Remembering the 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV
The 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV model is a classic motorcycle that was manufactured by the company Aermacchi and corresponded to the classic Aermacchi 350 TV series. This is the first model of the Aermacchi 350 TV generation to become widespread all over the world, today counting 51 years since it was first launched in the market. According to Motorious, the Aermacchi 350 TV model comes equipped with a four-stroke, single-cylinder 344.00cc engine motor that produces a maximum peak power output of 19.7 kW (27.0 HP) @ 7200 RPM. To make its specification more concrete, it has stock tire sizes 3.0-19 on the front and 3.5-18 on the rear wheel. In this post, we will take a closer look at the 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV classic motorcycle.
Overview
The Aermacchi 50cc bike of 1972 was manufactured by Aermacchi, an Italian aircraft manufacturer. The manufacturing company formerly known as Aeronautica Macchi was founded by Giulio Macchi at Varese, north-western Lombardy, in 1912. Since the factory was situated on the shores of Lake Varese, the company began manufacturing a series of Nieuport designs and seaplanes for the Italian military. In 1971, the firm started manufacturing the twin-cylinder two-stroke racers of 250cc and 350cc engine capacity with Aermacchi as the chief engineer and designer. The first 250cc model was quite a success as it rode at high speeds with 46 horsepower at 11,000rpm and weighed only 250lbs. After Harley-Davidson heard of Aermacchi’s work, they decided to fund this motorcycle racing development at the Aermacchi factory. Harley-Davidson decided to use these two-stroke 250cc twin bikes in the Grand Prix competition, which helped win their only Grand Prix medals and the four World Championships; 250cc World Championship in 1974, ’75, ’76, and the 350cc World Championship back in 1976. The speedy 250cc motorbike became very popular in production racing and gradually improved between 1969 and 1974 to a 350cc version.
Post World War II, Harley-Davidson began manufacturing utility three-wheelers and motorbikes as a solution to filling the post-war inadequacy with affordable and efficient transportation means. After experiencing stiff competition from the Japanese bikes, Harley-Davidson decided to introduce something competitive in the small bike industry. The possible options included further developing their 165cc two-stroke single-cylinder bike or submitting a completely new bike design. Using Aermacchi’s engineering skills, they built a formidable and competent 250cc motorbike with impressive road performance and several opportunities for further development. After agreeing to include a Sportster frame to the speed 250cc model, Aermacchi’s previous company, Aeronautica Macchi, sold 50% percent of its shares to Harley-Davidson. The year 1962 ushered in a new era for the Harley/Aermacchi era. By closely working together, the speedy 250cc quickly became the most popular bike in production racing, and a unique design was included in the cycle. Later on, the bike was now available in the American and European versions. Since it was upgraded to a 350cc version, the bike was fitted with a four-speed gearbox, a 74 x 80 engine that delivers a maximum of 25 HP @7,000 rpm, with a top speed of about 145 km/hr.
Specs
According to Mbike (http://www.mbike.com/brands/aermacchi/1972), below are some of the notable features of the 1972 Aermacchi 350cc classic bike:
- Category: Classic
- Engine type: Single Cylinder, Four-Stroke
- Displacement: 350.00 Ccm (21.00 Cubic Inches)
- Bore x stroke: 2.9 x 3.1 inches (74.0 x 80.0 mm)
- Maximum speed: 145.0 Km/h
- Gearbox: 4-Speed
- Transmission: Chain, Final Drive
- Compression ratio: 9:0:1
- Cooling system: Air
- Fuel Control: Overhead Valves (OHV)
- Brakes (Front/Rear): Expanding brake
- Fuel capacity: 15.0 Liters
Engine and Transmission
The 1972 Aermacchi 350cc classic bike comes fitted with a 350cc single-cylinder engine paired with 4-speed gear transmission and produces 25 horsepower @ 2000 rotations per minute. This powerful engine is roared to life with a kick-started and a foot shifter placed on the right side of the bike. During its introduction in 1961 and after the collaboration between Aeronautica Macchi and Harley Davidson, the 1972 bike featured a 250cc horizontal four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. Much has changed with the 1972 Aermacchi bike, including a 350cc air-cooled OHV horizontal single and a 4-speed gear transmission. Moreover, this classic model is now available in both Street and on/off-road versions to suit each rider’s riding preferences. Another excellent addition to the 1972 Aermacchi bike is the choke which actually works once the bike warms up. As a result, the manufacturing company advises allowing the motorcycle to warm up thoroughly before enjoying your ride.
Power and Displacement
Over the years since its launch, there have been a number of changes made to the chassis and engines of the Aermacchi classic series. First was the conversion of the original long-stroke 250cc engine with the 293cc version that featured short-stroke dimensions (72 x 61mm). Later on, the 72 x61mm engine was replaced with a bigger and more powerful 344cc engine of dimensions 74 x 80mm. As a result, the 1972 Aermacchi motorbike became the smallest classic bike manufactured by a leading American motorbike manufacturer. On ignition, the engine responds immediately with an impressive acceleration rate. However, compared to the Japanese rival models, the transmission responds a bit slower. The inclusion of a short-stroke allows the bike to cope well with incredible speeds of 140 km/h and produce 27 horsepower @ 2,000 RPM. The 1972 Aermacchi 350cc bike comes with the signature Banana Yellow fenders and a fuel tank with a fluorescent orange palette. The bike’s bodywork is presented in a matte black lockable storage cubby placed under the well-cushioned black vinyl seat and a gloss black frame. Additionally, the scuff and wear are clearly visible on the chrome trim.
Final Words
The 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV classic bike was manufactured by Aermacchi, who was also an aircraft manufacturer for the Japanese army. Initially, the manufacturing company began with the 250cc horizontal single-cylinder engine. After the American company- Harley Davidson bought 50% of the shares, they changed the bike’s name to Wisconsin but quickly changed the name to Sprint. In the late 1960s, the manufacturing brands decided to upgrade their 250cc motorcycle with a 350cc engine to help keep up with the rival Japanese brands. According to Bringatrailer, the 1972 Aermacchi 350 TV Sprint bike is now sold at an average price of 6,100 USD.
