Friday, December 31, 2010

1969 Harley-Davidson ML 125 Rapido by Aermacchi

This is my 1969 Harley-Davidson ML 125 "Rapido," a 125 cc 2 stroke 4 speed street bike made in Italy by Aermacchi. This is a so-called "Spaghetti Harley." In the middle of 1969, the ML 125 production line was switched from a street bike to a trail bike. Thus, there were only 1,000 of these motorcycles made. The most notable distinguishing feature is the right-hand shift, with a one up, three down pattern. 1969 and subsequent trail models had a left-hand shift with a standard pattern. This bike has less than 5,000 miles on it. Corrosion is minor. The tank is shiny inside. The engine is 2 stroke, meaning that 2 stroke oil must be added to the gas, just like a dirt bike or a Vespa. All the engine gaskets have been replaced. Compression is good, with plenty of torque and a rich, throaty idle. How fast does it go? I chickened out at 75 m.p.h. Riding doubles is no problem in the city, but I wouldn't recommend it on the highway. I have put 1,000+ miles on this motorcycle in a year. It is very reliable.

Everything on this motorcycle is stock, with the following exceptions:

- New Michelin Gazelle tires.
- New sealed bearings for the wheels.
- New chain.
- New light bulbs.
- New gaskets.
- New clubman bars (original bars included).
- New brake, throttle, and clutch cables (cable housings remain stock length for retrofit to stock bars).



1 comment:

xtyn82 said...

my friend jack has the exact same one except its blue and only has 1700 original miles on it with only one owner nothing has been replaced nothing redone everything is original and in great running condition.
its for sale