1974 Aermacchi-Harley Davidson RR350

Estimate: (£) 24,000 - 28,000

Frame Number: 2T/2C/2501F10163H7
Engine Number: 3502C2T/10039
Body Colour: Red / Black
Cc: 350

Aermacchi Harley Davidson started to develop 250cc and 350cc two-stroke twins during 1969 although they would not emerge from the competition shop until 1971. Based on a pair of the Ala d'Oro 125cc cylinders, the machines - although heavy - showed considerable promise. Renzo Pasolini rode a developed version of the 250cc to three victories in the 1972 Grand Prix season, losing the championship by a single point and finished third in the 350cc Championship. Liquid cooling was adopted for the 1973 season, however, the horrific crash that cost Pasolini and Saarinen their lives at Monza effectively ended the Harley Davidson challenge for the year. Although Michael Rougerie continued to race on a semi official basis and Bonera competed in Italy. The team redoubled its efforts for the 1974 season, now with Walter Villa as team leader partnered by Rougerie, Bonera having joined MV. By the end of the season Villa had secured the first of three successive 250cc World Championships for the Italian-American team. Success was a little harder to come by in the 350cc class with Villa having to contend with the works MV's in addition to a horde of Yamahas. However, in 1976 with the larger capacity liquid cooled two-stroke twin now delivering a claimed 70bhp at 11,400 rpm the 350cc crown was secured by Villa in addition to the third of his 250cc World titles. Like Yamaha, Harley-Davidson (Aermacchi had sold their share in the company by 1974) offered a production version of the racer in both 250cc and 350cc forms. Typed the RR and equipped with a six speed gearbox, Ceriani forks and Mikuni carburettors they were never as numerous as their Japanese rival, but were highly regarded and are sought after today by enthusiasts and collectors. The 350cc example offered is believed but not warranted to be a factory example

Aermacchi Production Racers