1960 Harley-Davidson Other

1960 Harley-Davidson Topper 4,569 Original Miles Frame Number: 60A4355.
The 1960 Harley Davidson Topper was the only scooter designed and produced by the Harley Davidson Motor Company. It came equipped with an air-cooled, two-stroke, 165cc, single cylinder lump paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), that produces 9 horsepower. Standard features included a drum braking system, an under-seat storage compartment, a large windscreen, a rear luggage rack and a dual seat. The Harley-Davidson Topper motorcycle was among the casualties when the short-lived scooter craze subsided and Japanese brands began to take an ever-growing share of the American motorcycle market. Capitalizing on the late-1950s popularity of scooters, Harley-Davidson brought out the Topper in 1960. Its 165-cc two-stroke single was started with a recoil starter, like a lawn mower, and drove through a variable-ratio automatic transmission called the Scootaway Drive. Up front was a simple leading-link fork, and there were small drum brakes on both wheels. Beneath the hinged seat was a large storage space, but if that wasn't enough, a luggage rack was available. For those not content with carrying only two people and luggage, a sidecar was offered -- though fully loaded, the rig must have proved agonizingly slow. Other "big bike" accessories included a passenger's backrest and windshield. This 1960 Harley-Davidson Topper has 4,569 original miles on it. It is in completely original condition, including the paint, chrome, seat, etc. The motor is free, although I have not had it running in some time. This was a planned preservation/restoration project I'm just not going to get around to. The cosmetic condition of the bike is exactly what you see in the photos. I tried to take as many photos as possible to make sure whomever I passed this machine to knows exactly what they are getting. I've kept every finish on the engine and frame original throughout my ownership, as did the two owners before me. The tires are most likely original, and if the new owner would like to keep them on the scooter, they can be cleaned further and new tubes installed. They are obviously period correct to the bike. If you're planning on riding this motorcycle any distance, I would recommend changing them. I don't ride much anymore, so I never installed up to date tires.
PLEASE NOTE: I believe I am the fourth owner of this machine, and it will be sold with a valid title document. The title is an important piece of the Topper's documentation, as it states the mileage in 2000 as 975 miles. You should have no issues titling it in your home state, if you desire. If you would like a different title situation, please let me know after you purchase the motorcycle, and I'll be happy to oblige. Please don't forget to take a look at all of the photos in the ad! And if you'd like any additional photos of any particular part of the motorcycle, or a walk around video, please let me know. I'm happy to email or text them to you. If you would like to inspect the bike or ask any questions, please email anytime.

Specifications: Engine: Horizontal Air-Cooled Single
Type: Two-Stroke, Piston Port
Displacement: 10 Cubic Inches / 164 cc
Horsepower: 9HP
Chassis: Pressed Steel
Transmission: Belt Driven, Continuously Variable
Final Drive: Chain Driven
Wheelbase: 51.5 Inches
Suspension: Leading Link / Swingarm
Brakes: 5 Inch Drum/Internal Expanding
Wheels/Tires: 4.00 x 12 / 4.00 x 12

Toward the end of the 1950's Harley-Davidson was looking to expand their product mix. They bought a 50% share of the Italian motorcycle maker Aermacchi's motorcycle operation and instantly added small motorcycles to their mix. Marketing staff apparently saw the success Cushman was having with scooters, and moved to design their own, calling it the Topper. Unlike the Cushman, which was between a mini-bike and a motorcycle in scale and had a traditional component layout open to view, the Topper housed its components in a stylish fiberglass and sheet metal body and was a step through design. This approach offered rider protection and surfaces for styling. Most scooter makers of the era took this approach. This thinking also gave them a machine that appeared more user friendly to the uninitiated, the non-motorcyclist. In 1989 Honda released the Pacific Coast motorcycle. Thinking was, new riders who did not care for mechanical objects, but liked the idea of two-wheeled transport might become Honda owners. The Pacific Coast lasted ten years, but never gained wide acceptance. The Topper was made from 1961 to 1965, the time of tremendous ramp up of Japanese motorcycle manufacture and sales. Recalling that Harley-Davidson benefited from the post-World War II War Reparations Act with the DKW-based 125cc two-stroke engine of the Hummer, the DKW RT 125, we see a 165cc sloper version of that engine here. A lawn mower style rope/recoil starter brought the engine to life. Designers may have felt owners would feel comfortable with a system their everyday lawn mower employed. The engine is mated to the Harley-Davidson-branded belt-driven “Scootaway” Continuously Variable Transmission, CVT, a modern concept with simplicity of operation; rotate the twist grip and go with no shifting. Breaking HD tradition, the front brake lever was on the left handlebar and an automotive style brake pedal on the floorboard operated the rear brake. Most scooter makers fan-cooled their engines. Harley did not, causing some overheating problems in spite of the engine being open below the body. There is storage under the seat and Harley literature suggested keeping pre-mix oil there as the Topper was an air-cooled two-stroke machine. The engine cover and some body parts were made from fiberglass, a material that gained acceptance in the 1950's with the introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette. Harley-Davidson offered an optional sidecar and side-mounted utility box. Advertisements were aimed at small-business owners showing the Topper could transport up to 200 pounds. As a testament to the Topper's reliability, in 1959 a Topper was ridden from Bakersfield, California to Death and back without repair or adjustments requiring tools. The route went through Trona to Stovepipe Wells, then to Badwater Basin, then to Whitney Portal, 7,851 feet (2,393 m) above sea level on the side of Mount Whitney. It then returned to Bakersfield.
There is a discrepancy in the ad regarding the original mileage. The original mileage on the Topper is 1,165, NOT 4,569. That was my mistake. The title document substantiates the original mileage. Sorry for the confusion in the description.

TERMS: SORRY, NO C.O.D. AND NO PAYPAL. The description of this vehicle is written to the best of my knowledge. While I have a few Harleys in my collection, I am by no means an expert on vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This motorcycle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed, written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory. Please don't hesitate to ask for more photos and, if possible, come and look in person.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL! If you have any questions, please contact me. If you live close to Chicago, I encourage you to come and inspect the motorcycle in person. For more on the Harley-Davidson Topper, please read on past the photos! Thanks for your interest!