1982 Moto Morini 500, 478 cc. Registration number PFR 535X. ...

Hammer

£2,500

1982 Moto Morini 500, 478 cc. Registration number PFR 535X. Frame number MM * 500W * 05210*. Engine number *04592*
Before the arrival of its family of 72-degree v-twin roadsters, Morini's reputation had rested mainly on its highly successful double-overhead-cam single-cylinder racers. An entirely different approach was adopted for the v-twins: each cylinder's two valves were pushrod-operated by a single camshaft while the combustion chambers were located, not in the flat-faced cylinder heads, but in the piston crowns. Coupled to a six-speed gearbox, this superb motor's performance belied its lack of capacity, endowing the lightweight, nimble-footed Morini with a top speed of around 100mph. In 1975 Morini announced a '500' version (actually 478.6cc), production of which commenced a couple of years later in five-speed form, a six-speed version superseding it for 1982. The 500's top speed was not that much more than the 3½'s, the biggest gain from the larger engine being greater flexibility.
PFR was owned by D Laycock of Keighley in 1990 who sold it to Charles Johnson of Otley in August 1992, our vendor acquiring it in 2006, since when it has laid up.
In good original condition recommissioning will see this rare machine back on the road.
Sold with a V5 and a 2005 MOT.