1978 Harley Davidson MX250

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[@jasoncarskadon6809]

Wow, you don't ever see a Harley Davidson dritbike. Truly a gem.

[@rkjer]

I see them all the time ...

[@pepperbungholes9104]

@@relate97 not really unless their super clean

[@sachsgs2509]

@@davem145mxr they were fine...I had the 125....they are not Harley anyway ,Italian made awesome MX bikes

[@sachsgs2509]

@@davem145mxr then it had to a beat up bike...

[@sachsgs2509]

@Renfro Picken I had one...no problems with it other then reg maintenance.

[@jamesjohnson4826]

I got sponsored on (2) 78 models that nobody could touch me on a straightaway. I had to sit on the gas tank to keep the front wheel down on the starting line and I was only 17 at the time. The suspension was terrible so we stuck an S/W under it. If you actually opened it up it would straighten your arms out. The power was incredible!! I could dig trench's

[@Kickstart500]

I remember when these came out. I was 15 and motocross was everything!

[@walkerheck3533]

Kick Start yz’s

[@Barefoot-Bob]

me too I wanted this bike so bad. couldn't find one ended up buying a YZ. Which was my first brand new bike. But this was the one I really wanted

[@LPSrcbiker]

Never give up the passion of selling original or restored old dirt bikes like these. I 100% admire your business and passion on keeping these older bikes alive! Im 45 years old and remember most of these models running or some are before my memory but keep it going, never stop brother!

[@jefflundquist5771]

Man, that rare Harley 250 sounds very healthy and runs clean.

[@ahighervibe4086]

Seeing u Rip through town like that reminds me when I was a kid... except in my case there were always sirens and flashing lights behind me!

[@Tio_Trompo_1960]

Same 😃

[@brettfrimmer6567]

Blasting around the neighborhood to get to your trails or your friends house like a little badass. All the other kids are pedaling. Suckers.

[@artieryan5084]

Hell yeaaa i can relate to that. Just watch out for deers lmfao

[@Trench_God_93]

I was born in 1993… this is the first I have seen anything about a Harley Davidson dirt bike. I am impressed!

[@idiot-983]

My Buddy races his every year at Mid Ohio vin days !

[@gilly3380]

Your buddies bike gets tons of attention there, too. I've seen him there, surrounded by people that can't believe what they're seeing and hearing. Everyone is smiling.

[@hillbillyhorticultureselki7899]

GORGEOUS!!! You guys need smellavision. The waft of Belray MC1 or Castrol R hanging in the air. Tube tops,daisy dukes and the feeling of freedom. What a life we've led. GO KAPLAN AMERICA!!!

[@carolsaxton839]

Hillbilly Horticulture Selkirk Ont yes remember the lovely aroma of bel ray in the air at the local motocross in the 70s.

[@theangryitalianscottypiffi1048]

Too bad it’s over now. As well as all things fun.

[@seanmack9207]

Get a 2 stroke sent candle lol

[@johnhansen7499]

That is a work of art, and I hope it stays in the museum. I didn't realize that this video is two years old. I wonder how much she went for?

[@dewwed1965]

WOW! To hear you say Rocket Rex blew my mind! I still have an autographed picture from Rocket Rex when my brother and I worked as flag boys at Corona Race Track in Corona California in the mid 70's! I was only 15 years old! The picture is of him flying through the air with 1 leg kicked out! Original freestyler! lol God Bless America!

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

No one could beat bikes and parts into the ground like Rocket Rex!

[@sebasflstf]

God bless America my friend❤️🇺🇸

[@fuhkoffandie]

Now this is truly a treat. Just the sound of that, brings me back to when I was a kid. It's back when mid-range was King in the 2-stroke Arena. Who else remembers that sound besides me? This is why I watch this channel. And who remembers that kid from the Bad News Bears riding that silver Harley-Davidson dirt bike???

[@kenharris8743]

I love this show better than the Jay Leno show but I would love to see Jay Leno visit the museum!

[@AWSum-uf4ri]

That would be suh-weet

[@andrewshellock7896]

Let’s blow up Jay Leno till it happens!!!

[@bbbildhuu]

This is not on Jay Leno level, but whos really comparing...

[@davidbrandt6925]

I'm 59 years old i remember those 250s. I bought a custom BSA hardtail with Z bars and springers instead of the Harley 250. Now i wish i would've gotten both! lol thank you for finding and showing this gem.

[@James79561]

I'm 60 ! had this bike . Beat the snot out of it . It died ! Bought a Suzuki rm . still have the rm . Harley never had nothing . Now it's a collector item . Still rather ride the rm . I was brought up in Meriden , Conn . Born in 61 stayed in CONN until 18 , 1979 . Live in North Carolina now and have 26 vintage dirt bikes and 3 wheelers .

[@paulgrogan8032]

"Hands down" one of AMF's finest achievements☆☆☆☆☆

[@deborahchesser7375]

paul grogan built by Aermacchi in Italy

[@basketcase6846]

The amf badge is what will keep it from being worth big money

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Eric Koenig How so?

[@HARMARSCH2]

@@deborahchesser7375 I have a 1966 M50 Sport in my Garage and yes like the in the video it was built by Aermacchi

[@HARMARSCH2]

@@basketcase6846 It’s not a AMF Harley. This Motorcycle was built by Aermacchi he said so.

[@garybenedict3673]

Paint on bottom of the frame is damaged from placing it on a stand. Woooow what a great bike thank you

[@gearheadted9210]

Awesome! I had a '75 SX250,converted to monoshock,Mikuni carb,DG pipe,hauled ass for an old piston port!

[@1keykneedeep]

Has to be 1 of the best sounding 2 smokes Ive ever heard. Very cool.

[@c6quad3]

My dad owns two '77 cafe racers. Also, my uncle was given the chance to race one of these Harley 250's for a local Harley dealer but he passed. He stuck with the Yamaha yz465. These Harleys are a nice piece of history!

[@frankwilliams7398]

That Harley dirt bike definitely as its own sound and it sounds good.

[@troymcdougall6170]

That thing sounds so crisp when you wind it out! Music to the ears Kap!

[@handgunner1911]

i remember when these came out i know alot of the guys i grew up with bashed this bike until they seen it run this dirt bike was no slouch its a shame harley didnt decide to pursue motocross etc they were always into flat track and drag bikes thanks so much for showing this beautiful example what an awesome vintage dirt bike

[@paulpence8895]

LOL, I cant stop digging through your vids,,, Ive been watching for 2-3 years but the fact we're the same age, and have the memories of these late 70's and on dirt bikes, and their riders, and sponsors, and the aftermarket providers we couldn't afford as teenagers,,, hahahaha, love it Ken... power to your quest...

[@markbledsoe8078]

I bought a 1978 sx250 from a lady that’s only got 1900 miles . Didn’t run due to old gas n carb . Cleaned everything up n I ride the heck outa it. Throw the choke lever up no matter how long it sits n fires up second or third kick.

[@michaelpinnetti9315]

God bless, I love bike's since I was 9, xr 75. Congratulations on 29years sober. I'm in recovery now and getting back into bike's as a heathy hobby. Look forward to getting to the museum soon and hopefully often. 🙏 God bless

[@xprox4185]

My first bike was a 1973 XR 75 i kept it and its almost finished being restored.

[@tinybubbles3724]

Cucumber vs. Pickle. I really like that analogy. That is a great thought.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

I did a little more research. There was a 1975 model that had modified forks for rear shocks. Most interesting the front forks were Showas, but the rear shocks/ forks were Kayaba. It also had a rear disc brake. Only 90 of the 1975 models ( which I believe we're referred to as prototypes) we're ever made.

[@jamesrobert7155]

I had a Harley Davidson 90z when I was 10yrs old, it was a hand me down bike, my big brother gave to me, my Dad converted over to a dirt bike!! That was my first bike, kx80 was next, now THAT was a helluva upgrade as you can imagine!!!

[@steveone]

One of my old school buddies got a1975 175 cc Aermacci / Harley Davidson brand new . It was a 7 speed gearbox with 15 false neutrals . We watched the front wheel spokes break each lap he took around the local flat track . His Dad took it back to the dealer , got a refund and went and bought the firsr alloy tank Honda CR 125 .

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Really stepped up the editing and sound work. Dual camera, great sound.... awesome! Just dont forget the opening next time.... that fires me up......

[@betosworld4793]

Wow brought back some old memories. I have an uncle that was heavy into Huskys, and KTM,. He now restores the old KTMs , Huskies. and Marcos. He has quite the collection

[@muzkat101]

I was 10 years old when I saw this bike on display in Flagstaff, AZ in a showroom in '77... I fell in love with it and made it my plan to own one one day - haven't got it yet, but I will soon.

[@noelbrown6771]

Remember watching one of these charging by us up the hill through the stands in the LA Coliseum at the "Superbowl of Motocross"! Certainly was the crowd favorite!

[@TheClayCoKid]

I have never hear that cucumber/pickle analogy before. Lol.

[@darrinbunston5932]

I knew it sounded too good to be true Harley when you said it was Italian I knew that's why I looked and sounded so great better quality in my opinion than Harley would have done

[@coobay978]

Started riding motorcycles back in the 60's. First was a Honda 305 Scramble. I thought 2 strokes were so cheezy. Then I road one and it's been a love affair since.

[@teamgreen404]

It looks similar to the 1979 elsinore 25O I once had. WOW BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for the post.

[@free-birdrocker8809]

Classic all the way. It's a shame Harley didn't keep on building dirt bikes. I'd love to see one with liquid cooling and a mono shock on it...

[@MitzvosGolem1]

my buddy had one new in 1978. Good bike Ammerachi Italy made them.

[@dannywilliams3928]

Very nice MX 250 Harley ken.sounds awesome. That one will go for some serious money. Good luck with the sale.

[@automotivefinishexperts2152]

I used to live 20 minutes west if Milwaukee WI and remember many people who rode the small 2 strokes that all had the AMF badge on them. To me, they were definitely worth riding compared to the V-twin street bikes they made. Wicked sound and a ripper

[@seH2i]

Every time I see the MX250 I fall in love all over again ~

[@robertnocerajr3985]

There are military based Harley Davidson dirt bikes with the rotax engine's and rifle carriers... Not sure what year's but I believe 90,s..

[@scottmiller3025]

That thing is tough as all get out!! I love it!

[@djdanfetish1]

I'm from the UK but I always wounded why Harley wasn't still in MX with Harley been such a big thing it the states

[@Poop-nu1so]

Dude I'm from the US and I've got no clue either. One would think they would be a big player in professional motocross but nope not in my lifetime.

[@djdanfetish1]

@@Poop-nu1so yeah same thought . not like they don't have funds for it either . oh well I got my 06 kx 250 I'm happy mate haha

[@brandonwilliams8003]

Lmao, duh, it’s because they’re afraid of money. That’s why they are going down the drain within the next couple years, they have no clue what people want

[@djdanfetish1]

@@brandonwilliams8003 really ? Iv never been Into Harleys really . rode one in Thailand few yr ago wasn't for me lol .. Jumped on a Suzuki 1200 bandit day after

[@chrismartin6544]

My buddy had one of these back in 82 it ran like a champ

[@bullvine2062]

I generally hate Harley Davidson bikes, however this is just awesome. Beautiful

[@bgjb-r1499]

The bike sounds terrific and it looks just stunning. Glad you guys brought up that it was designed and engineered by an Italian company. If my memory serves me right I believe small displacement AMF HD were made in Italy during the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s.

[@homefront3162]

Because Hardly Davidson can't build shit except 1/5 of a WW1 plane motor

[@johnbrevard5966]

I swear, You are such a Good Guy!!… I wish there were more like you!

[@korymanuel6759]

@henree simp Ken Kaplan is the man

[@wrzl1675]

I was racing back when these were new and extensively rode one. They’re ultra rare because nobody bought them. It was hands down one of the top 3 trail bikes I rode during the era but it wasn’t even remotely a MX race bike.

[@t-bone9403]

Also Don Kudowski (not sure if I spelled it right) was a factory Harley MX rider. My dream bike. You are a lucky man to have such a rare machine.

[@bartholomewceremony6981]

Now that's very special.yet look at the number of thumbs down. It's sad when you think about it.

[@joshalger6059]

My dad had one of these and said it was absolutely the biggest POS of a bike he has ever had…funny because he said it had awesome power though😂 he said within 2 years the bike had almost completely fell apart but the one you have here in this condition is an amazing piece of history none the less and I think it’s an awesome looking bike too!

[@oz2strokeman116]

Good on you for gassing it up a bit, sounds like a 76 Elsinore which had the same tiny "muffler". Never seen one in Oz personally.

[@TheImtoomuch]

Let it eat! Sounds awesome. Nothing sounds better than a 2 stroke!

[@michaelallen9784]

I appreciate the way you took it easy on it! You're the man Kap!!

[@deedledeedeecheese6023]

Lol was not messing around with this bike lol....

[@ontheedge33371]

I was 7 and & since orange and black -have always been some of my favourite colour combos :)

[@marcuspuzio7720]

One of my neihbors had one ... He rode a few times and its been stored since then ...its mint ...it came with an iron nickleplated cylnder walls too ...i remember him saying ... What a mean bike nothing could hold a candle to it even my elsnor cr 250r 1980 ...it made my bike look silly and i can say the CR was a beast ...so i could only imagine how a beast it really is when warm and rode for a while all warm .. Fuck i love these bikes n this channel is amazing i havnt seen this many old 2 strokes in a long time

[@weshoyt2322]

Worked at a Honda/Yamaha/Harley dealership from '78 to '83 in OKC...My boss ordered 2 of these, then backed out..he said "they won't sell", can't compete with the CR or the YZ...I almost got to assemble one of these from the crate.....

[@KaplanCycles]

An nos new 78 yamaha would be worth 10k to 12 k tops, 78 mx250 hd would easily top 20k

[@richardfireone]

That thing is killer..also love the throttle cable straight pull like i had on my cr125..got me in trouble a few times..lol..really stunning

[@jameshawkins3484]

First time seeing a harley off roader. Sounds amazing

[@mikescaffo4850]

That's awesome piece that beautiful harley Davidson needs to stay in the museum

[@joshkatherman8185]

If Harley still made dirt bikes they would make so much more money

[@alexnutcasio936]

That 2 stroke sound!!😮 luscious.

[@catmanrescue1]

I was on Guam in 79 , we had the 3rd international guam moto race week ,,,, any hows ,, Marty tripes and others and my self were hot lapping on the truck enduro track ,,, any hows the backside of the track ran along a steep hill side , my self and Vic Ballew saw Marty Tripes almost at the bottom of the hill stuck ,,, he was facing back up the hill , leaning forward on his Honda , he couldnt move , if he tried to dismount the bike wanted to slide tumble down the cliff side ,, Vic and i dismounted and walked down and helped him back up the hill ,,,, fun days ,, i have pics ,,lol Jeff jennings Rick burgett and others were there ,,,,,

[@jeffreybentz7097]

That's a BEAUTIFUL, BADD ASS bike and you're right it sounds great, nice and crisp!!! Great bike and video, Thanx👍👍

[@claytondavenport3151]

Ken really cool rare Bike! Would love to own it but that bike deserves to stay in the museum .

[@xidegel4494]

This is what Harley Davidson should be bringing back.

[@MotorheadRedo]

Nice! Wish Harley had done more in motocross after the AMF years.

[@tysonthewolfe93]

Me too ☺ Harley Davidson used to make Motocross Bikes

[@amd65ak47]

Probably one of the neatest sounding dirt bikes ever

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I remember seeing one new on the showroom floor in HD of Macon back then.

[@yeti8it396]

got family all around Macon ...ga that is

[@bjr2379]

Buy a Harley, buy the best, ride a mile, walk the rest... Awesome bike!

[@AWSum-uf4ri]

Best of both worlds right there

[@79tazman]

I use to have a 1975 Harley 125 dirt bike it was lot's of fun it was the first 125 bike I had after my KX 80

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Unobtainium! Please make shirts with that word on them. God bless Kaplan America!

[@KaplanCycles]

Thanks my brother mlr

[@tysonthewolfe93]

@@stovenhd9665 I would too

[@davidsmith-wc7zm]

sure to bring back the tear up some dirt memories my sachs 125 bored out kick bladder as trail no idling around with a rider

[@zachariahjohn4040]

Beautiful pal!!! Started watching u couple weeks ago. So many old school bikes. I agree with u 💯 the older seats are so much more comfy!

[@kurtfoulke5130]

Great Bike ! Thanks for not being afraid to take a few chances riding it. Your Shop looks like a 1st Class operation, unfortunately there are no shortages of idiots leaving comments to the videos.

[@tomnekuda3818]

My brother-in-law had this exact bike and I rode it years ago.....very good-pulling bike and surprisingly good suspension. It had some hard use on it but still did a good job.....wonder if he still has it?

[@benrowe398]

Ken, I think Your Job is the Bee's Knees! Keep up the Awesome Work.

[@throwingsparks]

A friend of mine bought one brand new, I remember him commenting how it was much more expensive than its 250cc counterparts.

[@509Glock22]

That is an awesome bike! Almost sounds like the 480 💪

[@adencollis5941]

Wow what gem God bless America and thank christ for Australia

[@roberth3094]

A couple of my friends used to have Harley dirtbikes . One was a Baja 100 and the other a 125 Rapido . The Baja was a sharp looking Black bike. It was known for its huge rear chain sprocket .

[@mainebearhunter3444]

Killer bike , but I don't think I could ever buy it , cause I don't think I could ride it. But I'm glad you did a video on it , as with all your videos A+ . #livingthedream

[@matt12251975]

That 2 banger sounds great! Love them

[@fuhkoffandie]

If you want to see one in action, just rent the movie, Bad News Bears!!! This brought me right back to that movie!!!

[@glenoneil3074]

Didn't see many of these at English town nj. Gonna go start my '83 yz490 after watching this . Long over due.

[@dennismacwilliams196]

I was watching the tv show counting cars on history channel, They had found one from a customer. I don't remember what was done but it looked cool, nothing like yours... I wish they keep up with them, I would thing they would have had a great team...

[@thmsbryce]

remember the Harley mxer with rear forks instead of shocks?

[@bryancarpenter3648]

gets on any Harley and the hells angel gun slinger syndrome instantly takes effect. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="295">4:55</a>. (and yes, I just won the internet)

[@marksommerville5857]

Only a year late, but I love the dogleg expansion chamber. It sounds gorgeous, I bet they flew in their day. Pity they didn't make more.

[@ianrobinson525]

I never knew Harley made these, wow magnificent bike

[@rcfiftyone9467]

Jim's Harley Davidson in Mendon Ohio has one of those and also one of the best Harley Davidson museums around

[@tap42al]

Sick bike. Love it.

[@tomhowe1510]

I bought 1 brand new. I worked all summer at a city pool. I even rode it to my high school orentation.

[@captainmoretokin2172]

I love it. I would give a hundred bucks to do a couple laps in the parking lot like you did.

[@davidpiacenza9033]

when i was a kid i had a sl 100, rode every day, the neighbor kids dad bought him a harley 90, i think he rode it twice, never ran, amf pos.it would spend months at the harley davidson freedom center in billerica ma. only to come back and ridden for a half hour before breaking down again, he waited six months just for a throttle cable.

[@beckersworldinc.171]

Zimmerman brothers in Simi Valley have few of these, they host the Hopetown reunion sometimes and open up there collection of bikes to the public.