Harley-Davidson TA - Shaft-Drive Knucklehead Trike


In 1941, Harley-Davidson produced a military version of their popular servi-car model called the TA.  Unlike the servi-car, which used a 45ci flathead motor, the TA was outfitted with a more powerful 68ci knucklehead motor.  This motor was then mated to a heavy-duty 3 speed transmission with reverse which used a drive shaft instead of a chain to power the rear wheels.  The drive shaft connected to an automotive Dana 44 rear end.  It also featured solid disc wheels, an XA style springer front end and was built in both right hand and left hand shift versions.


The first TA's were plagued with a number of problems including poor handling, extreme vibration and multiple oil leaks.  Harley's engineers were able to fix these problems and received approval from the Army to put the TA into production, but in the end, only 18 TA's were built.  Of those, two were prototypes and the other 16 production models.

The Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC has one of these rare trikes in there military collection.  You'll want to schedule an entire day to really go through the museum, but it is well worth the trip.
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