The YouTube channel CarsandCameras has bought a Harley-Davidson that's near unrecognizable to the models from the brand today. They say “It's a two-stroke, it's a trail bike and most importantly it's Italian”. The Harleys of today have big, V2 engines for the highway and back roads. With a single-cylinder 125cc engine, this classic motorbike is incredibly simple. This niche bike has just shy of 13 horsepower. That's not much in comparison to Harley's modern Sportster S has 120 horsepower, but weighing in at 112 kilograms it's less than half a modern Harley.

This Harley-Davidson SX125 has an interesting history.

What's This 1970s Harley-Davidson Like?

This is a blessing to the YouTuber. This particular bike sat for over a decade and the engine has locked. Aesthetically, the bike is a little beaten up. The leather is coming off the seat, brand labeling is peeling off, and the metalwork is a chipped shade of burgundy. The front rim is a little bent as well. By the looks of things, the Harley has held up well outside for over a decade.

However, after inspecting the engine, it becomes clear that there is water in the carburetor. Produced by Dell'Orto, an Italian manufacturer, the mechanics are skeptical of the bike's build quality. Another kick to the YouTubers is the giant hole in the exhaust and the rust that covers the bike's belt. This example escapes none of the stereotypes about Italian engineering. It certainly looks great, just like its siblings at Lancia but if it can move is another story.

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CarsandCameras set their goal to getting this motorbike running on the trails near their rural workshop. Joking about the possibility of getting it road legal. It isn't quite moving yet. As this is such a niche, bike parts are hard to find. Their only option is to use parts for its contemporary V-twin models. If over the coming weeks they get it moving, they're sure it won't stay that way for long. The next step for this project is to install a Yamaha Blaster engine, in keeping with the bike's original philosophy but with more available parts.

What Is The Harley-Davidson SX125?

During the 60s and 70s, the Harley-Davidson brand hadn't developed the recognition that it now has. Since then the company has carved niches into the sport, touring, and cruising bikes and has the build quality and customer support to solidify its reputation. Honda, Yamaha, and Triumph all looked for a slice of the American motorcycle market. The Honda CB750 in its own right is an icon. According to Low Brow Customs, experts in custom motorbikes, Harley-Davidson fought back with a line of smaller bicycles. This bike stayed in production until 1978.

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At the time they were under AMF ownership, of bowling fame, and so were Aeramacchi, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. AMF imported the Italian bikes, gave them a Harley-Davidson overhaul, and set them free on the market. Production ceased when AMF sold Aeramacchi. Three years later in 1981 AMF passed Harley-Davidson into the hands of an investment group.