Hardly: 1970 Harley Davidson M65 Sport

What could be more ‘Murican than throwing your leg over a Harley and riding it in your local 4th of July Parade?  But what if you really aren’t into big heavy bikes but still want to ride an H-D?  This piglet is for you.  Find this 1970 Harley Davidson M65 Sport for sale near Bellevue, WA for $1,250 via craigslist.

Back in the early 60’s, Harley saw the popularity (and money made) by the Japanese on small bikes.  Hoping to cash in, they made a deal with Aermacchi motorcycles of Italy to purchase a 50% share in the Italian manufacturer.  This lead to H-D importing small Euro bikes and rebadging them as Harley Davidsons.  Hence the 65cc two smoke you see here.  In the old country it was known as the Leggero (Light) but had it’s name changed to M65 Sport when it passed thru Ellis Island.  The smokey single put out 4.5hp and had a strange 3 speed transmission you shifted with the left handlegrip.  Note the absence of the kick starter in this picture; its on the left side.

Harley guys like to say loud pipes save lives, but I’m not sure if that applies to loud, smokey ring-a-ding noises.

I guess the biggest downside of this bike given its price is the lack of title.  You will have to buy it on a bill of sale and do the lost title dance with your local DMV.  That automatically knocks the price down to parts bike levels for “original” bikes like this for me.

See a better way to smoke at the next 4th of July parade? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com

Gianni is Daily Turismo’s Pacific Northwest correspondent and keeper of the (smokey) two stroke flame.