Topic: This is SOHC Forums but a 1973 Harley 350 Sprint in a barn for 25 years???!!!!!!

[kwaggs27]

The license plate on the back of this bike says '84 and it has been sitting in a barn with a tarp over it for the past 25 years. I guess it had an electrical problem and stopped running with just over 4900 miles. I am interested in rebuliding this historical non-Vtwin American HarleyDavidson motorcycle. Looking over the pictures I took this afternoon I noticed a  shift lever missing from the bike, I think. I know absolutely nothing about this bike   but this is what I enjoy about rebuilding and restoring motorcycles in the first place. Learning something about your machine and working on it and the restoration process is all part of the joy. Take a look and tell me what you think of this bike and any information you could provide me would be appreciated. I know its not a sohc   but truely a unique motorcycle. The pictures I have are too large to post. Ill work on getting them posted.

[bill440cars]

      Yeah, go figure. Never know why some folks park a bike like that. Need to tell you though, it is actually an Italian bike with the H-D name on it. Be nice to see some pictures, when you can post them, but I gotta tell you too, that this needs to be over in the "Other Bikes" forum. Don't be surprised if it gets moved.

[BeSeeingYou]

There is a thread here somewhere about that same model.  Maybe a year ago or so.

[Hush]

Totally agree with ya mate, as you rebuild you learn so much about your machine, great for when it stops on the side of the road and you just "know" what has gone wrong.
Most of my Harley riding mates wouldn't have a clue what goes on under their spark plugs, warrantee work takes care of that but they miss out on that vital owner information only gained from rebuilding your own.
Best of luck mate, it looks like a neat project.

[Retro Rocket]

They were made by Aermacchi in Italy and badged Harley Davidson...I know where there is one in a barn also....what are they worth....anyone know?

Mick

[seaweb11]

Here is one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-aermacchi-parts-bike-not-running-1973-350_W0QQitemZ290350243174QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item439a391d66#ht_500wt_1182


A rolling frame
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-Harley-SX-350-Sprint-Rolling-Chassis-Parts-Bike_W0QQitemZ200422945136QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eaa237170#ht_7317wt_893

[grumburg]

I hate to be a killjoy, but a 350 Sprint would not be a good restoration candidate. I had 2 offered to me in decent condition for free and I turned them down. No parts available, were very poor quality and troublesome when they were new, no market. 

[MCRider]

I hate to be a killjoy, but a 350 Sprint would not be a good restoration candidate. I had 2 offered to me in decent condition for free and I turned them down. No parts available, were very poor quality and troublesome when they were new, no market. 

Yup, intriguing perhaps, but a pile of trouble. I rode one for a summer in 1976 to and from work. Every single thing on it was sub-par. Would not run in the rain. Spent a lot of time on the side of the road. And it was only a few years old.

[Tnutz]

and lots of them were ridden hard.  Used as dirtbikes by alot of kids.

[bill440cars]

and lots of them were ridden hard.  Used as dirtbikes by alot of kids.

   And to back up this statement made by Tnutz, my Dad is in front on a CZ175 Scrambler and right behind him is a fellow on an early 250 SPRINT, with 71 on the number plate! Check it out.

    

[kwaggs27]

Its unfortunate that there have been so many dissatisfied situations on this type of bike. I have been on the fence on what type of bike to restore for my girlfriend who is learning how to ride and when my cb500 is done I wanted to start a bike for her to ride with me. I have access to a bunch of different bikes and different years and I thought this ss350 was unique and was looking forward to the restoration but I do not want a motorcycle that is unreliable for her or for me. It would be a different story if I was sure this bike would "take care of her" and never leave her stranded on her own on the side of the road. Not saying a different bike wouldnt do the same. I think I will stick with the 360 for her to start on. Ive been wanting to start that bike even though mine isnt done. Anyone want to buy a 1973 Harley ss350 Sprint?

[Alan F.]

Cool project, my brother had a 250 model in 76 or so, he kitted it up for dual-sport use and rode it in his high school years after parting with his beloved TL125.
Best of luck with it.
-Alan

[jbailey]

The first motorcycle I drove (as opposed to riding on the back) was my brothers Harley 125 dirt bike.  It was a ton of fun, but we got very proficient at replacing shear pins on the magneto.

After riding some of my friends Suzukis (mostly) I realized the difference in quality.

There are a few websites for collectors of these bikes.  Search for aermacchi.

[kirkn]

I'd go for it in a minute!!  Anyone can 'restore' an XS650 when there are so many suppliers / supporters!  With ebay and Craigslist nation-wide searches and patience, you'll have a fine, unique ride!

A buddy of mine at work has an SS350 and they're not that bad at all, IMHO.

The 250s and 125 Aermacchi / Harleys were two-strokes and entirely different animals.  The 350 is a lay-down single four-stroke.

*EDIT*  oops, my bad.  The early 250 Sprint was indeed a four-stroke lay-down single.  The later SX250 was a 2-stroke.

All that said, ANY vintage bike can let you down if you have sloppy connections, or poor maintenance habits, etc.  

And THAT being said, if you're planning to have her go far from home and/or far from other folks, I'm not sure that ANY vintage bike is the right candidate...