The Only Scooter Model of Harley-Davidson

Each motorcycle brand has its own strengths in certain segments. For example, Harley-Davidson stands out with its rugged cruiser bikes and distinctive sound. However, before finding a foothold in any given segment, brands also go through a lengthy period of research and experimentation with various product lines to establish their brand identity.

Harley-Davidson once ventured into the scooter segment in the 1960s, marking the brand’s effort to focus on the small-displacement bike market. The Harley-Davidson Topper is a testament to this.

Unique Design

Harley-Davidson introduced the Topper in 1960. It featured a muscular, rugged design characteristic of the American motorcycle brand.

At the time, the Topper drew attention not only as Harley-Davidson’s first scooter but also for its relatively novel technologies. The Topper’s body was made from fiberglass, combined with metal, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy vehicle. Its braking system resembled that of Vespa’s two-stroke models from the past, with a hand-operated front brake and a foot-operated rear brake.

The “heart” of the Harley-Davidson Topper was a two-stroke 164 cc engine that produced 9 horsepower. There was also a more restricted version, the Topper U, with an output of 5 horsepower, which could be ridden without a license in some US states.

Being a scooter, the Topper had a continuously variable transmission, making it user-friendly for most customers, unlike manual bikes that require coordination between the clutch and throttle.

Not as Successful as Expected

Despite its easy-to-ride nature, unique design, and storage space, the Harley-Davidson Topper failed to achieve success in the US market. After five years of sales, it was discontinued in 1965, marking the end of Harley-Davidson’s scooter segment.

To date, Harley-Davidson has not returned to this segment. Instead, the brand focuses on large-displacement motorcycles, introducing new models like the Pan America and Sportster S.

The Topper remains the first and only scooter in Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle production history, making it a rare and coveted collector’s item. Enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium to add the Topper to their collections.

Recently, an auction website listed a 1962 Harley-Davidson Topper for sale. The bike was advertised as being in good working condition, with no modifications and only 5,438 miles on the odometer. The owner had added a sidecar, making it a unique three-wheeled vehicle.