Before Harley-Davidson bought controlling interest in Aermacchi, this “sloper” engine powered a variety of light weight Aermacchis including the stylish Chimera, a 175cc version also on display in the Museum.

In 175, 250 and 350cc versions, for street, off-road and racing of many forms, this was a true workhorse for Aermacchi, and later Harley-Davidson.  From mild street bikes to championship winning dry-clutch dirt track and road race machines of 250cc’s, this single was remarkable. It still works well in vintage racing.

This Sprint version is the SX350, a middle-weight with off-road or “enduro” styling popular in America at the time. The braced handlebar, upswept exhaust and an optional skid plate helped attract a new audience, but the machine did not fare well against the foreign competition in showrooms.

In the 1960’s Americans were introduced to a wide range of new middle weight imported motorcycles. Harley-Davidson offerings were by then all roughly 900cc and larger machines, heavy weight and relatively expensive. Seeking a quick fix for the market share they gave up to foreign makers, Harley bought a controlling interest in Aermacchi about 1960. With this arrangement machines with displacements ranging from 50cc’s to 350cc’s became available in two-stroke and four-stroke models including those commonly referred to as Harley-Davidson Sprints, and about 50,000 were imported over a period of 15 years. The SX350 got a major chassis redesign in 1972 and 350 model lasted through 1974. In 1978 the Castiglioni brothers bought what remained of the Aermacchi factory and equipment.

This bike is in excellent condition, with only 2124 miles. call John for details 770 447 6945 x 20