We’ve seen a few Aermacchi Harley-Davidson matchups here on Barn Finds over the years, from the era when companies were experimenting with anything and everything. It doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of experimenting going on now, everything is locked in and most companies focus on one thing. This 1974 Harley-Davidson X-90 is listed here on eBay in Shingle Springs, California and they’re asking an even $5,000, or you can make an offer.
Harley-Davidson bought 50% of an Italian company called Aermacchi in 1960 as a way of having a source for small motorcycles. By 1974, AMF (American Machine and Foundry) Harley-Davidson bought the remaining portion of Aermacchi’s motorcycle division. The company sold several models, mostly trail bikes, and the X-90 just happens to be on the top of the list for me. Not that anyone asked.
This X-90 appears to be in great condition from what we can tell from the photos. The company offered this small model – although it’s twice as big as most of my bikes – from 1973 through 1975 and they were an evolution of the MC-65 “Shortster.” They also offered most of an on/off streetable version, the Z-90 with 16 and 17-inch tires so much easier for road use than the 10-inch tires on this X-90.
Knowing me, I’d have a hard time going over 1,500 miles but it appears to be ready to click over. Life is very short, much too short to worry about going over a mileage milestone on a vintage 90-cc motorcycle. I need help. Sadly, the Harley/Aermacchi combo couldn’t compete with imports and they eventually went away.
The clean-looking engine is an Aermacchi 90-cc two-stroke single with 8 horsepower and 6 lb-ft of torque. Power goes through a four-speed manual to the rear wheel and the seller says it’s been well-maintained and is ready to hit the road. There are a few scratches on the gas tank and probably elsewhere, but it would be a fun addition. Have any of you heard of this model?
This is really great. I remember these from when I was a kid. Unfortunately, or perhaps knowing how accident prone I am fortunately, we were not allowed to have one. I remember other kids in my neighborhood with small trail bikes like this one. No helmet, heck, how did we survive? Anyways, great memories here, thanks for writing this up Scotty. And the history lesson too. I remember AMF being tied in with Harleys but I forgot all about the Aermacchi connection.
I sure have heard of these. They were relatively popular, in Beer City/Harleytown, but not much place else. I bet most of the sales went to employees of Harley, that wanted a cute little rendition of what they proudly made for the kids. And,,,,it worked. I bet the farm( if I still had it) many kids that rode these, went on to buying a real Harley. Where it was made was a moot point, it, by most accounts, was a mini Harley. This was actually surprisingly accurate, with telescopic forks and rear suspension, speedo, a clutch and simple enough a 3rd grader could fix. It was much more than a minibike.
Only about 17,000 of these were sold, and at a cost of just under a grand, a Honda Trail 90 was half that. Once again, guess who won out there. With so many recognizable American brands from Milwaukee, AMC, Harley, Briggs, Milwaukee Tools, all done in by foreign manufacturers. No wonder I’m bitter.
Howard didn’t Harley Davidson have a big stake in flat track racing back in the day ?
Hi Stan, you bet. The XR750 flat tracker was considered the most significant motorcycle in flat track history. Mert Lawwill had great success on a XR750 winning the championship in 1969. I believe he was responsible for the “#1” moniker for Harley.
Before the XR750 the KR was the bike to beat. It came out in the early 50s and dominated the flat tracks into the late 60s. There were some bike riders that raced British bikes, like Sammy Tanner on his BSA Gold Star, who scored well.
The Aermacchi Harleys that I know and love were the Sprint 250cc and 350cc bikes.Fun bikes that were a bit weird and certainly not Harleys, but were fun to ride! I had one of each. I do remember Harley selling trail two-strokes, but never got interested.
Hi Terrry, it was all a marketing blitz. Harley brass knew, it was imperative to get people on a Harley, the sooner the better. The kids were the target, and most, I bet that bought big Harleys later, started out right here. Brilliant!
I owned one of these in my motorcycle days. Had to carry it out of basement. Hadn’t run in years. Got it going and sold it to a Harley dealer. I had a Honda mini trail too. The Harley was faster and a 2 stroke. The Honda started every time. Harley started sometimes.
$5000 seems a bit steep for an X-90, but I’m sure that there is someone out there desperate to re-experience their youth, or maybe to share a piece of it with a grandchild, and a suitable offer will be made.
For the HD aficionados out there, this museum (and bar, restaurant and gift shop) located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a great way to spend a day:
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html
Howard and I went through it going onto 11 years ago. I’m ready to do it again…
In 69′ a bought a 125 Rapido, HD two Strock. The gas cap had a measure cup built into it for the right amount of oil to add to the gas. My bike looked similar to the 90 here, but mine had two sprockets on the rear wheel that could be switch over for road or off road in two minutes. I paid new at HD for $800.00, I believe.
Nuke city bike. Headturner for sure!
Started with an X-90, went to a Z-90 (street) then on to an SX-250 (enduro) – blew the motor doing 85 mph outrunning a cop through the country roads and fields in Wisconsin. Gotta miss those days! Traded in the SX-250, with 9 cracks in the frame, for a 1976 Suzuki GT-750 triple/Water Buffalo.