Italeri 1/9 Harley-Davidson WLA 750 U.S. Army Motorcycle Kit No. 7401
Italeri 1/9 Harley-Davidson WLA 750 U.S. Army Motorcycle
Kit No. 7401
Italeri 1/9 Harley-Davidson WLA 750 U.S. Army Motorcycle
The Harley-Davidson WLA 750 became one of the most recognizable Allied military motorcycles of the Second World War. Based on Harley-Davidson’s civilian WL motorcycle platform, the WLA was adapted specifically for military service with blackout lighting, heavy-duty luggage racks, leather equipment scabbards, and olive drab military finishes. Used extensively by the U.S. Army and Allied forces throughout Europe and the Pacific, the WLA became an enduring symbol of WWII military mobility.
Italeri’s 1/9 scale WLA 750 is a large-format display model that emphasizes detailed engine components, frame construction, suspension detail, and authentic military accessories. The finished model has impressive shelf presence and offers significantly more visual detail than smaller motorcycle kits.
Builder & Reviewer Feedback
Builders consistently praise the kit for:
Excellent large-scale display presence
Highly detailed engine assembly
Strong Harley-Davidson realism
Impressive spoke wheel appearance
Good value compared to premium motorcycle kits
Excellent weathering opportunities
Strong historical appeal
Retailer reviews commonly highlight:
Detailed V-twin engine
Realistic frame structure
Authentic military accessories
Excellent molding quality
Strong parts fit for a large-scale motorcycle kit
Modeling communities and forum builders frequently mention:
Excellent painting opportunities
Highly visible engine detail
Outstanding weathering potential
Strong diorama possibilities with WWII figures
Good balance between detail and buildability
Like many large-scale Italeri kits, builders also note several common challenges:
Careful cleanup required on chrome and smaller parts
Spoke alignment benefits from patience
Some mold seams visible on frame components
Vinyl lines and cables may benefit from replacement
Decal placement requires careful alignment
Reddit modelers discussing Italeri kits frequently note that:
“newer ones are pretty good,” while older Italeri kits can vary significantly depending on tooling age.
Many advanced builders enhance the kit with:
Real braided wiring
Fuel and brake line upgrades
Weathered leather detailing
Metal fasteners
Additional military stowage
Figure and road base dioramas
The large 1/9 scale makes the kit especially attractive for super-detailing and realistic weathering techniques.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Features
1/9 scale Harley-Davidson WLA 750
Detailed V-twin engine
WWII U.S. Army motorcycle subject
Detailed frame and suspension
Military accessories included
Large-scale spoke wheels
Realistic saddlebags and equipment
Excellent display size
Recommended Aftermarket
Braided detail wire
Resin military stowage
WWII U.S. Army motorcycle figures
Leather weathering products
Road and cobblestone display bases
Metal fastener upgrades
A related military motorcycle subject often purchased alongside the WLA is:
BMW R75 German Military Motorcycle with Sidecar · $72.99 · 4.8
Large-scale WWII German military motorcycle kit ideal for Axis vs. Allied motorcycle display collections.
Paint Suggestions
Olive Drab No. 9
Semi-gloss black engine components
Leather brown saddlebags
Metallic engine weathering
Dust and mud effects
Satin operational finish recommended
Builders frequently recommend:
Fuel and oil staining
Worn leather effects
Mud buildup around tires
Dry-brushed engine highlights
Slight paint fading for operational realism
Store Recommendation
An outstanding large-scale military motorcycle kit with excellent historical appeal and impressive display presence. Perfect for WWII vehicle collectors, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, and builders wanting something different from traditional tanks and aircraft.
