Harley-Davidson embodies various meanings for different individuals, whether they are riders or not. Renowned as one of the world's most iconic brands, it evokes a distinct image of motorcycling.
While one might immediately associate Harley-Davidson with models like Electra Glides, CVOs, Sportsters, and perhaps controversially, V-Rods, motocross bikes likely aren't the first thing to spring to mind.
However, in a brief moment during the 1970s, Harley-Davidson delved into the world of motocross. This venture occurred during the AMF Harley-Davidson era when the company owned the Italian firm Aermacchi. And if you've guessed that Aermacchi played a role in building the bike in question, treat yourself to a little bar and shield cookie.
To be precise, Harley-Davidson actually crafted two motocross machines, although only 65 units of the initial version, built by hand in Milwaukee, were reportedly produced. Unfortunately, this first bike never made it to production.
The sole motocross bike that did hit dealership floors was the 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250. It enjoyed a brief presence in dealerships for approximately a year before fading into obscurity. Since then, it sporadically surfaces in discussions among motocross historians and international collectors as a peculiar piece of history.
At RideApart, we have an affinity for peculiar tales like this one, so let's delve deeper into the narrative.
Setting the Scene: In 1960, Harley-Davidson acquired 50 percent ownership of Aermacchi, an Italian company originally specializing in seaplanes before transitioning to motorcycles. Fast forward to 1965, Harley-Davidson went public, facing financial challenges by 1968 due to emerging competition from Japan's major motorcycle manufacturers. Amidst this turmoil, the Bangor Punta Corporation sought to acquire Harley-Davidson, but the company's president, William H. Davidson, resisted the takeover. Instead, Harley-Davidson struck a deal with American Machine and Foundry (AMF) by October 1968, leading to its acquisition. This move saw AMF taking full control of Aermacchi by 1973.
Given Aermacchi's expertise in crafting small-displacement bikes for the Italian market, AMF Harley-Davidson seized the opportunity to rebrand some of these models as Harleys. However, this strategy faced mixed reception, though Harley Aermacchis still occasionally appear at classic bike events in the present day.
Why Venture into Motocross? In the 1970s, motocross enjoyed immense popularity, with brands like Maico and Suzuki dominating the scene. Eager to capture the youth market and capitalize on the "race on Sunday, sell on Monday" ethos, AMF Harley pursued motocross. Thus, the development of the MX250 ensued.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250: Crafted at the Aermacchi facility in Varese, Italy, the MX250 featured a 242.6cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine. Components were sourced internationally, including a Dell'Orto carburetor, Dansi ignition, Tommaselli levers, Akront rims from Spain, and Kayaba suspension from Japan.
Specs included:
- Wheelbase: 57.3 inches
- Length: 83.6 inches
- Width (including handlebars): 34.2 inches
- Ground clearance: 12 inches
- Dry weight: 233 pounds
- Rake: 30 degrees
- Trail: 5.5 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.2 US gallons
- Bore and stroke: 72mm x 59.6mm
- Compression ratio: 11.8 to one
- Gearbox: 5-speed
- Wheels: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked
- Brakes: Drums at both ends
Riding Experience: Few journalists had the opportunity to test-ride the MX250. Reports indicated a narrow power band, sluggish torque at lower revs, and a weight disadvantage compared to rivals. Despite commendable Kayaba suspension, the bike's performance failed to match expectations.
Sales and Legacy: With fewer than 1,000 units produced, the MX250 struggled in the marketplace. Dealerships mandated to carry the motocross model faced challenges, ultimately leading to its discontinuation after a year. Despite modest racing success, the MX250's failure marked the end of Harley-Davidson's motocross endeavor.
As for Aermacchi, AMF sold the company to the Castiglioni brothers, who transformed it into Cagiva. Although their paths intersected in the 2000s, the MX250 remains a niche curiosity, its survival uncertain in 2023.