c1968 Moto Morini 100cc Motorcycle

Description

Moto Morini were renowned for their small capacity, high performance sports and touring bikes from the time the first 125cc machine rolled off the line in 1946 and quickly established a fine reputation both on the road and racetrack. Alongside the fabulous little Corsarino 50cc, a sophisticated ohc miniature road-racer, Moto Morini developed various mass production models, including the Sbarazzino (a term that meant 'rogue' or 'rascal' albeit one that was often used with affection towards children), with a 98cc overhead-valve motor of unit construction. With a bore and stroke of 50 x 50mm, the two-stroke single-cylinder Sbarazzino was capable of reaching 60 mph and proved a hugely popular addition to the Morini range. Introduced at the end of 1956, the Sbarazzino remained in production until the late 1960s and was a mainstay of Moto Morini production throughout this period. Today survivors are rarely seen in Australia but are well catered for with a variety of Italian motorcycle clubs and events around the country. Moto Morini itself lived on, although the recent history of the famous marque has been a rocky one. The Morini family sold the company to the Cagiva group in 1987 but production ceased in 1993 and the brand name (along with Ducati) passed to the Texas Pacific Group in 1996. In 1999 the brand returned to the family fold when industrialist Franco Morini, a nephew of founder Alfonso, bought the rights to the name and plans to re-launch motorcycle production were announced at the 2003 Bologna Motor Show. A new factory was built alongside the original and in 2004 a new V-twin was finally put into production. Despite a proliferation of new models, this new venture lasted only a few years and Moto Morini went into liquidation in 2009. However under new Italian owners, the Eagle Group, the Morini name lives on, with the production resuming in March 2012.