently building a 60s drag bike—and will soon be starting work on a ’37 flathead. We’ll post an update on those as soon as the pictures come through.

SPECS

1942 frame, forks, tanks, engine, gearbox and hubs. Custom wheels, handle bars, shifter and dash. 1928-31 Ford rear light. Unknown front light and rear fender.