MAS Harlette

[JC Hixon]

I would like to correspond with anyone who has an interest in the MAS Harlette which was manufactured for Harley Davidson briefly in Italy.

[exeric]

I'm not at all familiar with the MAS Harlette. A little history, and some pictures would be most appreciated. . . I'm guessing, Harlette is a French-like suffix to imply a small Harley; however "Harlette" sounds a lot like "harlot" and I have to think that wouldn't have gone over very well in the U.S. . . . "Hey! What kind of bike are ya' ridin", dude?" " . . . "I'm ridin' me a Harlot, Bro!". . . On second thought, that probably would have gone over well with the chain wallet crowd.

[Rubone]

As far as history there is no known link to H-D. At that point they already had their own small single series that they were exporting to many foreign countries and were somewhat successful at it. And they never used the Harley name on its own without the Davidson during their entire history. Any link to H-D is wishful thinking, or "joyriding your mind" as I like to term it.

[JoJo357]

*M.A.D.*

Not a whole helluva information on this Motorcycle manufacturer. Sharp little copy Kat's.

Harlette Motorcycles by MAS <--------

Comments and Posts. <-------

1B586ECF-6B15-4F4A-A333-AD0ECDD92F95.jpeg

[JC Hixon]

Thank you all for your replies! The reason I posted the thread is because I know of one for sale. The seller set a high price on it because of its rarity but, as has been stated, there isn't much information about them available. The overhead valve configuration was ahead of its time in 1929 but since the displacement is only 175cc it wouldn't be feasible to take on a road run and would be too expensive to use as a pit bike at national events. It would be kind of interesting when asked about it, I could answer 'It's an expensive whore.'

1930 Harlette.jpg

[micmac]

I'm not at all familiar with the MAS Harlette. A little history, and some pictures would be most appreciated. . . I'm guessing, Harlette is a French-like suffix to imply a small Harley; however "Harlette" sounds a lot like "harlot" and I have to think that wouldn't have gone over very well in the U.S. . . . "Hey! What kind of bike are ya' ridin", dude?" " . . . "I'm ridin' me a Harlot, Bro!". . . On second thought, that probably would have gone over well with the chain wallet crowd.

I once knew a Harlot in Charlotte when I was a young man

[exeric]

Thanks for the pictures, JoJo, and JC. It's an attractive, and well-proportioned bike.