Classic Harley Topper Scooter is a Unique Piece of History
Not many people know that Harley-Davidson sold a scooter in the early 1960s.
Harley-Davidsons have long had an aggressive, tough-guy image. However, this is one Harley that’s exempt from that stereotype.
Several years ago, the good folks over at Bring A Trailer wrote about a 1960 Harley-Davidson Topper. The Topper is a cool name for a bike, but we’d forgive you if you think that this bike is a little underwhelming. Imagine a Chihuahua named “Beast,” and you’ll catch our drift.
If you didn’t know that Harley-Davidson ever built a scooter, consider this your wake-up call. It’s the only scooter to ever wear the Harley-Davidson badge. As classic scooters go, it looks pretty good, if you’re into that sort of thing.
The two-stroke, single-cylinder engine was likely enough to keep up with the Vespas and Lambrettas of the day. The Topper’s engine utilized a pull-start and had no external cooling. No horsepower figures are listed, but does it really matter?
The gauge cluster is similarly simplified, with just a speedometer. That speedometer, in case you’re wondering, pegs at 60 miles per hour. Having ridden a few classic scooters in our day, we think it might be a bit optimistic.
Compared to contemporary Italian scooters like the aforementioned Vespas and Lambrettas, the Topper has a long, low look to it that’s simple and clean. Oddly enough, it’s somewhat evocative of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in that regard.
The Topper has some neat Harley-Davidson badging, and an embossed seat. The two-tone paint, red with contrasting white details and wheels, gives this scooter a decidedly American look. At first glance, though, you’d probably never know that this was a Harley.
When it was new, buyers must have ignored it, too. Not many Toppers were sold, and it was discontinued in relatively short order. That makes Toppers somewhat collectible, and an interesting part of Harley history.
We can’t imagine that this little thing takes up much space in the garage. In fact, it might be fun to ride around town. Stick a milk crate on that rear rack, and you’ve got space for groceries. The best part? Imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you tell them you bought a new Harley – and you open the garage and show them this!
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