Brand New – 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250

7-27 Update: The seller did not get any offers close to his $18,000 asking price the last time around, so this Harley-Davidson MX250 is back up for sale with bidding up to $14,000

In the late 70s, Harley was in a phase of small-displacement bikes while under the control of AMF. They decided to dabble in the world of motocross, and had their Italian branch, Aermacchi, build the Harley-Davidson MX250. It was the first (and only) HD MX bike, and it only lasted for one year. The package was oddly international – an Italian motor with Japanese suspension, ignition, and tires, and Spanish rims. Magazine reviews of the time all spoke highly of the power from the engine, though the general consensus was that the powerband was relatively narrow. HD focused its marketing on racing, and they even had a factory team (starring Rex Staten) that earned a podium spot in a MX National in 1977.

The bike weighed just 233 pounds dry – 25 pounds heavier than the competition. The 242.6cc engine took in gas from a 38mm Dell Orto carb and pushed its 32.4 horsepower through a 5 speed transmission. Most reviewers felt that the Harley-Davidson MX250 was a solid first effort that would become an excellent bike after another year of tweaking. Unfortunately, that additional year never came. Want to learn more? Check out the only website dedicated to the MX250.

This specific Harley-Davidson MX250 is basically brand new. It’s claimed to have never been started – or for that matter, never even had a drop of gas in it. It’s number 583 of 1,000 made, and it seems it was just pushed into a house after being unpacked from the crate. Consider it 100% original, and it comes with the original stand. You’ll also get the manual and some brochures. At this point, this MX250 might be relegated to museum duty for the rest of its life, which is a shame. The high asking price won’t help a buyer make the case for letting this bike get dirty in the future.