Moto Morini Motorcycle Books - History and Models

Moto Morini 3 1/2 & 500 (1974-1984) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Moto Morini 3 1/2 and 500 motorcycles from the years 1974-1984. Describes the Moto Morini 3 1/2, Strada, Sport, K2, 500, Sport, Maestro, Sahara, Camel, SEI-V and Touring.

• The 32 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Moto Morini

The Bologna company's history goes back to the early 1920s and the MM factory, of which Alfonso Morini was a founding figure. In 1937, Morini struck out on his own and a new chapter in motorcycling history began. When Alfonso died in 1969 his daughter Gabriella took the reins of the family's business.

Then, in 1987, with the pressing need for a new model range, the company was acquired by the Cagiva Group. Although the basis for a new range of modular v-twin engines was built and bench tested, it was never to become a reality; due in no small part to the huge success of Ducati, which had also become part of the Cagiva empire in 1985.
In 1999 Moto Morini was acquired by Alfonsos nephew Franco Morini, then iconic designer Franco Lambertini rejoined the fold. By the end of 2003 a new range of models was on the horizon. In Spring 2004 the famous stylist Luciano Marabese joined the Bologna marque, and the story continues.

Contents: MM, Going it alone, Grand Prix glory, Turismo and Sport, ISDT, Enter the 31/2, Modern singles, V-twin developments, Dirt irons, Custom cruisers, Prototypes, From the ashes and Road Tests.

Moto Morini 3 1/2 - Il bicilindrico simbolo degli anni Settanta

Apart from the history of Morini, the 2-cylinder 3½ has become a real icon in motorcycling as a whole. One of the first advertisements for that model said, "It's only got two cylinders, but it shows a lot more". And never has a slogan lived up to its word so convincingly, given the performance of the 4-stroke engine, which was way better than that of the opposition.
Reduced fuel consumption, excellent road handling and a range capable of satisfying all palates (with the GT series born of the Turismo to the lively Sport), they were the strong points of the 3½ which, for those reasons, enjoyed immediate success.

The book covers the technical and industrial stories of all the models, having availed itself of a series of spectacular photographic sessions organised specifically for it, enabling all enthusiasts to rediscover a motorbike that really did make history.

Text in Italian.