Bigger is always better, right? Not in the case of local
resident George Naranjo’s new toy, a brand new style of motorcycle,
the Mini-Harlee.
”
It’s almost like a scooter,
”
Naranjo said.
”
It’s exactly one-third the size of an original Harley-Davidson,
and its the first one of it’s kind in Hollister.
”
Bigger is always better, right? Not in the case of local resident George Naranjo’s new toy, a brand new style of motorcycle, the Mini-Harlee.
“It’s almost like a scooter,” Naranjo said. “It’s exactly one-third the size of an original Harley-Davidson, and its the first one of it’s kind in Hollister.”
The Mini-Harlee is made in classic Harley-Davidson style, except that with the reduced size comes a reduced price tag. The scooters start at $2,399.
“You don’t have to spend $10,000 to $15,000 to have a motorcycle with these,” Naranjo said. “If you’re the owner of a Mini-Harlee you’re just as cool.”
The bike, technically classified as a moped or scooter, is a creation of Johnny Pag of Corona. Pag, a custom bike-builder for more than 25 years, wanted to create a vehicle that can be used by all ages.
It’s powered by a 50 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. It has four speeds, a manual clutch, electric and kick-starting and all the necessary equipment – such as lighting, turn signals, mirrors and a horn – to make it street legal.
The Mini-Harlees, which first sped off the assembly line in February, now have dealers in 35 states, and are sold at 28 dealers throughout California. Naranjo picked his up at Electric Sierra Cycles in Santa Cruz, where they sell scooters, mopeds and bicycles, he said.
Narnajo’s Mini-Harlee is No. 24 off the assembly line, making it a collector’s item, he said. He’s not going to add any bells or whistles to it, either.
“I don’t plan on doing anything to it,” he said. “It’s great just how it is.”
The Harlees have caught the attention of some big names, including the legendary Carroll Shelby, the original designer of the Shelby Mustang.
“He bought about 10 of them and left one in the shop (that he purchased the bike at) with his initials on it,” Naranjo said.
For an individual who wants a fun, recreational, as well as economic motor bike, the Mini-Harlee fits the bill. It gets 60 miles to the gallon, seats two, has a sleek style and the owner doesn’t have to register it as a motorcycle with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“All you have to have is a regular driver’s license and register it to be able to drive it on the street,” Narnajo said.
