The Little Harley-Davidsons (photos)
Harley Davidson makes some of the biggest and baddest motorcycles on the market, but did you know they once made bikes in much smaller sizes? Years ago you could buy Harley minibikes, mopeds, dirt bikes, and entry level learner bikes.
1. 1948-66 Harley-Davidson "Hummer"
After WWII Harley-Davidson was awarded the plans and tooling for a DKW 125cc 2-stroke motor as part of war reparations. In 1948 they began selling small bikes based on this motor, all of which have come to be known as Harley Hummers, though officially just the 1955-59 bikes were Hummers. These were simplified motorcycle, with 125-175cc, 3.5-6 hp, and a 3 speed transmission. The motorcycle got its name from Dean Hummer, a Harley Dealer who had the most sales of these two-stroke bikes, from his shop which was located in Nebraska. The Hummer was extremely basic and stripped-down, and it was sold without a battery, a horn, turn signals, or even a brake light, though those were optional on some models, and both street and dirt focused versions were made.
>>Join the conversation about The Little Harley-Davidsons right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
2. 1965-72 Harley-Davidson M50-M65
The Harley-Davidson M50 is the smallest motorcycle ever made by Harley, and in some configurations is considered a moped. Harley Davidson took over Aermacchi, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, which meant they had access to their models, and the M50 was one of them. The smallest motorcycle ever built by Harley came in a step through version, or the sport model seen above, and had a three-speed transmission with either twist shift (like a Vespa) or foot shift like a bike, and a kickstart or pedals. Not only was it the cheapest at $225, but also the lightest motorcycle offered by Harley-Davidson, weighing at roughly 104 pounds. Later the same basic bike would be bored out and sold as the M65.
>>Join the conversation about The Little Harley-Davidsons right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
3. 1973-75 Harley-Davidson X90 Shortster
The Harley-Davidson X90 was in production from 1973-75 to compete with japanese bikes like the Honda Trail 70 and lawnmower powered mini bikes. This air-cooled street legal mini motorcycle featured a 90-cc, two-cycle single cylinder engine, as well as a four-speed transmission. This model did well with kids and 16,837 motorcycles sold over the 3 year run.
>>Join the conversation about The Little Harley-Davidsons right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
4. 1961-74 Harley-Davidson Sprint 250-350
In the late 1950s, Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers were invading the market with their small bikes, and Harley had to create a real competitor. In 1961, Harley-Davidson introduced the Italian made Sprint series with 250cc and later 350cc 4-stroke motors. Harley offered the Sprint in two different models: the SS, which featured low pipes, and the off-road SX, which featured high pipes and off-road fenders. The horizontal cylinder was unusual, and it lacked the latest technology like overhead cams, but it proved competitive in the hands of amateur racers.
>>Join the conversation about The Little Harley-Davidsons right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
5. 1974-78 Harley-Davidson SX250
The Harley Davidson SX250 was introduced in 1974, and it was quite similar to the previous SX125 and SX175 with a bigger motor. The SX line was developed to counter the explosion of off-road machines from Yamaha and the like, featuring an air-cooled two-stroke single cylinder motor and five speed transmission. Later the SST250, a more street focused version, was introduced but it failed to sell well.
>>Join the conversation about The Little Harley-Davidsons right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
For help with service on your bike check out the how to section of HDForums.com
