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
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What’s with the two sprockets on the rear wheel?
Ones for highway and ones for off-road.
The smaller sprocket is for driving street and the bigger sprocket is for off-road and climbing.
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. .
It is four speed.
Two sprockets High and low range
It is four speed.
Two sprockets High and low range
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 .
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I would like to buy a 1970 or 1971 rapido. 1304 621 1010
I have a 73 rolling frame no motor for sale ,cheap! 2082430572.
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..
I have a barn find 1970 also. And a trashed 1971.
Can not find time but am trying to find out if the battery is 6V or 12v?
Hopping somebody can help.
I have one in Kansas City. 1970 with some parts. 913-262-1958.
Did you sell that bike?
I have a 1970 125 for sale pnone 540 875 7216
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.
I have a 1970 Rapido… guys dig it ; )
moving soon so it’s gotta go…I think… maybe..
Davvero bellissima! Sono alla ricerca di ricambi per poter trasformare la mia airmacchi aletta in rapido
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..
Am interested. Can you send more pictures. Phone number is 608 485 2954
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 😀
Is it for sale had one when I was 14
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!
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.
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.
I have one in Kansas City. 1970 with some parts. 913-262-1958.