Harley-Davidson Topper

Harley-Davidson Topper The Harley Davidson Topper was a Scooter produced 1960-1965. It was the only scooter ever produced by H-D. The engine requires a premixed gasoline/oil mixture.

Here's a basic description of the H-D Topper:

The Harley-Davidson Topper is the only motor scooter that the Harley-Davidson Motor Company ever produced. The Topper has a 165 cc (10.1 cu in) single-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted horizontally between the floorboards. The starter is a rope-recoil type similar to lawnmowers. Unlike most scooters with enclosed engines, the Topper's engine does not

have a cooling fan. It was expected that the low, horizontally mounted engine would be cooled by air passing under the scooter, but some Toppers developed overheating problems. The engine uses a reed valve in its induction system. The engine powers a continuously variable transmission that includes a safety device that does not allow the scooter to move from rest at engine speeds higher than 1800 rpm. Final drive is by an exposed roller chain. The Topper has 5 inch internal expanding drum brakes on both wheels. The front brake is controlled by a hand lever with a parking brake lock; the rear brake is controlled by a pedal. The front body, front fender and floorboards of the Topper are made of stamped steel, and the engine cover and body are made of molded fiberglass. The Topper H was introduced in 1961 (sold through 1965) with a new alloy cylinder head that increased the compression ratio to 8.0:1, the transmission placed in a sealed oil bath, a reusable foam air filter, and revisions to the cylinder ports and air intake tube. A detuned version of the Topper was also available, with the power restricted to 5 hp (3.7 kW). This was advertised as the "Topper U." In 1959, a Topper was ridden from Bakersfield, California to Death Valley and back without repair or adjustments requiring tools. The route went through Trona, through the Mojave Desert to Stovepipe Wells, on to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level, then to Whitney Portal, 7,851 feet (2,393 m) above sea level on the side of Mount Whitney, after which it returned to Bakersfield. Sales lagged, and Toppers lasted just five years in the Harley line. It’s estimated that fewer than 3,000 were sold. http://web.archive.org/web/20080406183411

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=83

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1963-harley-davidson-topper.htm

12/20/2023

HD Topper owner Jason Lewandowski asks, “Have any Topper owners converted to a 12 volt system?”

I know I never tried it, but how about anyone else out there?

07/18/2018

Anyone out there have a lead on a magneto? A fellow restorer needs our help.

This seems like a great restoration candidate.1964 Topper for sale. $2200. Any inquires contact 586-703-2535. Detroit ar...
05/10/2018

This seems like a great restoration candidate.
1964 Topper for sale. $2200.
Any inquires contact 586-703-2535. Detroit area.

02/01/2018

Only a few months to go until it's Spring. Post photos of your Topper's!

09/11/2017
Here's a little info and pictures of this Topper.
08/29/2016

Here's a little info and pictures of this Topper.

Would like to find one of these. But my other half says i need to sell a scooter to get another one.
08/06/2016

Would like to find one of these. But my other half says i need to sell a scooter to get another one.

US $1,051.00 Used in eBay Motors, Powersports, Scooters & Mopeds

08/04/2016

Panhead Jim rides a 1965 Harley-davidson Topper with a sidecar, for our first ever Vintage Review.

Another nice 1963 Topper for sale on Ebay. Check it out.
07/18/2016

Another nice 1963 Topper for sale on Ebay. Check it out.

US $1,025.00 Used in eBay Motors, Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson

62 AH Topper engine, minus the pull starter
07/12/2016

62 AH Topper engine, minus the pull starter

US $799.00 Used in eBay Motors, Parts & Accessories, Motorcycle Parts

Address

Canyon Drive
Westland, MI
48186

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