This is a 1969 Harley-Davidson ML 125 "Rapido," a 125 cc 2 stroke 4 speed street bike made in Italy by Aermacchi. This is a so-called "Spaghetti Harley." In the middle of 1969, the ML 125 production line was switched from a street bike to a trail bike. Thus, there were only 1,000 of these motorcycles made. The most notable distinguishing feature is the right-hand shift, with a one up, three down pattern. 1969 and subsequent trail models had a left-hand shift with a standard pattern. This bike has less than 5,000 miles on it. Corrosion is cosmetic. The tank is shiny inside. The engine is 2 stroke, meaning that 2 stroke oil must be added to the gas, just like a dirt bike or a Vespa. All the engine gaskets have been replaced. Compression is good, with plenty of torque and a rich, throaty idle. How fast does it go? I chickened out at 70 m.p.h. Riding doubles is no problem in the city, but I wouldn't recommend it on the highway. I have put 750 miles on this motorcycle. It is very reliable.
Everything on this motorcycle is stock, with the following exceptions:
- New Michelin Gazelle tires.
- New sealed bearings for the wheels.
- New chain.
- New light bulbs.
- New gaskets.
- New clubman bars (original bars included).
- New brake, throttle, and clutch cables (cable housings remain stock length for retrofit to stock bars).
I also have a mostly complete 1968 ML 125 parts bike, which has the right-hand shift gear box as well. This parts bike is lacking an exhaust pipe and carburetor, but includes the cafe style seat (with a new vinyl seat cover) and tank. There is also the trail chain ring for off-road applications. The fork tubes are bent and the rims are corroded. The tank needs some Kreem. The engine turns over but is a long way from running.
