c1960 Moto Morini Tre Sette Sprint 175cc 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. Moto Morini switched to four-strokes for their competition bikes from 1949, 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. Moto Morini’s range of road bikes expanded to include what proved to be a significant model in the company’s fortunes, the four-stroke 175cc Turismo. Launched in 1953, the Turismo’s overhead-valve engine was built in unit with the four-speed gearbox, with telescopic front forks and swing-arm rear suspension. The following year a new line-up of models named after Italian card games appeared, including the sporting Settebello (Seven of Diamonds) offshoot with full road equipment and hairpin valve springs in place of the usual coils. The Biscola (Trumps) was aimed at budget conscious riders and in 1958 the interim Tresette (Three Sevens) appeared, along with a more powerful Tresette Sprint using a high compression piston and larger 22.5mm Dell’Orto carburettor. These beautifully made Italian machines are a rare sight in Australia and make wonderful collector’s pieces, with a thriving club scene and an array of fabulous events around the country.