1971 Harley-Davidson MSR-100 Baja, Frame no. 8B10802H0 Engine no. 8B10802H0

1971 Harley-Davidson MSR-100 Baja
Frame no. 8B10802H0
Engine no. 8B10802H0
This stylish two-stroke lightweight dates from the period when Harley-Davidson was owned by AMF: American Machine and Foundry. In actual fact, Harley's lightweight models were manufactured not in the USA but in Italy by Aermacchi, which had been part owned by the American company since 1960. By purchasing a 50% stake in Aermacchi, Harley-Davidson obtained a ready-made range of smaller models to complement its large Milwaukee v-twins. The relationship came to an end in 1978.

In the late 1960s and through the 1970s desert racing had captured the world and Harley-Davidson wanted to play. They created the Baja 100 model by 'sleeving down' an Aermacchi Aletta 125 from a 54mm to a 50mm bore so to fit into the 'under 100cc class.' The stock Baja 100 had a very reliable 2-stroke 98cc engine producing 13 horsepower at 8,000rpm and a 5-speed gearbox, and only weighed 185 pounds in a proven chassis. Upgraded suspension pretty much completed the package. After production had started Harley-Davidson entered a 14-rider factory Baja 100 race team in the 1971 Baja 1000 and it won its class with eight riders in the top 10 places. The Baja 100 was already available as both a roadster and a racer, with production having begun in the 1970 model year.

This 1971 Harley-Davidson Baja 100 appears to be complete, unrestored and in good condition, but any prospective buyer would be advised to scrutinize it carefully to satisfy themselves as to its provenance. This superb little Baja has been kept in climate-controlled storage for some time. It will need careful safety checks to be performed before being started again.