BajaNomad

Harley-Davidson Motocross Venture

TMW - 11-30-2014 at 11:49 AM

For those interested in a little history Harley Davidson did make a MX bike and raced it and Rocket Rex Staten was their primary rider. Read the story below. From Cycle News:


Fatboy - 11-30-2014 at 12:30 PM

Thanks! Even then as a teenager I never expected them to have anything comparable to the Japanese and the waning years of the Maico's and Husky's.

They always seemed like a weak effort.

Raced opened-class Husky's in the early eighties and you really had to be on current machines since there was so much change from '77 to the mid '80's.

Some the best times was watching ol' Dick Mann at a local track such as Argyle (sp?) out of Dixon or up in Marysville.

Then there was O'Show at Hangtown on his Mugen Honda and watching crazy 'Magoo' before his big accident.

basautter - 11-30-2014 at 03:59 PM

The posted link does not work for me. Can you list the web address? I remember those from the 70s!

wessongroup - 11-30-2014 at 04:22 PM

Thanks much ... it is an interesting history on "bikes" and a form of "racing" which was very different from what was going on in the States in the 50's ...

The bikes today are amazing ... looking back at what was around in the 50's ... :biggrin::big grin:

and of course cars too

[Edited on 11-30-2014 by wessongroup]

Gulliver - 11-30-2014 at 05:38 PM

What few today realize is how much had happened with U.S. riders between say 66, when the first european riders showed up for some demonstration rides, and the seventies, when some U.S. riders could actually stay with the best.

There was an international FIM motocross at Gold Bar in Washington State in 69. I showed up with my stock Pursang expecting to run in the support class. But because I was carrying an FIM senior license for road racing, I got thrown in with Aaberg, Hallman and the like. Total slaughter.

I figured I had nothing to lose and the track was a foot of muddy turf so I decided that the berserker route was worth a try. Get in front and be so stinking out of control that it would be dangerous to pass me. Ha!

I led for two laps and then they figured me out. Gone. I got fifth but I think Aaberg lapped me. Or someone did. I looked like the mud monster.

We all went home and started really training.

harley x

msawin - 11-30-2014 at 07:34 PM

I remember watching Rocket Rex and Marty Tripes at Hangtown in those orange and black jersey's, ripping on those lead bikes. Way cool. That same year I tried to win on an Indian motorcycle in T.T racing at Sacramento Friday night tts.. same results. Dick Mann yes, Argall park, and East St. Marysville. Magoo was the best..... the old years of moto.

David K - 11-30-2014 at 08:23 PM

Why adding the 'M' TW?
Is it a Tacoma World thing?

BajaNomad - 11-30-2014 at 08:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Why adding the 'M' TW?
Is it a Tacoma World thing?


It's an software upgrade "thing". One-character and two-character usernames are an issue (among other things, as you are well aware!).

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support.

:smug: :yes:

:biggrin:

David K - 11-30-2014 at 08:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaNomad  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Why adding the 'M' TW?
Is it a Tacoma World thing?


It's an software upgrade "thing". One-character and two-character usernames are an issue (among other things, as you are well aware!).

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support.

:smug: :yes:

:biggrin:



OK... TW's handle on Tacoma World is TMW (as everyone abbreviates that forum as 'TW')!

Doug -

John M - 11-30-2014 at 09:19 PM

I sent you a u2u a couple of days ago, did you get it?

Sorry for the hijack

John M

TMW - 12-1-2014 at 11:08 AM

Yes Doug helped me get back on. After the Nomad problems I couldn't log on and it turned out to be as simple as adding an M.
Doug is the man.

willardguy - 12-2-2014 at 03:27 PM

whaaaat??? no mention of Larry Roeseler and Bruce Olgilvie racing a slightly modified one in the '75 Baja 500?
great article! thanks!:D



and winning for a 2nd overall!

[Edited on 12-2-2014 by willardguy]

wessongroup - 12-2-2014 at 03:39 PM

Malcolm Smith .. .Husqvarna :):)

[Edited on 12-2-2014 by wessongroup]

Fatboy - 12-2-2014 at 08:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
whaaaat??? no mention of Larry Roeseler and Bruce Olgilvie racing a slightly modified one in the '75 Baja 500?
great article! thanks!:D



and winning for a 2nd overall!

[Edited on 12-2-2014 by willardguy]


Looks like a Rotax motor in that thing....Larry could finish in the top 5 on ANYTHING in his day it seemed the dude was awesome!

willardguy - 12-2-2014 at 09:23 PM

"Looks like a Rotax motor in that thing....Larry could finish in the top 5 on ANYTHING in his day it seemed the dude was awesome!"

yup, larry knocked hodaka off its perch riding the H-D trailbikes. novice to expert at 14 in 17 races! amazing!:o

fishbuck - 12-3-2014 at 11:38 AM

I worked at a Harley shop back then and each shop got 2 for the floor. I bought one at dealer cost and raced it for a year in New England. The suspension was only ok but the motor was very fast and could out drag race any stock bike at the time. It turned well too. I won a few races with it and had fun.
My last hoorah as a teenager and then into the military
I think they were made in Italy.