1970-harley-davidson-rapido_1
Owning controlling interest in the established Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aermacchi gave Harley-Davidson a wide range of small and middleweight, “entry level” machines for their line-up, including 50cc and 125cc two-strokes.
This version of the Rapido is a handsome lightweight two-stroke with off-road or “enduro” styling popular in America at the time. The high bars, upswept exhaust, grab rail and candy apple red paint helped attract a new audience not served by the other road racing inspired 125cc Rapido.

In the 1960’s Americans were introduced to a wide range of new small and cheap motorcycles from Honda, Yamaha and the other Japanese and Italian makers. Having dropped the 165cc line-up including the Scat, Pacer, Ranger and others based on the Post-War DKW/Hummer design, Harley-Davidson offerings were by then all roughly 900cc and larger machines, heavy weight and relatively expensive. Seeking a quick fix for the market share they gave up to foreign makers, Harley bought a controlling interest in Aermacchi about 1960. With this arrangement machines with displacements ranging from 50cc’s to 350cc’s became available in two-stroke and four-stroke models including those commonly referred to as Harley-Davidson Sprints and Rapidos; highly successful CRTT race bikes were in the mix as well.

The relationship with Aermacchi was so good that Harley-Davidson won its only Grand Prix championships, 1974, 1975, 1976 with 250 and 350 wins by Walter Villa on the RR250 and RR350 two-stroke twin road racers manufactured by Aermacchi. Harley-Davidson worked with Aermacchi through 1978 when Cagiva purchased the company.
This Rapido is in the large Harley-Davidson display area at the National Motorcycle Museum. It was perfectly restored then graciously donated a few years ago by Michael Yourtz of Denver, Colorado. A wide range of two-stroke and four-stroke Aermacchi sourced Harley’s is on display at the Museum.

Specifications:

  • Engine: Air-Cooled Single
  • Type: Two-Stroke, Piston-Port Induction
  • Bore & Stroke: 52 mm × 58 mm
  • Displacement: 124cc’s
  • Compression Ratio: 6.6 : 1
  • Ignition: Magneto
  • Carburetor: Dellorto
  • Starting: Kick
  • Horsepower: 11
  • Primary: Gear Driven
  • Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Transmission: 3-Speed
  • Frame: Single Down Tube, Steel
  • Suspension: Hydraulic Fork / Swingarm, Dual Shocks
  • Brakes: Drum Front / Drum Rear
  • Wheelbase: 48 Inches
  • Wheels / Tires: 3.00 x 19 /. 3.50 x 18
  • Weight: 225 Pounds
  • Top Speed: 55 MPH
26 replies
    • J.D
      J.D says:

      Lower gear more torc . Mark my this bike a climber. I have this exact bike. They are the best in class of the time. Winning some big races . For a relatively young part of Harley. Davidson they are simple and inexpensive. And a a lot of fun. Yet kid or yourself could ride and if they beat it up. It won’t cost ten k. To fix. Hahaha. But yeah a great hill climber . For sure. .

      Reply
  1. EmailRon Widman
    EmailRon Widman says:

    Theory was small sprocket for normal road work. Bigger sprocket lower overall gearing = more low speed pulling power and lower top speed. A greasy job that most were not willing to do . Plus the fact that you had to mix your own oil with the fuel made these a little less appealing when the competition offered oil injection .

    Reply
  2. FirstGladys
    FirstGladys says:

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    • D.J.
      D.J. says:

      I have a 1970 waiting to be restored, all original. A barn find at its finest, hanging on a barn wall. It came from original owner and I’ve had it for about a yr now and just don’t have the time to restore the bike. The compression is strong but have not got into it to tell u anymore about it. If your interested and still on the hunt then send me an email and I will send more pics. Thank u have a great day..

      Reply
  3. Jack sprint
    Jack sprint says:

    This motorcycle actually has 8 speeds. It’s got 4 gears with a hi and lo. Very versatile for street and trail riding. I wouldn’t use on the freeway LOL. I have one and it’s a great one for camping etc. A real conversation starter and the chicks dig it. Ya feel me.

    Reply
  4. D.J.
    D.J. says:

    I have a 1970 waiting to be restored, all original. A barn find at its finest, hanging on a barn wall. It came from original owner and I’ve had it for about a yr now and just don’t have the time to restore the bike. The compression is strong but have not got into it to tell u anymore about it. If your interested and still on the hunt then send me an email and I will send more pics. Thank u have a great day..

    Reply
  5. Richard Moore
    Richard Moore says:

    I’m currently restoring a basket case of a 1970 Rapido here in the UK the exact same colour.
    These are a rare machine here and parts aren’t cheap to ship but definitely worth it 😀

    Reply
  6. Bob
    Bob says:

    My favorite bike of all time. Used to joke with people that I had a Harley. Used it both off road and street. Lots of fun and good memories!

    Reply
  7. Tim
    Tim says:

    My wife has her original 1970. It has been sitting for years. What mixture do you use for fuel? I’d like to get it up and running for her.

    Reply
    • Maria
      Maria says:

      When you remove the fuel cap, the bottom side is a cup. You fill the cup with oil for a full tank of gas. This was my first motorcycle and I still own it.

      Reply

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