Bottom Line Up Front
The Harley‑Davidson MX250 was a genuine dirt bike that the company raced in the 1970s, but it never lasted long enough to become a classic.
Harley‑Davidson MX250 Dirt Bike – Price, Design, and Why It Was Short‑Lived
Image: Harley‑Davidson MX250 Dirt Bike – Price, Design, and Why It Was Short‑Lived – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Harley‑Davidson tried to copy the look of European off‑road machines. The MX250 featured a high‑mounted exhaust, a simple steel frame, and knobby tires that looked ready for a motocross track. The styling was clean – no unnecessary chrome – because the bike was meant to be light and agile.
One of the few things that made it stand out was the single‑cylinder, air‑cooled engine tucked low in the frame. It gave the bike a low center of gravity, which helped with handling on loose soil.
Performance & Mileage
Power came from a 250 cc two‑stroke engine that produced about 25 hp. That was enough to keep the MX250 competitive in regional dirt‑bike races, but it also meant the bike was thirsty for fuel. Riders reported roughly 30‑35 mpg in mixed riding, which isn’t great for a bike that was supposed to be a workhorse.
Because the engine was a two‑stroke, maintenance was more frequent than on modern four‑stroke dirt bikes. Spark plug changes and oil‑mix adjustments were part of every weekend rider’s routine.
Price & Rivals
When it launched, the MX250 cost about $1,200 in the United States – a price that undercut many Japanese rivals like the Honda CR250. However, the Japanese bikes offered more refined engines, better reliability, and a stronger dealer network.
Harley‑Davidson’s limited production run meant spare parts were scarce. When a valve needed replacement, owners often had to order parts from overseas, adding time and cost.
| Engine | 250 cc two‑stroke, single‑cylinder |
|---|---|
| Mileage | 30‑35 mpg (mixed riding) |
| Price | ≈ $1,200 (1970s US market) |
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FAQ
What was the horsepower of the Harley‑Davidson MX250?
The MX250 produced roughly 25 hp from its 250 cc two‑stroke engine.
Is the MX250 worth buying today?
For collectors who love vintage Harley‑Davidson, it’s a rare piece, but for everyday riding it’s outdated and hard to maintain.
How does the MX250’s fuel economy compare to modern dirt bikes?
At 30‑35 mpg it falls short of newer four‑stroke models, which often exceed 50 mpg on the same terrain.
What do you think about Harley‑Davidson’s short‑lived dirt‑bike experiment? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Source: Read Official News
