Post Listing Update: This SX175 did not meet reserve with just an opening bid of $5,000.
In 1969, Yamaha released its wildly popular 250cc DT-1, selling around 50,000 units in its first couple years of production. Other manufacturers took notice of this, including Harley-Davidson. They would toss their hat in the MX-ring the following year in an effort to nab a piece of the booming off-road segment. Harley had recently purchased a large stake in Aermacchi, producing numerous small-displacement machines that were atypical of the iconic Milwaukee-based manufacturer. In ’69, Harley began offering what was essentially a version of the 125cc Aermacchi Rapido with a high-pipe, though it still wasn’t really much of an off-roader. In ’73 Harley released the SX125 MXer, shortly followed by the SX175 in ’74.
The SX lineup wasn’t particularly successful for Harley – the usual buyer was inclined to go with a more traditional manufacturer and Harley dealers were more interested in moving the bigger bikes (with bigger margins). The 174.1cc two-stroke engine was good for a claimed 17 horsepower, pushed through a 5-speed transmission. It utilized a 19″ front wheel, 18″ rear wheel, and drum brakes. The whole package weighed 247 pounds.
This SX175 stands out as it is still in the original wooden crate. Find it for sale in Newark, New Jersey with an unmet opening bid of $5,000 here on eBay.