Aermacchi 1973-1974 SS 350
Examination reveals that the engine originates from the 1956 - 1972 period, but it already looks more like the Sprint and TV models from 1971 and 1972. There were many 350cc models this newcomer had to compete with, for instance the 4-stroke single-cylinder Ducati, but also Morini, MV and Honda with 2-cylinder 4-strokes and the 2-cylinder 2-stroke Suzuki and Yamaha and the 3-cylinder 2-stroke Motobecane and Kawasaki and Honda with a 4-cylinder.
AMF-Harley-Davdison opted for an expensive single-cylinder 4-stroke and as a result the production run lasted only two years.
The model had an electric starter from a Japanese company, Nipon Denso. The electric system went from 6 to 12 V and under the dual seat was a very large battery. One other significant change is that the pedal switch moved from the right side to the left side and the frame was completely redesigned. It had enough space and it was said that an American reporter mentioned this is his test result as being a frame fit for a tractor engine.
There are two different frame numbers: one for the Italian market and one for the rest. According to the Italian Register (A.R.S.I.M.A) it consists of 6 positions and starts with 253001. The other system is consistent of one letter and one number, then 5 numbers and a letter and a number. For instance: 6A12345H4. � is the SS 350 type, 12345 is the frame number, the H is for Harley and the 4 is the year if manufaction.
Total models manufactured according to the A.R.S.I.M.A: 3,441. According to Harley-Davdidson however: 1973: 4,137 and for 1974 2,500 models. Price in The Netherlands new: f 4.075,- and in Italy 584.000 Lires.
Other models related to the SS350 are the SX-350 and the SX-350 Sprint. If you compare it with the SX-350 (1973-74) and the SX-350 (1971-72) you can clearly see all the differences and the similarities. The SX-350 is an off-road model based on the SS-350.
This page is derived from an archive of 2stroke-nl