In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. Really like the bike but my next bike will be Beemer, sorry H-D Leave Comment Comments are moderated and should be related to post content. Army also asked Harley-Davidson to produce new motorcycle with many of the features of BMW side-valve and shaft-driven R71. The bikes were expensive and harley davidison.com inferior in performance, handling, and quality to Japanese motorcycles. 28 Harley-Davidson purchased full control of Aermacchi motorcycle production in 1974 and continued making two-stroke motorcycles there until 1978, when they sold the facility to Cagiva. Some years later the original shed was taken to the Juneau Avenue factory where it would stand for many decades as tribute to the Motor Company humble origins. Following win, they would put the pig real one on the back of their Harley and take victory lap.