Report Form Italy
REPORT FORM ITALY
CARLO PERELLI
THE NEW Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson 250cc scrambler announced in the February issue of CYCLE WORLD is an "over-the-counter" model already on sale in Italy at the price of 520,000 Liras. The Italian factory states that up until now no requests for this machine have been received from the U.S. but they are prepared to supply it to the North American market. Of the other new Aermacchi/ Harley-Davidson models introduced at the Milan Show, the "Zeffiretto" touring moped will soon be delivered to the U.S. (with the engine power stepped up from 1.4 to 2.5 bhp) while no export plans for the "Zeffiretto" sports moped have been made yet.
The new Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson 250cc scrambler is a true "replica" of the works machines used up to 1963 by Italian Champion Lanfranco Angelini and the other Italian top specialists. Now Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson have decided to stop works support in scrambles to concentrate on the production of the "overthe-counter" model which is in heavy demand (a 350cc-engined version may become available later).
Incidentally, on leaving Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson, Lanfranco Angelini found another job as works rider, c/o Parilla. In fact Parilla have decided to contest officially not only the Italian but also the World scrambles championship with their "Wildcat" 250cc high-camshaft machines. For English races they have signed up the talented loe Johnson, so Lanfranco Angelini has been called to head their team.
But let's get back to the new Aermacchi/ Harley-Davidson scrambler. Its most striking feature is the double cradle tubular frame, instead of the single tube type favored for all the other models. This latter type was also used for many years on scramblers and only one case of breakage was registered; of course the new type, although more expensive to build, is stronger. The "long stroke" 66x72=246.2 cc, pushrod operated o.h.v. engine is scrambles tuned." On an 8.7:1 c.r. it develops 25 bhp at 9000 rpm with a maximum torque of 15.45 ft. lbs. at 7000 rpm. Both the head and the cylinder are in light alloy, the cylinder liner being special cast iron.
General layout of the engine is well known, especially to North American enthusiasts; let's add that it runs on 260 thermal grade Bosch spark plugs, is fed by a 27mm Dellorto carburetor with a separate float chamber and paper element air filter and power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a four-speed gearbox and a multi-plate clutch in oil bath. Gear primary drive ratio is 1:2.517, gearbox ratios are; bottom 1.787; second 1.463; third 1.145; top is direct drive. There is a choice of 13, 14 or 15 teeth gearbox sprockets and 66, 67 or 68 teeth rear wheel sprockets. The front wheel is shod with a 3.00x21 tire, the rear with a 4.00x19; both feature full width 180x35mm drum brakes. Interesting dimensions of this machine are: length 83"; wheelbase 55"; handlebar width 31.5"; handlebar height 43.3"; saddle height 33.5"; peg height 11"; ground clearance 7.8". Weight 297 lb.
