1976 Other Makes 3 1/2 Sport

A310098

Clear

1976 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport with 5,001 miles. This is one of the most attractive, fun, and collectible bikes from any era. Only about 100 examples were imported to the United States. Light at 320 pounds and having an Italian 72 degree 39 hp 350cc v-twin designed by an ex-Ferrari engineer makes for great performance and great sounds. The frame and suspension are like Ducati's of the period, as are the looks. Looks a bit like a baby Ducati 750 Sport of the same era. These early Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sports are like Hen's Teeth with only about 100 brought into the United States. Bike is kick start only and starts very well. Especially for a Morini, which have a reputation for harder-to-start. Like many Italian and British bikes of the era, it is right side shift. The bike shows very well. The paint is like new. No scratches or dents. The bike is cosmetically and mechanically like new. This bike is a blast to drive. You have to remember that, say, a Kawasaki Ninja 250 weighs 375 pounds and has 29 hp and is considered a good newer sport bike. This weighs 320 and has 39 hp. And, the fact the it's a V-twin means its pretty narrow, which I have always preferred. Not quite as fast as some 2 strokes of the same size, but a remarkable engine that pulls to 8,500 rpm and makes power everywhere. Great seating position and easy quick steering. A great and fun drive today with handling equal to today's better sport bikes. These early 3 1/2 Morini's are rare and real jewels and will appreciate more than many other bikes of the period. In the past year I installed a new timing belt, rebuilt the carbs, installed a new master cylinder, and had the speedometer rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. Here is a quick start-up video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr_qJ7bMWtA&feature=youtu.b I have an issue with the mileage on the bike. The speedometer says 50,024 kilometers. However, the registration and title from when I bought it say 4,999 MILES. The current registration says 5,001 miles. I have had the bike for 3+ years and the bike is like new. I have a full-time mechanic (and 12 bikes) and he and I have discussed it. We think the previous owner replaced a "broken" speedometer with a used one that showed 50,000 kilometers. Unless the bike received a complete restoration before I bought it, the bike does not have 50,000 kilometers on it. If the kilometers are accurate, then the bike was completely restored to show quality before I bought it.