Produced for a single year, the tiny but mighty MC-65 Shortster was Harley-Davidson’s answer to America’s seemingly endless demand for mini bikes in the 1970s. What began with a few custom pit bikes built for Troy Ruttman in the '60s exploded and the decade unfolded with everyone from Arctic Cat to Rupp and Honda churning out mini bikes. The Shortster was one of a series of small-displacement machines created after Harley-Davidson acquired a 50% share in the Italian motorcycle company Aermacchi in 1960. The mini was big on motorcycle features and capability over its spindly, lawnmower engine-powered models from the Sears catalog.

The 64cc air-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine sent 5 HP through a 3-speed manual transmission with a hand-operated dry clutch and foot shifter. A Dellorto carburetor fueled piston-port premix power, and a high-mount, left-side blackout exhaust with a bright metal guard kept the fire up off the ground. A beefy backbone-style steel frame with telescoping hydraulic front forks and dual rear shocks teamed up with 10-inch alloy wheels and drum brakes. Braced handlebars, a yellow tank with red graphics, chrome fenders and a black, grained-vinyl seat over aluminum fenders add up to big '70s style. The Shortster was succeeded by the bigger-bore X90 in 1973.

Credit: mecum

#Harley #HD #Moto #Bike