MORINIS MAKE MAIDSTONE!
There was a peaceful Italian invasion of Kent at the start of June involving scores of mainly V-twin Morinis. First, a little background: although Moto Morini had long been established as a manufacturer, nothing was officially imported into Britain until the new 3½ models arrived from the early 1970s. Designer Franco Lambertini, was ex-ferrari and he applied car technology to this new design. The pushrod 72º V-twins used toothed belts to drive the cams. The mixture was fired inside Heron-form combustion chambers. The resulting package was a brilliant middleweight, even if the price ticket was more appropriate to a bike of twice the capacity! Luckily, there were still enough takers and in 1975 the Morini Riders Club was established. The inaugural meeting took place at The Highlander, the landmark pub on the Isle of Man TT course. The club soon became firmly established and one of the long-running highlights has been an annual track day at Cadwell Park and some continental Morini events. Current chairman Mark Bailey said: “The idea was to hold an international rally in Britain. The hope was that this would succeed by featuring the most popular aspects of other rallies.” A barn, with alcoholic refreshment dispensed at ‘The Heron’s Head’ (geddit?), and constant tea and coffee provided a suitably atmospheric rendezvous. Many friendly faces from other nations made it across the water. On the Saturday a local scenic tour on the bikes included a stop which offered a choice of the Kent & East Sussex Railway or a visit to Maidstone Motoliner in Aylesford. Established by Ray Palmer (now run by son Tommy) this business repairs accident damaged motorcycle frames and cycle parts and Ray and Tommy have gradually assembled a collection of Italian bikes. Mark Bailey summarised the appeal of the Morini: “The bikes are simple to work on, I can change a cambelt in 20 minutes, the electronic ignition is great, I can just get on and ride it across the continent!” The Moto Morini International Rally proved to be a great success and the club looks forward to many more. Alan Turner