Harley-Davidson’s entrée to the world of motocross was a by-product of one of the most unusual marriages in motorcycle history when they purchased Italian firm, Aermacchi in 1960. This marriage gave them access to a basic 2-stroke engine and the rapidly developing MX market in America.

After some success with its prototype in 1975, the 1978 MX-250 was put into production. Unfortunately, even with riders like Rex Staten, Marty Tripes, and Rich Eirstadt, the results were lackluster. Although the power of the Aermacchi engine was excellent, the weight (249lbs) made it portly, the suspension lagged against the other Japanese and European offerings, and the price ($1695) was $250 to $300 more than the Suzuki RM and Yamaha YZ.

Harley’s relationship with Aermacchi ground to a halt after 1978 because of environmental concerns with 2-strokes and the MX-250 ceased production.

This un-restored example was 1 of approximately 1000 built in the only year of production, 1978.