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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: chuck peterson on January 03, 2017, 07:12:51 AM

Title: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: chuck peterson on January 03, 2017, 07:12:51 AM
https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/5942463292.html

Someone's looking for those...
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Rough Edge racing on January 03, 2017, 07:48:54 AM
 I guy I know in NC, Mike Baker, has a modified Sprint in vintage racing. He does ok with it...I mean, it is an Italian bike... :thumb:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 03, 2017, 09:54:56 AM
I'd look good on that knucklehead.. I'd give 5 hundred for it.. :smiley:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 03, 2017, 09:57:55 AM
It's interesting to me that there as few people (apparently) as there are that are interested in these old Aermacchi/Harleys.

They've got that Italian look and presence, that horizontal single thing going like a Falcone, they had a reputation for being good-riding bikes as long as you didn't treat them like a 305 Honda ...

... and yet I see very few people on-line and at swap meets, shows, and vintage ride-ins interested in the bikes.

Maybe their day is yet to come!

Lannis
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: steven c on January 03, 2017, 10:45:15 AM
An another
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/5943486181.html
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 03, 2017, 10:56:36 AM
I was reading about the Texas Ceegar land speed record streamliner in Motorcycle Classics and there were 4 made,one wrecked,one sold to Harley for an attempt on the record. It was too slow with a Sportster engine but they had just bought Aermacchi so they put a 250 Sprint engine in and went 176.8 mph for a class world record!
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 03, 2017, 11:04:48 AM
I have a soft spot for them. A Sprint was the first "real" motorcycle I ever rode. Probably the cause of my life long love of Italian bikes. :smiley:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: JJ on January 03, 2017, 11:08:20 AM
I have a soft spot for them. A Sprint was the first "real" motorcycle I ever rode. Probably the cause of my life long love of Italian bikes. :smiley:

Me too! :smiley: Never owned or rode one, just always liked them because they were of Italian origin, (Aermacchi)  :cool:
They are nice when sorted and restored.  :thumb: :cool:


(http://thumb.ibb.co/d8zb0a/1966_Harley_Davidson_Sprint_H.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d8zb0a)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/n19LRF/122133550_Nu_VOs_TBq.jpg) (http://ibb.co/n19LRF)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/hkZ9La/Aermacchi8.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hkZ9La)
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on January 03, 2017, 11:09:03 AM
Worked on a few. Not a fan.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 03, 2017, 11:36:06 AM
I was reading about the Texas Ceegar land speed record streamliner in Motorcycle Classics and there were 4 made,one wrecked,one sold to Harley for an attempt on the record. It was too slow with a Sportster engine but they had just bought Aermacchi so they put a 250 Sprint engine in and went 176.8 mph for a class world record!

 Interesting . I am curious about this , what year ? Probably not really a Sprint motor , more likely a CR , based on the Aermacchi gp engine , in short stroke form a pretty potent little motor .

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: azguzzirep on January 03, 2017, 12:50:17 PM
Believe it or not, there is one in Phoenix that is a chopper!
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 03, 2017, 01:30:32 PM
Dusty, The article just says Aermacchi single but yes your encyclopedic knowledge fills in the fine details! Thanks!
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 03, 2017, 01:39:12 PM
Oct.22,1965 George Roeder
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 03, 2017, 01:39:56 PM
Dusty, The article just says Aermacchi single but yes your encyclopedic knowledge fills in the fine details! Thanks!

 Tried to find anything on this , nothing . What year was this ?

 Oh , the long stroke Sprint motor made about 18 HP , and probably wasn't capable of much more . The CR , or GP motor was short stroke , with several other differences like valve sizes .

 Encyclopedic , hardly , can't remember where my wallet is . It is the useless stuff that sticks . Like the numbers used for hot Triumph 650 cams , e3134 , not a model number , just a reference to a specific profile . Never made me a penny  :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 03, 2017, 01:49:37 PM
One of the great things about knowledge is you just never can tell what random bit will trigger a cascade of connections...
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 03, 2017, 01:58:58 PM
One of the great things about knowledge is you just never can tell what random bit will trigger a cascade of connections...

 In my case it is more like a dripping faucet  :laugh: Great stuff there 'Matic , thanks for reminding us about George Roeder , and some new info re the LSR bike .

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Testarossa on January 03, 2017, 02:01:56 PM
A 350SS was the first bike I owned. I think I paid $300 for it in 1971.

Good background here: http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/two-wheelers/harley-davidson-sprint-the-spaghetti-hoglet/ (http://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/two-wheelers/harley-davidson-sprint-the-spaghetti-hoglet/)

While Tonti did not design the Sprint (it came about after he left Aermacchi), he did use the engine as the base for his spectacular Linto twin.

Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 03, 2017, 04:05:38 PM
Yeah, baby!  :thumb:
(https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/HD-Linto-Engine.jpg?resize=525%2C394)
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: chuck peterson on January 03, 2017, 04:22:59 PM
Woof! Never seen that...saweeet
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: redrider90 on January 03, 2017, 04:39:12 PM
Interesting . I am curious about this , what year ? Probably not really a Sprint motor , more likely a CR , based on the Aermacchi gp engine , in short stroke form a pretty potent little motor .

 Dusty


NON running. Notice the classic "should run with a little bit of work". That is better than the classic was running when put in the garage 20 years ago.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Matteo on January 03, 2017, 04:42:25 PM
This was for sale near Portland for a long time @ $4700. No buyers that I know of.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d3f5tv/IMG_0207.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d3f5tv)

Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: JJ on January 03, 2017, 05:10:23 PM
This was for sale near Portland for a long time @ $4700. No buyers that I know of.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d3f5tv/IMG_0207.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d3f5tv)



That's a nice looking bike!!  I wonder if between $3500-$4000 cash would have bought it?  :thumb: :cool: :1:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: ohiorider on January 03, 2017, 05:46:28 PM
This was for sale near Portland for a long time @ $4700. No buyers that I know of.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d3f5tv/IMG_0207.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d3f5tv)


That's how I remember them ...... in the orange and white.  I hadn't yet purchased my BSA Spitfire Scrambler at the time, I remember the 'pull' these Italian singles had on me.  The local HD dealer had one in his showroom window, and thought 'now that's a motorcycle.'  One of the mechanics at the Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler dealership where I worked part-time while in college rode a HD Sprint in (was it called hare scrambles?)

Bob
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Matteo on January 03, 2017, 06:50:49 PM
That's a nice looking bike!!  I wonder if between $3500-$4000 cash would have bought it?  :thumb: :cool: :1:
He wouldn't budge, we tried up to 4400. Just couldn't  wrap my head around the right hand 1 up 4 down shifter.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 03, 2017, 07:19:25 PM
Yeah, baby!  :thumb:
(https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/HD-Linto-Engine.jpg?resize=525%2C394)
Ah yes,the 500cc Linto designed by...Lino Tonti ( SGC )
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 03, 2017, 07:39:48 PM
 Tonto was also involved in the Paton .

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Testarossa on January 03, 2017, 07:41:35 PM
Macchi had an interesting history as an aircraft manufacturer. The company was the Italian equivalent of Supermarine, specializing in seaplanes until building fighters in WWII. The MC 72 Schneider trophy racer (1934), designed by Mario Castoldi, was the fastest airplane of its era (440 mph), and remains the fastest seaplane ever built. Castoldi went on to design the C.202 and C.205 fighters, which were regarded as equal to the Spitfire and Mustang using Daimler Benz V-12 engines built by Alfa Romeo. 
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: tazio on January 03, 2017, 08:35:52 PM
Have owned my 1972 SS350 Sprint for the past 39years. Paid $50 for it. Buddy of mine around the same time(1979) got TWO late 60's Sprints that were set out with the garbage at the end of someone's driveway.Lol.
... years later talked to an old guy who used to own a Harley dealership, said that in the early seventies they would GIVE a Sprint to anyone buying an FLH.
Talk about Dealer Incentives!!
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Bob Wegman on January 03, 2017, 08:53:56 PM
My favorite bike was my Sprint ERS 350. Bought it in 72 after I watched Mert Lawill win the astrodome short track race on Feb.7,1970.  Owned it for about 20 years. Stupidly sold it before internet got popular.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: leafman60 on January 03, 2017, 09:04:41 PM
Ok, does anyone remember the H-D Scat?

I had not seen one until about 3 years ago when someone offered to sell me one. Interesting bike. I didn't buy, though.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Turin on January 03, 2017, 09:07:15 PM
Quote
Tonto was also involved in the Paton .

Sure your not thinking of the Lone Ranger Kemosabe?
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 03, 2017, 09:09:35 PM
Ok, does anyone remember the H-D Scat?

I had not seen one until about 3 years ago when someone offered to sell me one. Interesting bike. I didn't buy, though.

We just called all them old DKW-based two-strokes "Hummers", I think ...

Lannis
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 03, 2017, 09:19:32 PM
Sure your not thinking of the Lone Ranger Kemosabe?

 Tonto wasn't all that fond of the Lone Ranger , he just tolerated him because his sister was married to the masked guy  :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 04, 2017, 11:19:41 AM
We just called all them old DKW-based two-strokes "Hummers", I think ...

Lannis

Yep. Never heard the term Scat.. except for uuh, never mind.  :smiley:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 04, 2017, 12:15:58 PM
 Trivia questions , what were the later 125 CC Aermacchi built models called , and what were the scooters built post war called ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Bob Wegman on January 04, 2017, 04:04:29 PM
Leggaro, I think.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: guzzimatic on January 04, 2017, 04:39:36 PM
Rapido was a 2 stroke enduro Harley
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 04, 2017, 04:52:15 PM
Rapido was a 2 stroke enduro Harley

 Pure street version also , pretty quick and good handling , if a bit crude . The Japanese bikes all had oil injection , the Rapido still employed pre-mix .

 Now , what about the scooter ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Dharma Bum on January 04, 2017, 04:57:29 PM
Dusty,  I know you're proud of your heritage but it's "Tonti".
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 04, 2017, 04:59:56 PM
Dusty,  I know you're proud of your heritage but it's "Tonti".

 Boy , ya make one typo ... :laugh:

 Wait , you are aware of Indian Motocycles ...?

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: tazio on January 04, 2017, 07:38:10 PM
Trivia questions , what were the later 125 CC Aermacchi built models called , and what were the scooters built post war called ?

 Dusty
How much later? My very first motorcycle was a  1975 TX125 Harley, no "name" given.
Next I had an SX175, same deal, no real "name" given..
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 04, 2017, 07:44:13 PM
How much later? My very first motorcycle was a  1975 TX125 Harley, no "name" given.
Next I had an SX175, same deal, no real "name" given..

 Well yes , but I was thinking mid-late '60's on the 125 . Rapido was the answer . My first real motorcycle bud had one , black and silver , rode like a buckboard .

 No guesses on the scooter ?

 
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: tazio on January 04, 2017, 07:53:54 PM
Cheated and looked it up, oop's :boozing:
Now how many of you have ridden a Harley-Davidson Snowmobile!?? :afro:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 04, 2017, 08:08:42 PM
Cheated and looked it up, oop's :boozing:
Now how many of you have ridden a Harley-Davidson Snowmobile!?? :afro:

 Known in street parlance as the Snow Shovel  :huh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: tazio on January 04, 2017, 08:13:45 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Bob Wegman on January 04, 2017, 09:39:17 PM
Cheated and looked it up, oop's :boozing:
Now how many of you have ridden a Harley-Davidson Snowmobile!?? :afro:
Ski Daddler or were they the AMF model.  Hirth Engine maybe
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 05, 2017, 07:54:10 AM
Well yes , but I was thinking mid-late '60's on the 125 . Rapido was the answer . My first real motorcycle bud had one , black and silver , rode like a buckboard .

 No guesses on the scooter ?

Are you talking about the Topper?
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: oldbike54 on January 05, 2017, 08:29:22 AM
Are you talking about the Topper?

 Yep .

 I have a Sprint story . Somehow two of them have crossed paths with me , both 250 CC early open fin versions . Didn't really have any money in either one , and didn't have the desire to put any into either one . The first , well , sold it to a service buddy for probably $75.00 , remember , this was in 1973 or so , when that was still enough money for a weekend in , well , Biloxi  :laugh: The second ,in 1992 was traded in on a BMW to the old dealer in Tulsa . The fella that owned the place wanted it for his collection , and was offering good money . Was a cute little thing, someone had painted a flying pig on its tank . Delivered it to the dealer in a PU . and several old time Guzzi and Beemer guys that were hanging out gathered up and were reminiscing over it . Lots of comments like "Best Harley ever" , or , "Yep , only HD I'd ever own"  :grin: The dealer had an open house just a month or so later , and would usually show off some of his extensive collection of old Nortons , Ducatis , MV Agustas , and other exotica  . Yep , right out in front for all to see set the little Spaghetti Harlette for all to admire , flying pig and all  :bow:

 Dusty
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on January 05, 2017, 09:19:46 AM
What could have been (after Aermmacchi):

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15825859_10212104497357572_5544898974283179908_n.jpg?oh=045422b91d91e45518a337cef8e3626d&oe=58DF6E2C)
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 06, 2017, 11:17:21 AM
What could have been (after Aermmacchi):

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15825859_10212104497357572_5544898974283179908_n.jpg?oh=045422b91d91e45518a337cef8e3626d&oe=58DF6E2C)

Wait a minute.  I just read the small print, and it says that the Harley engineers considered the Moto Morini V-twin was "slow, a bad vibrator, and mechanically defective". 

And THIS from a Harley engineer of the 60's and the later AMF days?   The Morini must have had only one piston installed or something.   Any Morini was twice the motorcycle that any Harley of that day was.   Sounds like rank xenophobia to me .... not that Harley has been a stranger to that malady over the years ....

Lannis
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 06, 2017, 11:43:23 AM
Well, Lannis.. Harley engineers of that era had plenty of experience with
Quote
slow, a bad vibrator, and mechanically defective". 
You'd think they'd know..<shrug>
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on January 06, 2017, 11:54:13 AM
Wait a minute.  I just read the small print, and it says that the Harley engineers considered the Moto Morini V-twin was "slow, a bad vibrator, and mechanically defective". 

And THIS from a Harley engineer of the 60's and the later AMF days?   The Morini must have had only one piston installed or something.   Any Morini was twice the motorcycle that any Harley of that day was.   Sounds like rank xenophobia to me .... not that Harley has been a stranger to that malady over the years ....

Lannis

Someone probably didn't want to have to deal with yet another bunch of Italians, so sabotaged the test by pulling a plug wire.  :wink:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 06, 2017, 01:16:17 PM
Someone probably didn't want to have to deal with yet another bunch of Italians, so sabotaged the test by pulling a plug wire.  :wink:

If I had to bet a pension check, I'd bet it on THIS!   :laugh:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on January 06, 2017, 03:32:27 PM
One day late autumn I was riding my Morini out near Clear Spring, MD. Behind me at the intersection of MD56 and MD68 was some sort of cruiser-ish Harley. I pulled onto 68 slowly but then just for fun, "wound it out" through the gears.  :bike-037: I looked in my mirrors and the Harley was waaay back there but coming up fast. I held it around 80 mph until the speed limit dropped to 30 and he finally caught up. Once past the 30 zone, I wound it out again, but he was ready this time and stuck with me. This continued into Williamsport where we stopped for a red light. He pulled next to me, obviously perturbed and said: "Your crotch-rocket ain't so hot now is it?" The look on his face was priceless when I replied: "Oh, I don't know. I think it does pretty well for a 350!"  :laugh: 
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 06, 2017, 03:59:45 PM
This continued into Williamsport where we stopped for a red light. He pulled next to me, obviously perturbed and said: "Your crotch-rocket ain't so hot now is it?"

The fact that there are people that would even SAY a stupid, challenging, wish-I-had-a-scrotum thing like this, and that many of them that DO say it seem to ride that brand, is the reason I don't own one and have almost no acquaintances who do.

It's not just your imagination.   I can't even conceive someone on a Moto Guzzi or Laverda or BSA coming on like that to someone at a stoplight.

Lannis
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: tazio on January 06, 2017, 04:28:26 PM
Dang, Lannis.You cold.
At some time must have caught someone with a doo rag pissin' in your Cheerios.
 :boozing:
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Lannis on January 06, 2017, 04:40:51 PM
Dang, Lannis.You cold.
At some time must have caught someone with a doo rag pissin' in your Cheerios.
 :boozing:

No, really.   Ask Charlie about his trip down to Scottsville last summer ....

I've been riding since 1970.   MOST of my interactions with other motorcycle riders, of all brands, have been good ones.   Part of the reason I ride is the interactions I have at overlooks, at lunch, at rallies, with other like minded people, on any kind of bike.

But every single threatening, get-back-whip dangling, over-the-top, small minded, I'll show YOU, what-do-you-want-damn-you interaction I've had over the years on the road involving another motorcyclist has been with someone on a big Vtwin, trying to make up for some sort of perceived lack of something.

What am I supposed to think?   I had 3 big twins, I enjoy the bikes, I don't have anything against them.   Am I supposed to ignore a lifetime of experience so that I won't be accused of "prejudice" or "Harley-bashing" (gasp)?   Just stating it as a fact of life.   Don't know whether it's "cold" or who's been pissing where, just know what I've seen.

Lannis
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Aaron D. on January 06, 2017, 05:26:04 PM
Cheated and looked it up, oop's :boozing:
Now how many of you have ridden a Harley-Davidson Snowmobile!?? :afro:
Last year near here, there were 3 Harley Davidson snowmobiles for sale in a yard. That makes 3 that I have seen in the metal.
Title: Re: 66 and 68 HD Sprints, CL, new haven, crusty
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on January 07, 2017, 08:01:56 AM
Someone probably didn't want to have to deal with yet another bunch of Italians, so sabotaged the test by pulling a plug wire.  :wink:

 :grin: :grin: After working for a big company for 30 years, I'd say you are probably right, Charlie.