HD Ameracchi

[LowThudd]

Has anyone heard of these Italian made Harleys? I know nothing about them, but I found one in good condition for a reasonable price. Any info you have would be appreciated.

JDG

[desmodue]

Of course we have. Although it isn't fair to say Aermacchi became Ducati..there is an interesting if convoluted connection. (and MV Augusta. Husqvarna, Morini, and others)

http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/aermacchi_history.htm

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/bikes/cagiva.htm

http://www.cagiva.com.au/welcome/page5.php

[LowThudd]

I get it now. Please excuse my ignorance. I am new to bikes...especially ducatis. I decided against it. Too old and underpowered, but I would love to have it if I could afford more than one bike. Very cool looking.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/1425047723.html

This is what I got instead.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/1422598343.html

The price was right and seems to be in good condition, except for the lost title(but has the appropriate DMV forms to get a replacement).

[ducatiz]

you can find the funky-ass Harley Chimera all over europe for around 2k euro.. import is easy cause they are +25 yo.

show up at the next hd event riding that, i imagine it will be quite confusing for them

[Cloner]

I'm planning to race my '67 250 next year in SMRI's new Ultra Lightweight Vintage class....if they ever decide on rules.

The convoluted connection to Ducati goes like this......

In 1960 HD acquired a 50% interest in Aermacchi and began importing Aermacchi/HD units as entry level bikes.  The HD Sprint was the most popular of those models, but there were many others, like the "Shortster".  Any 2 stroke HD dirt bike you ever saw was built in Varese, Italy.

In 1974 HD acquired the remaining 50% of Aermacchi.

In 1978 HD sold Aermacchi to the Castiglioni brothers, who merged the manufacturing facilities and engineering properties of Aermacchi into their existing parts business.  That company, Cagiva, still exists.....sorta.

In 1985 Cagiva saved Ducati from bankruptcy by assuming it's debts in a buyout.  Cagiva owned Ducati until it was bought by Texas Pacific Group in 1996.

Cagiva purchased MV Agusta and reorganized as MV Agusta SPA.  The Cagiva brand was still manufactured alongside the "new" MV Agusta brand.  The Castiglioni family retained ownership until it was bought by HD last year.....again........

Now HD is again divesting itself of the Varese facility. 

Wanna deal on a motorcycle plant?  Call 1-800-PLEASEBUYMV.

[ducatiz]

I'm planning to race my '67 250 next year in SMRI's new Ultra Lightweight Vintage class....if they ever decide on rules.

The convoluted connection to Ducati goes like this......

In 1960 HD acquired a 50% interest in Aermacchi and began importing Aermacchi/HD units as entry level bikes.  The HD Sprint was the most popular of those models, but there were many others, like the "Shortster".  Any 2 stroke HD dirt bike you ever saw was built in Varese, Italy.

In 1974 HD acquired the remaining 50% of Aermacchi.

In 1978 HD sold Aermacchi to the Castiglioni brothers, who merged the manufacturing facilities and engineering properties of Aermacchi into their existing parts business.  That company, Cagiva, still exists.....sorta.

In 1985 Cagiva saved Ducati from bankruptcy by assuming it's debts in a buyout.  Cagiva owned Ducati until it was bought by Texas Pacific Group in 1996.

Cagiva purchased MV Agusta and reorganized as MV Agusta SPA.  The Cagiva brand was still manufactured alongside the "new" MV Agusta brand.  The Castiglioni family retained ownership until it was bought by HD last year.....again........

Now HD is again divesting itself of the Varese facility. 

Wanna deal on a motorcycle plant?  Call 1-800-PLEASEBUYMV.

this reminds me of the Ducati >>> Jeep connection

[mitt]

My brother-in-law had a sprint bought new in the early 70's, and he says it is easily the worst bike he has ever experienced in 50 years of riding and dozens of bike.s

mitt

[MadDuck]

My brother-in-law had a sprint bought new in the early 70's, and he says it is easily the worst bike he has ever experienced in 50 years of riding and dozens of bike.s

mitt

+1

I rode & worked on those bikes at one time. Although I never owned one I can tell you that they are complete slugs.  A 350 Desmo single out does it in every single aspect and is way more cool.

[victor441]

there is some good info on them at http://flashbackfab.com/
along with much more excellent mc stuff...

[teddy037.2]

I do like the sprints...


still kickin' myself over not buying that one down here...

[Blue]

Here is a picture of my '69 Sprint 350SS.  My father bought it brand new in '69.
The quick stats: 350cc, single cylinder, pushrod, dry clutch, 6volt, 4spd (right foot shift; 1 up, 3 down). 
It weighs around 300lbs and puts down an arm-wrenching 25hp at 7000rpms. 
An absolute blast to ride (when everything is working).

[ducatiz]

It weighs around 300lbs and puts down an arm-wrenching 25hp at 7000rpms. 
An absolute blast to ride (when everything is working).

...and you have a tailwind.. rofl

seriously, it's a handsome bike.. i love the retro look.

[orangelion03]

.. i love the retro look.

Retro only applies to new bikes that look like old ones.  Old bikes are just old...

[Porsche Monkey]

Saw this at the Harvest Classic rally.

[somegirl]

Here is a picture of my '69 Sprint 350SS.  My father bought it brand new in '69.
The quick stats: 350cc, single cylinder, pushrod, dry clutch, 6volt, 4spd (right foot shift; 1 up, 3 down). 
It weighs around 300lbs and puts down an arm-wrenching 25hp at 7000rpms. 
An absolute blast to ride (when everything is working).