Engine and Frame numbers

[ianashdown]

Hi,

I have what I believe to be either a 74, 75 or 76 3 1/2. I think it's a Strada, although I did see some reference to 'GT', and now I'm confused! It's silver with black pinstriping (I think original), with wire wheels and a single disk brake. It has what I've seen described as a 'Late Dash'.

I believe I know where to look for the engine numbers but can someone give me some guidance as to where I might find the frame numbers?

I hope to restore this bike back to as near original condition as possible but would like to have a good reference as to what it actually is (year, model etc) and what the original spec was when new.

I appreciate any help!

Thanks
Ian
ianashdown@pacific-composites.net

[EVguru]

Wire wheels and a disk brake makes it a circa 1976 model.

Morini themselves called the touring version the GT, whilst Strada was the name the UK importers gave to the model.

A silver colour scheme (if original) probably means it is a Strada.

A UK market bike will have an engine number, but an import from Italy will not. The frame number is on a plate just above the top rear engine mounting. The number will start A/ and is NOT the number starting OGM/DGM (that's the type approval for the model).

I hope to restore this bike back to as near original condition as possible but would like to have a good reference as to what it actually is (year, model etc) and what the original spec was when new.

Good luck!

We often joke that no two bikes came out of the factory exactly the same.

Most Morinis end up modifed anyway.

[ianashdown]

Hi,

So Strada and GT are one and the same? What were they called in the US? I purchased this one in New York, but it now resides in California.

I'm not going to be super picky about absolute originality but at least period correct would be a goal. Actually there is not an awful lot missing, and it seems mostly to be original, so it is mostly a question of refinshing, new exhausts, seat and a few other small parts. The engine internals are yet to be explored!!

Thanks for the help,

Ian

[spub]

This thread touches on the age old question dealing with vintage bikes: Keep original or restore? and the related question: Upgrade or keep Original?

Most purists would be shocked at my 74 3 1/2 Sport. It has stainless hardware throughout, stainless exhaust, stainless frabricated front engine mounts and brake torque arms, stainless spokes etc....Most of this was done by the previous owner, but I might have done the same thing myself. I added turning indicators (non standard) and CRG mirrors, and a "swan" kickstart lever from NLM to clear the, again, non standard Tarozzi rear sets. I've also added LED lights for the three dash lights, and to the turning indicators. Someone at some point was not happy with the electronic tach, so a mechanical one likely from a later 500 model was added.

While I feel somewhat responsible as a custodian of this bike to keep such modifications within certain parameters, it bothers me when the originality police turn their noses up at modified or restored bikes. I just sold a bevel Ducati 900SS and most of the Ducatisi feel even swapping out rusted fasteners for new ones is sacriledge. Forget painting it or, heaven forbid, upgrading from the Ducati Electronica ignition. Laverdisti are much more forgiving, especially when the mods have performance/functionality benefits. Generally the same with Moto Guzzisti.

There are not enough Morinis near where I live (Los Angeles area, California) to get a sense of how accepting Morinisti are to such modifications, but I suspect given the foibles/idiosyncracies of these bikes, that they will tend to be an accepting lot....

[ianashdown]

Hi,
Modification are a very individual thing I find. On some bikes I try to avoid them, on others I'll modify for practicality (stainless etc) so long as the basic function remains the same. I will never have a problem with a restored bike, but I do have one, a 1948 AJS, that I'm going to ride as found for a little while! Each bike and owner has their own story and reason for doing what they did or didn't do. I don't mind modified bikes but appreciate them modified 'in period', unless there is some thought behind going out of period as I'm doing with one bike. It's a '73 Triumph Trident and I'm making it a sort of Cafe Racer using as much Carbon Fiber as I can. The intention is the juxta position of old and new technologies. I already have a trident that I restored to as near original as practical so this one is my 'creative' project. My really old bikes '30', '40's '50's even '60's I generally try to be a true to the original spec as I can. There is a cretain pleasure in that.

By the way there is now another Morini in SoCal - mine!

Ian

[corsaro chris]

Spub, Ian;

The Sport sounds great... There's a good way to find out if others like or dislike; post a picture (worth a thousand or so words. Even better, send another picture to David Marlow and see if it makes it into the 2012 MRC calendar!

We are a forgiving lot; that's why the guy who founded the club all those years back called it the Morini RIDERS Club; they're for riding, not collecting or restoring, although each to his own...

So, Good Riding

CC

[spub]

Already done, Chris. In photos section on this site it is the ninth and tenth pic down. Funny thing about Drum brake sports....they seem to be one fo the most collectable of the Morinis; supposedly like Hen's teeth. Thing is, I know of three other Morini owners in Southern California, and all three own drum brake sports - so So Cal must be the Drum Brake Sport capital of the world.....