Aermacchi started as an aircraft company, Aeronautica Macchi, in Varese in Italy. After the war it also built motorcycles, and some of its small, light designs became very successful on the racetrack and on the road.
The milestones
- About 1951. Aermacchi began producing motorcycles at its Varese location.
- 1960, Harley-Davidson. The American company purchased 50% of Aermacchi's motorcycle division. The first model offered was a variation of the Ala Verde adapted for the American market.
- Racing. Renzo Pasolini placed third in the 1966 350 cc World Championship. Under rider Walter Villa the company won four world championships: the 250 cc class in 1974, 1975 and 1976, and the 350 cc class in 1976.
- 1974 and 1978. The remaining motorcycle holdings were transferred to AMF-Harley-Davidson in 1974, and the business was sold to Cagiva in 1978.
What to know when buying
- Which brand name. The same machine can be sold as an Aermacchi, an Aermacchi-Harley-Davidson or a Harley-Davidson, depending on the year and the market. Check the papers and the frame plate, and do not assume the name in the listing is the one on the registration.
- Small bikes, rare parts. Parts supply is thinner than for the big British or Japanese names. Ask the owners' club before you buy. See finding parts and clubs and federations.
- Matching numbers. See frame and engine numbers.
See also
The American link is covered in Harley-Davidson. For how to judge a bike, use the buying checklist.
