This was a diversion for Harley Davidson in the seventies, part of a foreign venture in the form of ownership of the Italian Aermacchi concern. This was intended to help HD compete with the invasion of small bikes from Japan. This racer did well in Europe, winning three world championships with Walter Villa in 74-76.
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| thanks, Jon! |
Yup, they were popular, even in the US (where there wasn't much interest in 250cc racing), and there are still lots of them to be had for nearly reasonable prices.
ReplyDeleteHD-Aermacchi also briefly made a 500 roadracer before concentrating afresh on the 250s. The 500 was cruelly called the Porpoise, and yeah its lines are portly and porky, but I think it's beautiful. If the link to some pics & words about it fails to show up below, as often happens (possibly god telling me to shut up), you can Google "Belgium Antiques Motorcycle Factory" and then search for "500RR 1976."
Thanks for posting the pretty 250, Mr. G.
James
I've seen pictures of that 500 twin- with 4 carbs!
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