Brought to the United States by Harley-Davidson's Aermacchi division and joined by a quartet of more conventionally styled machines in 175cc and 250cc capacities. They were quite popular but perhaps slightly underpowered when compared to its Japanese counterparts. To satisfy riders who demanded more performance but also enjoyed smaller motorcycles, Harley-Davidson began to market the 250cc Ala Verde in America.
The Aermacchi 250cc Ala Verde is a stunning little motorcycle exuding Italian engineering and design from the 1960's. It is Sprint-like in its lines but hides a motorcycle with much more performance. The striking lines of the Harley-Davidson Aermacchi 250cc Ala Verde imply a sporting motorcycle with race inspired fuel tank and clip-on handlebars. The top end of the engine is quite different from the run-of-the-mill Sprint.
The sophisticated 2-valve OHV engine of the 250cc Ala Verde delivers 18 horsepower through a 5-speed transmission allowing the motorcycle to achieve up to 148 km/h.
Specifications
Engine: Single cylinder four-stroke OHV
Starter: Kick-starter
Bore & stroke: 66 mm × 72 mm (undersquare - longstroke)
Cooling system: Air cooled
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Engine mounting: Transverse
Engine Capacity: 246,3cc (15.03 cubic inches)
Maximum power: 18 bhp (13.2 kW) @ 6.500 rpm
Valves per cylinder: 2
Carburettor: Dell'Orto UB 24 BS2
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition type: Mechanically timed
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Gear primary, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disc in oil bath
Gearbox: 5-Speed foot-change
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Pressed steel and backbone frame
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Twin shock, Swingarm
Front Brake: Drum, Ø180 mm
Rear Brake: Drum, Ø180 mm
Front tyre: 2.50 × 17
Rear tyre: 3.00 × 17
Wheelbase: 1,321 mm
Seat: Duck-tail dual seat
Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres
Fuel consumption: ca. 3.5 litres per 100 km/h.
Top speed: 148 km/h (92 mph)
Weight: 114kg
Bibliography:
Legend Bike Magazine: Volume 4, no. 32, March 1995, pages 10 - 13
Auto Motor Klassiek Magazine: Volume 32, no. 7, July 2016, pages 46 - 49
Source: Hessink's NL If you have a query about Aermacchi motorcycles please contact us
