During the 1960s, with the Japanese motorcycle invasion taking hold, Harley-Davidson needed something competitive in the small bike segment. Three the options: further development of their 165cc two-stroke single, a completely new design or buy a turnkey business. Aermacchi, of Varese, Italy, fit the bill: they built a sturdy and competent 250cc bike with good performance and lots of development potential. Harley bought a 50 percent share and the joint venture on Italian territory was born. The first Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Sprint went on sale in the U.S. in 1961. The speedy 250 quickly became popular in production racing, and was gradually improved over the years. The original Aermacchi horizontal single-cylinder engine integrates perfectly with the streamlined and harmonious lines of the 350 SS model, which came out in this completely renewed version in 1973. The drop-shaped tank in metallic paint, the high handlebar with an unusual shape and the exhaust split into two chromed mufflers complete a bike that is still very pleasing to the eye. Electric start, a very comfortable riding position and the extreme lightness of the SS make riding really simple and undemanding, leaving the rider the pleasure of enjoying the road and the landscape in absolute relaxation. The quiet and tame character of the engine makes this unusual HD suitable even for riders not very experienced and fits perfectly with the philosophy of slow-ride touring: letting yourself be lulled through the curves will be a real regenerating therapy.