These excellent motorcycles were a sporting version of the famous Morini Corsaro, differing from the touring version with the use of lower handlebars and a larger carburettor - a Dellorto UBF2OBS. This 1963 Moto Morini 125cc Corsaro is an OHV sports model.
In 1937, Moto Morini was founded by Alfonso Morini in Bologna under the name Fabbrica Italiana Motocicli Morini. Morini had also manufactured earlier motorcycles together with Mario Mazzetti under the name MM. At the age of 71, Alfonso Morini died on June 30, 1969. His daughter Gabriella Morini took over management and would remain in control until 1986 when Moto Morini came under Cagiva control (Castiglioni Giovanni Varese, Cagiva Motor S.p.A, Schiranna, Varese).
In 1996, Cagiva and Morini were bought by the American Texas Pacific Group. This company had also bought Ducati. In April 1999, the rights to the Morini name were purchased by Morini Franco Motori, a company founded by Morini's nephew in 1954. After building a series of large v-twin motorcycles the company went into liquidation in late 2010.
Moto Morini created some fabulous motorcycles, both two- and four-stroke, from the day of its establishment. They won many races and championships in Italy and throughout Europe. For example, Umberto Masetti won the Italian Lightweight Championship in 1949, on a 125 with 12HP at 10,000 rpm on a SOHC four-stroke single that could reach close to 90 mph. In 1961, Giacomo Agostini began his racing career on a Settebello. Tarquinio Provino won the Italian Championship in 1961 and 1962 on a 250 and so began their GP World Championship launch. In 1963, Provino came second against the mighty Honda of Jim Redman, tailing him by only two points.
Specifications
Engine: Single cylinder four-stroke OHV
Bore & stroke: 56 x 50 mm
Compression ratio: 7.6:1
Engine Capacity: 123.08cc
Maximum power: 7.7 h.p.
Valve: OHV (Overhead Valves controlled by roads and rockers)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Carburettor: Dellorto
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition type: Flywheel magneto ignition with auto-advance 6 volt battery, 6 ampere
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Primary transmission by helical gears, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disc in oil bath
Gearbox: 4-Speed foot-change
Starter: Kick-starter
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Open cradle tubular and pressed steel
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Tyre: 2.50 x 18 in.
Rear Tyre: 2.75 x 18 in.
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Seat: Dual seat
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres
Fuel consumption: 1.97 litres per 100 km (246 mpg)
Top speed: 108 km/h (67 mph)
Weight: 90 Kg (198 lb)
Source: Hessink's NL
