Even Harley-Davidson doesn’t talk very much about it. The history of the MX-250 is very confusing because it involves not only Harley – at that time under the control of AMF – but also Aermacci bought later by Cagiva.

In 1975/1976, Harley-Davidson built a few MX-250 motocross prototypes (it seems less than 90) distributed via a selection of HD dealers to be raced in local markets. Initially, there was no Harley marking on the frame made by Champion in California. In 1976 the Factory Race Program went with a C&J motocross race frame. The only “original” Harley-Davidson part was the Italian made Aermacchi MX-250 engine equipped with an Italian Dellorto carburetor.

Confusion about the history of the Harley MX-250 starts with the fact that Aermacchi had its own motocross racing program and produced more MX-250 engines than there was MX-250 motocrossers. In 1978, Harley-Davidson officially started its own factory racing program and went from prototypes to mass production of the MX-250. MSRP was $1150.

It was considered a great motocross machine, but there was very little interest in the USA in what Harley was doing. Although there are no officially published production records, it seems certain than less than 1000 have been produced. The same year, Aermacchi closed its doors to be bought a few months later by Cagiva. Cagiva made a few engines similar to the MX-250 and because Harley-Davidson had so many left over parts sold a few more of these machines until 1980.

Because spare parts are so rare, because many confuse (including medias of the time) the prototype and production machines when as a matter of fact they used different markings, frames and parts and also because VIN numbers from Cagiva don’t match the Harley sequence, those looking for an original MX-250 to restore face big headaches. (photos 1978 production model)