c1965 Moto Morini 250cc Motorcycle

Description

Established by Alfonso Morini of Bologna in 1945, Moto Morini was typical of the many Italian motorcycle manufacturers that flourished in the immediate post-war period, providing affordable transportation for a population ravaged by years of conflict. Morini himself was an accomplished rider in the 1920s and it was no surprise that his products soon found their way onto the track, with Masetti capturing the first Italian 125cc Championship in 1948. In 1949 Moto Morini switched to four-strokes for their competition bikes, while overhead camshaft engines powered their road range from 1953. A new twin-cam Grand Prix bike of 250cc capacity proved immediately successful in 1958 and Provini captured the world title on a similar machine in 1960. Derived from the successful 175cc ohv range, Moto Morini marketed a 250cc variant in the 1960s, variously termed the 250T, GT, GTI and Settebello (which means 'Seven of Diamonds, a name also applied to the 175 model), while in the US it was marketed as the Typhoon with high handlebars. With a bore and stroke of 69 x 66mm, the 250 was much more of a touring bike than the road-racer 175, with a pillion passenger saddle, proper mudguards, leg shields and even a silencer. First offered in 1965 and built until 1968, few were made (the actual number is thought to be around 700) and fewer still survive.