1953 Harley-Davidson ST165

Part of the immediate aftermath of WWII was the Allies seizing and using certain German patents to boost their own civilian production. Among these was the DKW 125 that was copied in England by BSA (Bantam), in Russia (Mockba M1A), in Japan (Yamaha YA1) and Harley Davidson’s S125.

Harley brought out the S125 in 1948 with it’s two stroke 125CC motor, three speed transmission, a ‘rubber band’ girder front suspension and rigid rear. Over 10,000 units sold the first year making it HD’s number one seller. In 1951 telescopic front forks were added (called Tele-Glide). 1953 saw a sheet metal upgrade and the motor enlarged to 165 CC with a 4 speed transmission.

The 1953 Harley Davidson ST 165 used a 165 CC air cooled two stroke single cylinder motor that made 5.5 HP coupled with a 4 speed transmission, ‘Tele-Glide’ front suspension and rigid rear suspension. 4,225 units were produced at an MSRP of $405.

This particular 1953 Harley Davidson Model ST 165 (VIN# 53st 3792) is in Waukesha, Wisconsin and is listed as completely restored. The listing has a list of items replaced and re finished. This bike is currently sitting on the starting bid of $7,200