Harley-Davidson. The name conjures images of roaring V-twins, gleaming chrome, and the open road. For many, it embodies the spirit of American motorcycling. You might picture iconic models like the Electra Glide, the sporty Sportster, or even the powerful V-Rod. But, would you ever associate Harley-Davidson with dirt bikes?
Surprisingly, for a brief moment in the 1970s, Harley-Davidson dipped its toes into the world of motocross. During the AMF era, and leveraging its ownership of the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi, Harley embarked on a short-lived motocross adventure. And yes, Aermacchi was indeed instrumental in bringing this unexpected machine to life.
While Harley-Davidson actually developed two motocross prototypes, only a mere 65 units of the first version were hand-assembled in Milwaukee, never making it to full production. However, one Harley Dirt Bike did manage to reach dealerships: the 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250. It graced showroom floors for a single year before fading into obscurity, becoming a rare and intriguing footnote in motorcycle history, often whispered about by vintage motocross enthusiasts and collectors.
Here at usabikers.net, we’re fascinated by these kinds of offbeat motorcycle stories. So, let’s delve into the history of the Harley-Davidson MX250, the Harley dirt bike that almost was, and uncover why this unusual machine emerged from the legendary American brand.
The AMF Era and Aermacchi Connection: Setting the Stage for a Harley Dirt Bike
To understand the MX250, we need to rewind to 1960 when Harley-Davidson acquired a 50 percent stake in Aermacchi. This Italian company, originally an aircraft manufacturer (Aeronautica Macchi), had transitioned to producing smaller displacement motorcycles.
By 1965, Harley-Davidson became a publicly traded company. However, by 1968, the rising tide of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers was putting significant financial pressure on the Motor Company. Facing a potential takeover by the Bangor Punta Corporation, Harley-Davidson sought an alternative. In a surprising turn of events in October 1968, they announced a merger with American Machine and Foundry (AMF), a large conglomerate. As reports from the time noted, the reasons behind choosing AMF as a “white knight” remained unclear.
By 1973, AMF Harley-Davidson assumed complete control of Aermacchi, acquiring the remaining 50 percent and solidifying its presence in Varese, Italy. Aermacchi primarily focused on smaller, European-market bikes. AMF Harley-Davidson saw an opportunity to rebrand these machines as Harleys to compete with the burgeoning market of smaller Japanese motorcycles. While these “Harley-Aermacchi” bikes weren’t universally embraced at the time, they remain collectible classics today.
Why Motocross? Chasing Youth and the Dirt Bike Craze
So, why would Harley-Davidson, a brand synonymous with road bikes, decide to build a Harley dirt bike? The answer lies in the explosive popularity of motocross in the 1970s. Motocross was undeniably “cool.” From European powerhouses like Maico to Japanese up-and-comers like Suzuki, everyone seemed to be captivated by the high-flying, dirt-slinging action.
AMF Harley-Davidson, like many motorcycle manufacturers, was chasing the ever-elusive youth market. They wanted to appeal to younger riders and tap into the growing enthusiasm for off-road riding. The mantra “race on Sunday, sell on Monday” still held sway, and motocross offered a platform to demonstrate performance and attract new customers.
To gain expertise and credibility in this new arena, Harley-Davidson enlisted the help of Rex Staten, a legendary motocross racer from Southern California, nicknamed “Rocket Rex.” Together, AMF Harley-Davidson and Aermacchi embarked on developing what would become the MX250 Harley dirt bike.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250: A Global Collaboration
Building the MX250 was an international endeavor in itself. The Aermacchi factory in Varese handled production and manufactured the 242.6cc two-stroke, single-cylinder engine. Components were sourced from across Europe and Japan.
The carburetor was supplied by Dell’Orto, ignition by Dansi (Italian, not Japanese), forged levers by Tommaselli, and shoulderless rims by Akront of Spain. Harley-Davidson designed the bodywork, while the Kayaba suspension came from Japan.
Here’s a look at the specifications of this unique Harley dirt bike:
| 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 MX250: Performance and Handling
Contemporary journalists who had the chance to ride the MX250 reported a mixed bag of results. The engine was described as having a very narrow powerband with weak low-end torque. The mid-range offered some improvement, but overall, riders needed to keep the throttle pinned to extract the best performance.
The Kayaba suspension, seemingly inspired by Suzuki’s RM250, received positive feedback. However, the MX250’s weight was a significant drawback, tipping the scales at least 25 pounds heavier than its competitors. Suspension tuned for a lighter bike didn’t translate perfectly to the heavier Harley, impacting handling. 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.”
Market Failure and a Short-Lived Legacy
Ultimately, fewer than 1,000 MX250s were ever produced. AMF-Harley mandated that dealerships stock the Harley dirt bike, a decision that proved to be a strategic misstep.
Harley-Davidson dealerships were geared towards selling road bikes. Dirt bikes were outside their usual expertise and customer base. While some Harley enthusiasts might have been curious about the MX250, the core Harley rider demographic was unlikely to embrace a dirt bike.
Conversely, serious dirt bike riders were unlikely to look to a Harley-Davidson dealership for their next motocross machine. This misalignment in market positioning contributed significantly to the MX250’s poor sales performance.
On the racing front, Rex Staten, along with fellow Harley factory MX racers Marty Tripes and Rich Eierstedt, achieved respectable results for a nascent team. With more time and development, they might have achieved greater success. However, immediate wins on the track and in showrooms were lacking, sealing the MX250’s fate. After just one year, the Harley dirt bike project was unceremoniously discontinued.
Shortly after this failed motocross venture, AMF sold Aermacchi to brothers Gianfranco and Claudio Castiglioni, who transformed it into Cagiva (Castiglioni Giovanni Varese). Interestingly, the paths of Aermacchi, Cagiva, MV Agusta (which now occupies the same Varese location), and Harley-Davidson would cross again in the 2000s, but that’s a story for another time.
Today, the Harley-Davidson MX250 remains a rare and fascinating piece of motorcycle history. The exact number of surviving examples is unknown, making each sighting a special occasion for motorcycle enthusiasts and historians alike. This Harley dirt bike, though short-lived, serves as a reminder of a time when Harley-Davidson dared to venture outside its comfort zone and explore the exciting world of motocross.
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
