Even Harley-Davidson doesn’t talk very much about it. The history of the MX-250 is very confusing because it involves not only Harley – at that time under the control of AMF – but also Aermacci bought later by Cagiva.
In 1975/1976, Harley-Davidson built a few MX-250 motocross prototypes (it seems less than 90) distributed via a selection of HD dealers to be raced in local markets. Initially, there was no Harley marking on the frame made by Champion in California. In 1976 the Factory Race Program went with a C&J motocross race frame. The only “original” Harley-Davidson part was the Italian made Aermacchi MX-250 engine equipped with an Italian Dellorto carburetor.
Confusion about the history of the Harley MX-250 starts with the fact that Aermacchi had its own motocross racing program and produced more MX-250 engines than there was MX-250 motocrossers. In 1978, Harley-Davidson officially started its own factory racing program and went from prototypes to mass production of the MX-250. MSRP was $1150.
It was considered a great motocross machine, but there was very little interest in the USA in what Harley was doing. Although there are no officially published production records, it seems certain than less than 1000 have been produced. The same year, Aermacchi closed its doors to be bought a few months later by Cagiva. Cagiva made a few engines similar to the MX-250 and because Harley-Davidson had so many left over parts sold a few more of these machines until 1980.
Because spare parts are so rare, because many confuse (including medias of the time) the prototype and production machines when as a matter of fact they used different markings, frames and parts and also because VIN numbers from Cagiva don’t match the Harley sequence, those looking for an original MX-250 to restore face big headaches. (photos 1978 production model)
Didn’t know anything about this one. Thanks!
Maybe a good idea again to attract kids to the brand.
Long live Marty Tripes!
Great glimpse, Cyril. Thanks. So many of these kind of bikes were out there in my youth but I never really paid attention at the time. Nice to be able to get a fresh look them.
I’d love to have one, along with a HD snowmobile. Polaris should build MX bikes, would have all bases covered.
Chook Chasers…..never rule it out, big business and ridden by many young people.
Most younger riders over here start out as kerosene cowboys.
I remember full page ads in Motorcross Action.
Ya, they took the easy way out…. aggregating exiting parts……But…..
One would think a more appropriate product would be a 4 stroke single along the lines of a Rotax that would be easily converted for class C competition.
Gives the kids and HD a path forward without brand confusion……
(without the 2 stroke stigma/legislative liability…etc.)
And a 600 barrel upgrade would make a great basis for a cafe racer.
just a thought.
-nicker-
Remember them well, nice post. ..Z
my buddy had one in our younger days….road the hell out of it…..
Last year I sadly sold both my ’75 MX 250, and ’75 250 Shorttracker.
Miss them both, as they were very fun to ride.
Thanks for showing this machine. It brings back great memories,
I had a conversation with Rocket Rex Staten who rode the Prototypes back in the 70s, it was pretty interesting.
I remember one of the local hot shoes from the Byron MX track being approached by someone from the MoCo about a sponsorship. His name was Mike something and it seems if memory serves he went with Big Green instead. That was many brain cells ago!
I have two restored ones. They are some of the best looking bikes made back then.
Interesting story and a good looking machine! I had no idea the early ones were built with a Champion frame. I have always been a fan of Champion’s Doug Scherwma and his fabrication skills. The factory moved away from that frame after he passed. . .
what I remember from this time period was the factory version, which used modified front forks as rear shocks……