Harley-Davidson. The name conjures images of roaring V-twins, gleaming chrome, and the open road. For many, Harley-Davidson embodies the spirit of American motorcycling, with its iconic cruisers and touring bikes dominating highways worldwide. You might picture yourself cruising on an Electra Glide, tearing up tarmac on a Sportster, or even experiencing the power of a V-Rod. But what about a Harley-Davidson dirt bike?
Surprisingly, Harley-Davidson did briefly venture into the world of motocross. In a fascinating chapter of motorcycle history, during the 1970s, Harley-Davidson, under AMF ownership and in collaboration with their Italian subsidiary Aermacchi, developed a motocross machine. If you’re thinking Aermacchi was involved, you’re right – and you deserve a pat on the back for your motorcycle knowledge!
Actually, Harley-Davidson created two motocross prototypes, but the first one remained just that – a prototype. Only around 65 hand-built units were produced in Milwaukee, never reaching the wider market.
However, one Harley-Davidson dirt bike did make it to dealerships: the 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250. This model was available for a single year before disappearing from the lineup. Since then, the MX250 has become a rare and intriguing footnote in motocross history, occasionally surfacing among collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Here at usabikers.net, we love uncovering these unusual stories from the world of motorcycles. So, let’s delve into the story of the Harley-Davidson MX250, the dirt bike that dared to be different.
The Backstory: Harley-Davidson and Aermacchi
To understand the MX250, we need to rewind to 1960. Harley-Davidson acquired a 50 percent stake in Aermacchi, an Italian company with a rich history in aviation, initially building seaplanes before transitioning to aircraft and then motorcycles. The name “Aermacchi” itself is short for “Aeronautica Macchi,” honoring its founder Giulio Macchi, who established the company in 1912.
By 1965, Harley-Davidson became a publicly traded company. However, by 1968, the company faced growing financial pressures, primarily from the rising popularity of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers – the “Big Four.” In October 1968, a conglomerate named Bangor Punta Corporation attempted a takeover of Harley-Davidson.
William H. Davidson, then president of Harley-Davidson, resisted the takeover, asserting the company was not for sale. Instead, Harley-Davidson executives sought an alternative solution. By Halloween of 1968, they announced a deal to be acquired by American Machine and Foundry (AMF), another large conglomerate. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel noted the lack of explanation from Harley-Davidson regarding their choice of AMF as their “white knight.”
By 1973, AMF Harley-Davidson assumed full control of Aermacchi, acquiring the remaining 50 percent and taking complete ownership. They retained the factory in Varese, Italy.
Aermacchi primarily produced smaller displacement motorcycles for the European market. AMF Harley-Davidson saw an opportunity to rebrand some of these Aermacchi models as Harleys to compete with the influx of smaller Japanese bikes in the US market. This strategy wasn’t particularly well-received at the time, although these Harley Aermacchi bikes are now sought after at classic motorcycle events.
Why a Harley Davidson Dirt Bike? The Motocross Craze
The 1970s were the golden age of motocross. Motocross was incredibly popular, with brands like Maico leading the pack and newcomers like Suzuki rapidly gaining ground.
In this booming environment, AMF Harley-Davidson sought to tap into the youth market – a demographic coveted by motorcycle manufacturers then as it is now. The idea was simple: appeal to younger riders, build brand loyalty early. Furthermore, the adage “race on Sunday, sell on Monday” still held weight, suggesting that racing success translated to showroom sales.
To gain expertise and credibility in the motocross arena, Harley-Davidson hired Rex Staten, a legendary pro MX racer from Southern California, nicknamed “Rocket Rex.” With Staten on board, AMF Harley-Davidson and Aermacchi began developing what would become the MX250, Harley-Davidson’s foray into the dirt bike world.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250: Parts from Around the Globe
Creating the MX250 was a truly international effort. The Aermacchi factory in Varese, Italy, handled manufacturing and built the 242.6cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine.
Components were sourced from various European and Japanese suppliers. The carburetor came from Dell’Orto, ignition from Dansi (Italian, not Japanese as sometimes mistakenly reported), forged levers from Tommaselli, and shoulderless rims from the Spanish firm Akront. Harley-Davidson designed the bodywork, and Kayaba suspension components were sourced from Japan.
Here’s a detailed look at the 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250 specs:
| 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250 | |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| MSRP | $1,695 new (approximately $8,327 USD in December 2023, adjusted for inflation) |
Riding the Harley-Davidson MX250: Performance and Handling
Very few journalists had the opportunity to test ride the MX250 at the time. Reports from those who did highlighted the engine’s very narrow power band and lack of low-end torque. The mid-range was slightly better, but still not impressive. Riders reportedly needed to keep the throttle wide open to get the most out of the engine.
The Kayaba suspension, seemingly inspired by the successful Suzuki RM250, received positive feedback. However, the MX250 was significantly heavier than its competitors, weighing at least 25 pounds more.
This weight difference impacted the suspension performance. As Pulp MX noted, the MX250 combined “the suspension of a trail bike, mated to a motor only a MX pro could make work. Not a great combination.” The suspension, while decent, struggled to manage the extra weight effectively in demanding motocross conditions.
Sales and Demise of the Harley Dirt Bike
Ultimately, fewer than 1,000 MX250s were ever produced. AMF-Harley mandated that dealerships stock the bike, a decision that proved to be a strategic error.
Harley-Davidson dealerships primarily focused on selling road bikes, not unfamiliar dirt bikes. While some Harley riders might have been curious about the MX250, the core Harley customer base was not the target demographic for a motocross machine.
Conversely, dirt bike enthusiasts were unlikely to consider a Harley-Davidson dealership when shopping for their next motocross bike. This misalignment in target markets contributed significantly to the MX250’s poor sales performance.
In racing, the Harley Factory MX team, featuring Rocket Rex Staten, Marty Tripes, and Rich Eierstedt, achieved respectable results for a new team. With more time and development, they might have become more competitive.
However, immediate racing victories and strong sales figures were lacking. This absence of instant success in both racing and sales led to the MX250 being discontinued after just one year – deemed a failed experiment.
Shortly after the MX250 debacle, AMF sold Aermacchi to brothers Gianfranco and Claudio Castiglioni. They rebranded Aermacchi as Cagiva (Castiglioni Giovanni Varese, named after their father).
Intriguingly, the paths of Aermacchi, Cagiva, MV Agusta (located in the same Varese site as Cagiva and Aermacchi), and Harley-Davidson would cross again in the 2000s, but that’s a story for another time.
Today, the number of surviving MX250s is unknown, making them quite rare. Seeing and hearing one run, as showcased in the video mentioned in the original article, is a special treat for motorcycle history enthusiasts.
Sources: Pulp MX, Motocross Action Mag, Iconic Motorbike Auctions, Harley-Davidson 250 MX Owners Club, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator
