Aermacchi Motorcycles

Aermacchi Ala Verde 250

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 litre

Fuel consumption: ca. 3.5 litre on 100 km/h.

Top speed: 148 km/h (92 mph)

Weight: 114kg

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.

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

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