MORE WEE VEES

I wanted to thank Frank for a very fair review of the Morini 350 in RC161. As a long-time owner of British bikes, mainly from the 1960s and 70s, I am a recent convert to the charms of Morini ownership. I always hankered for one back in the day.

Frank compliments Morini on the quality and competence of their stands. The centrestand is indeed excellent, however it is my sad duty to inform you that Morini also caught the flip-up sidestand disease from Moto Guzzi and Ducati in the early 80s, along with the ‘squareitis’ that afflicts the styling of many bikes of that era, including Rowena’s own 350 Guzzi.

Both afflictions affect my Morini 350 K2 model from 1985, originally an import from Spain. I have been carrying out a sympathetic rebuild, keeping the patina where possible, which is now nearing completion. The photos show the bike as received. I am not sure where all the time and effort of the rebuild has gone, as it doesn’t look that different now… The whole bike is very original, and being from Spain was free from rust, but covered in a thick layer of fine dust, literally everywhere.

Of course, being Morini the flip-up sidestand problem is very easy to fix. As standard, the stand is held from going overcentre by an extended pivot bolt. Simply cut off this extension and it functions normally. The square styling? You learn to love it and, in my opinion, it’s delivered with more flair than some bikes of the era.

On the upside, the K2 model does have a fully functional electric start and an improved riding position. The starter mechanism itself is very unusual, involving the use of a centrifugal clutch, chain drive and a mammoth battery, but it means that the awkward left hand kickstart is effectively redundant.

I have always been a sucker for the slightly more quirky-looking bikes myself. I even admit to growing fond of our MZ ETZ251, now sadly sold. The Morini K2 is quite rare, especially in the UK, as it was well past Morini’s peak of desirability in the 1970s and before the last hurrah of the Dart in the late 80s.

Keep up the good work. Paul Digweed, member 5970

I’m aware of the later versions of the Morini, but they do appear to be very rare, and … maybe I should whisper this, but we both really like the odd 1980s Italian styling, both of the Morini and the Guzzi. The Guzzi in particular is a seriously under-rated machine, largely because no one else seems to like the styling. And I am entirely jealous of your electric starting… but not of the chain drive! FrankW