Artifact Object ID: 26.0039
Artifact Name: Harry Leary Honda Jersey
Category: Jersey
Source: Leary Locker
Collection: Lititz BMX Archive
Location: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Artifact Object ID: 26.0039
Artifact Name: Harry Leary Honda Jersey
Category: Jersey
Source: Leary Locker
Collection: Lititz BMX Archive
Location: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Historical Context
This Honda racing jersey was worn by BMX pioneer Harry Leary and appears in a photograph showing Leary riding his Specialized Hemi BMX frame. The photograph, provided by Linda Leary, documents the jersey in use and provides an important visual connection between the rider, the equipment, and the moment captured in the image.
Harry Leary became widely known during the early years of organized BMX racing in the late 1970s and 1980s. Riders from this generation helped transform BMX from informal neighborhood racing into a nationally organized sport with factory teams, sponsorships, and professional competition. Many of these early pioneers remained involved in BMX for decades through racing, mentoring younger riders, and supporting the growth of the sport.
The presence of Honda branding on the jersey reflects the close cultural relationship between motocross and BMX. During BMX’s formative years, many riders were influenced by motocross racing style, equipment, and sponsorship culture. Motocross-inspired jerseys and gear were commonly worn by BMX racers and freestyle riders alike, helping shape the visual identity of BMX competition.
What makes this jersey especially significant is its documented connection to another artifact within the Lititz BMX Archive. The photograph showing Leary wearing the jersey while riding the Specialized Hemi frame creates a clear historical link between the two items. Preserving both artifacts allows the archive to connect physical objects with a specific moment in Leary’s riding history.
Within the Lititz BMX Archive, this jersey represents the intersection of rider, equipment, and photographic documentation, helping preserve an authentic piece of BMX history associated with one of the sport’s early pioneers.
Related Media
Related Artifacts:
Artifact 26.0038 - Harry Leary Specialized Hemi Frame - Signed Twice by Jeremy McGrath
Artifact 26.0075 - Harry Leary BIOLAB "Leary" "4" Zeronine Jersey - Pairs to 26.0076
Artifact 26.0086 - Harry Leary BIOLAB "Leary" "25" Jersey
Highlighted Campaign Pages:
"Ride and Shine with Lititz BMX" - We Look Forward to Sharing with You
Artifact Sponsor
This Artifact Is Supported By
Green Mountain Cyclery
Ephrata, PA
Proud supporters of grassroots BMX culture.
Supporting the preservation of BMX history through storytelling and artifacts.
Lititz BMX is an independent archive documenting the
history and culture of BMX through artifacts, interviews, and storytelling.
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