This 1938 Harley-Davidson WLDR is one of a reported 139 competition models built for the model year and it was refurbished by David Sarafan Inc. of Lake Worth, Florida, in a project that was completed in April 2022. Work performed during the refurbishment included refinishing the bodywork in gloss black while the frame and wheels were refinished in satin black. Additional work included overhauling the 45ci flathead V-twin, three-speed transmission, primary drive, and carburetor as well as replacing the tires. Equipment includes a short-throw shifter, narrow clutch and primary covers, 18″ wheels, drop handlebars with internally routed cables, I-beam forks, a Watt exhaust system, and a constant-loss ignition system. This WLDR was acquired by the selling dealer in January 2022 and is now offered in Florida for off-road use only with a bill of sale.
The fuel and oil tanks were finished in gloss black with red and gold accents while the frame was finished in satin black. Features include a leather saddle, a shortened rear fender, rubber-lined footboards, and a side stand. The fuel tank features a custom shift gate to accommodate the short-throw shifter.
Wire-spoke 18″ wheels with painted rims, replacement spokes, and rebuilt hubs are wrapped in 4.00″ Trial tires. Braking is from overhauled drums at both ends. Suspension consists of an I-beam fork with ride control as well as a spring in the saddle post.
A painted drop handlebar features internally routed control cables and is equipped with a twist-grip spark advance on the left and a front brake lever and a twist-grip throttle on the right. The grips cables have been replaced. No instrumentation is present, therefore true mileage is unknown.
The 45ci flathead V-twin features larger intakes than the base WL as well as a vane-type dry sump oiling system with the pump driven off the rear camshaft. The engine was overhauled with replacement pistons and rings and breathes through an overhauled Linkert M41 carburetor with short air scoops as well as a Watt two-into-one exhaust system with an enlarged outlet.
The number 38WLDR1733 is stamped on the left-side engine case denotes it as a factory competition unit.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a hand-shifted three-speed transmission with a left-side rocker foot clutch. The transmission was overhauled, a short-throw shifter was fitted, and the drive chain, chain guard, and rear chain adjusters were replaced.
The bike does not have a title and will convey on a bill of sale only.
