Motorcycle specifications Morini350 GT / Strada / Sport 1972

At the dawn of the 70s, Moto Morini made one of its most astonishing turns. Founder Alfonso Morini had bowed out a few years earlier (he had passed away on June 30, 1969), the brand, taken over by his daughter Gabriella and strengthened by the hiring of designer Franco Lambertini (ex-Ferrari), developed an engine that would carry its colors high for over 20 years.

the engine engineers designed the most flexible architecture possible in order to develop a complete range of engines. As a result, V2 engines from 250 to 500cc, as well as 125 and 250cc single-cylinder engines, were developed on this basis. The latter simply had their rear cylinders removed.

the longitudinal V2 has a 72° angle. This choice was dictated by the specifications: the designers wanted a balanced engine that didn't vibrate excessively (a guarantee of reliability), and also one that wasn't too bulky (allowing them to design motorcycles with a rather short wheelbase). The engine had to be reliable, simple and efficient, but also economical in terms of both development and production costs. The choice fell on a cylinder head with 2 valves per cylinder.

in 1972, this engine, initially available in a 350cc version, was fitted to a small tourer: the GT. The following year, it was given the name "Strada", followed by a "Sport" version in 1974. And this bike was a success from the outset. The styling is rather sober, but tasteful. Without having the exuberance of some of its competitors, many eyes turn as it passes.

the chassis, like the engine, is simple in design. Here again, the key is to use tried-and-tested techniques. The frame is a double tubular steel cradle with a short wheelbase. Suspension is by Marzocchi, and spoked wheels are combined with drum brakes. Later, the Sport model and some Strada models (under the T name) gained Grimeca rims and a front disc brake. The bike is small and the short wheelbase gives it real agility.

the engine of the GT and early Strada develops 35 hp. It's lively and enthusiastic at high revs. What's more, it's very sober. In quiet driving, the 350 is satisfied with just over 4 liters per 100 kms. It makes the GT and the first Strada models of economy in these times of oil crisis.

the Sport model gets a special treatment. Introduced in 1974, it benefits from a more aggressive camshaft and a compression ratio increased from 10:1 to 11:1. As a result, it gains 4 horsepower for a maximum output of 39 hp. These modifications bring a plus in top speed and acceleration, but don't really change the bike's overall behavior. It owes its Sport name much more to its lines and a few accessories essential to any good sports bike of the era. These include a pair of bracelets fixed under the upper fork crown, a special seat and a more efficient ventilated front brake than on the GT and Strada.

moto Morini would use this reliable and efficient base for numerous models well into the '80s.e in 1988 by the 350 Dart, designed in collaboration with Cagiva (following the takeover of Moto Morini by the Castiglione brothers in 1987), but still with the 350cc engine (upgraded to 400cc in 1990).

this 350cc V2 would also be used in the trail range, notably to power the Kanguro models and the Custom Excalibur and New York; the engine was adorned with chrome crankcases for the occasion.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer