Ummm... I could be wrong. It certainly wouldn't be the first time, but that sure looks like a Vespa to me. The Topper was more like a souped up Cushman.

 

Hutchins Harley in Yucca Valley has one on the showroom next to his 50's cafe. Cool small dealer.

 

this picture is not a topper it's a vespa. topper has a long wide body. topper was made from about 1962 -65.when my dad owned part of the local H-D shop my Mom would ride me around on one. they still use the same 165 cc engine and CVT drivein their golfcars.

 

The Topper wasn't popular partly because it was pretty boxy looking. The Vespa was (and still is) very cute and stylish. There was one at our watering hole last week, and I thought it was very cool looking (the lady riding it wasn't too bad either).

 

Maybe not that popular compared to the Vespa, but I recall reading somewhere that the Topper was actually Harley's best selling model one year. I'll see if I can find that article later.

 

Could be, but according to the book HD Century, it only had a 5 HP 2-stroke engine, and it couldn't compete with the Italian models. By the time HD souped up the engine, the scooter craze was over. Even my Honda Super 90 was faster, and let me tell ya there was nothing 'super' about it (fun though).

 

Hey Huffhuff - I had a 1963 Harley 50cc. It had a frame mounted fuel tank but the frame was a step through. It had a three speed tranny that you shifted on the left of the handlebar whiledisengaging the clutch. Remember that one? Know the model #? I wish I hadn't totaled it as a kid! I've never seen another one.

 

I couldn't find the article I was referring to earlier, but I did find a bit of info in one of the Harley books I had laying around. Topper: 1960 -1965. 165 cc two-stroke engine. 2 Models, AH was high compression 9 hp, AH1 was restricted and 5hp. Sold for @ $430. Sales were @ 4,00 units a year at the beginning, then down to @ 500 units towards the end.

 

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[IMG]local://upfiles/52880/AE7868F2EE234CCBAFB45B1C309639ED.jpg[/IMG]

 

Never been a scooter fan,no matter who's name is on the side.