Moto Morini 31/2 & 500 Pert. Port 1974-84

Moto Morini have lived the role of David beating off Goliaths throughout their history. From a small family business their early single cylinder racers caused massive embarrassment to deep pocketed competition from the Far East. Much later in the Paris-Dakar event a well known, rather porky flat twin was also shown the way by Morini, but by this time with V twins.

The advent of the V-twin was a thoroughly modern revolution from the drawing board of one of the worlds most inspired designers, Lambertini, who works to this day for his first love, Moto Morini. The Moto Morini is now one of the bikes of which the Italians are most proud as its quintessentially Italian character shines through without the flaws which slightly marred some other Italian bikes. The advanced engine is very simple but uses top quality materials, it really could only be Italian yet the originality and forward thinking found in so many aspects of the design were world leading. Even now, 30 years later, relaxed riders of Morini gently enjoy being the cause of utter bemusement to riders of newer and apparently more exotic multis guzzling fuel in an attempt to keep up on all but the straightest of roads.

This Brooklands Books Portfolio of un-biased tests reflects the growing awareness of a beautifully balanced package in the Moto Morini. I have loved them ever since I started to ride them and sold them new for about £800 in the early Seventies. Today the top models of those same bikes are eagerly sought for over £3000. Clearly it is not I alone who appreciates them! The modern bikes remain true to the guiding principles set by Alfonso Morini in the 1940s - bikes bearing his name always have superlative handling and usable power to ensure huge pleasure combined with reliability. Morini riders and their enthusiasts clubs around the world have adopted the words "grin factor’’ to describe the highs which ownership confers. Reading through these tests will assure you that whether your ownership of a Moto Morini is as an Object d’Art, or more humbly as an economical means of enjoyable transport, the various models each richly fulfil expectations.