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Seven Valleys, PA
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Rick_Snider
2/22/2016 3:48pm
2/22/2016 3:48pm
Edited Date/Time
11/13/2020 9:55pm
what could have possibly happened if amf Harley Davidson would have produced this 50cc mini to look like big brother MX 250 back in the late 70's.
Every kid in America at that time looked up to evil Knievel Who spoke highly of Harley Davidson The only problem they didn't produce small dirt bikes to start a revolution at such an opportune time.
Would we be looking at an American off road powerhouse today ?
Possibly
Every kid in America at that time looked up to evil Knievel Who spoke highly of Harley Davidson The only problem they didn't produce small dirt bikes to start a revolution at such an opportune time.
Would we be looking at an American off road powerhouse today ?
Possibly
Shhhhhh, secret spy photos smuggled out of HD Factory. Many Bothans died to bring us this information.
The Shop
Should have bought that damn thing from him when the finally got rid of it though.
It would have tanked.
Back then, HD was owned by AMF. They made bowling balls, golf carts and Harley motorcycles.
It was a dark time for HD.
Not only did the dirt guys think they were a joke, the biker and long distance touring crowd, the faithful,
were fed up with them. They were unreliable. They were stale. They were made by a big company that
really weren't into bikes, and it showed.
I think it was 1981, early 80s, AMF sold HD back to a grandson of Mr. Davidson and some investors that
were into bikes.
Willie G and his guys decided to return to their roots, do what made the brand great, again.
And that my friends, is big bore, long fucking haul v twins.
All the small crap, the Italian dirt bikes (which the orange 250s were), the 350 Sprints, also Italian made,
were canned.
30 years later, those guys are billionaires, with a Capitol B.
I know one thing.
It really pisses me off that there is no US presence in the dirt bike world.
One wonders, what the heck is the problem?
People say there aren't a lot of jobs, where is the company to fill that void?
You can't blame HD, I mean at the time it was survival for them.
A freaking Goldwing could cross the country, twice, on not much more than fresh tires, while a Harley
would shake a guy to death and break down 8 times.
They did what they had to do.
I remember thinking that it was cool, seeing the biker guys that would show up at the track, having a bike to root for.
And they did, they loved it. Just as much as the regular, mainstream motocross crowd hated having them there.
And it's still kinda that way. 2 tribes. Us, and them.
I don't know of anything, mini bike or whatever, that could bring them together.
Attend an AMA dirt track national, see for yourself, the difference in the type of crowd, is astounding.
But still, it was an empty feeling, for me at least, when HD pulled the plug on all but the 750 XR.
Just like it was with the Cannondale.
Hey, maybe some guy will someday build and mass produce a product for us.
But sadly, I just don't see it.
Hell, look up at what's going on with Buell, pull up "badweatherbikers.com".
The only American made sport bike, a very cool brand, just went thru bankruptcy, and the scrap dealer
that bought them can't find a buyer.
Ya, it would have been cool to have that mini HD 50 produced, still would. And I wish I knew why it isn't, but for the
life of me, I just don't know why this country can't, or won't.
Pit Row
What's the size comparison to a modern 50 to the HD 50 Rick?
Harley 90 or 100 or something. Hauling ass through the desert and with a bungee
cord holding on the seat.
Sweet bike, Rick!
http://motocrossactionmag.com/news/classic-motocross-iron1971-harley-da…
I did not write or post any negative comments.
That thing does look cool.
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