Aermacchi · 1961–1972
Harley-Davidson CRTT, CR, CRS and ERS: history and buying advice
On these stripped racers based on the Sprint, Americans raced on the road, on dirt track and off-road.
History
When Harley-Davidson bought half of Aermacchi in 1960, the horizontal 250 Sprint came to America. Racing models were sold there as well. The CRTT was the road racer (1961–1967). Dick Hammer won the 1963 Daytona 100 on one.
The CR was a stripped dirt-track and short-track machine (1964–1966). It was sold as a kit: frame, fork, wheels, tank, seat and mudguard came separately, and the engine was shipped loose from Italy. The CRS (1965–1968) was the scrambler version, with a stronger-tuned engine of about 28 hp.
At the end of the sixties came the ERS, a 350 cc flat-tracker with an Ala d’Oro engine, a Bendix magneto and a four-speed close-ratio box.
Key data
| Engine | horizontal four-stroke single, overhead valves, 250 cc (ERS: 350 cc) |
|---|---|
| CRS power | c. 28 hp at 8500 rpm (Cycle World) |
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto 27 mm, later 30 and 35 mm |
| Production CRTT 250 (road racing) | 1961–1967; number: 70; frame numbers from: unknown |
| Production CR 250 (short track) | 1964–1966; number: 135; frame numbers from: unknown |
| Production CRS 250 (scrambler) | 1965–1968; number: 700; frame numbers from: unknown |
| Production ERS 350 (scrambler/flat track) | 1969–1972; number: 452; frame numbers from: 7B10001H |
| Production source | With thanks to the late Jaap de Jong, Aermacchi de gevleugelde (1912–1972), Weesp 2003. The author himself warns that not all data are certain. |
What to check when buying
- Many ‘CRs’ are Sprints converted later. Ask about provenance and papers.
- Compare the frame number with the American numbering (with an H for Harley).
- Racers have worked hard. Have the engine opened up or checked by an expert.
- Ask which parts are original and which are new.
SourcesVFT: Aermacchi Sprint CRs (English)Cycle World 1971: History of Aermacchi (English)Motocross Action: 1960 Aermacchi 250 Cross (English)
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