New MRC member here, having just acquired a 1976 3 1/2 Strada from NLM. Here she is:
I'm getting used to the bike's idiosyncrasies (or should I say charms) one of which is the lack of the original exhaust heat shield. Having burnt my way through 2 pairs of trousers / over-trousers already I'm keen to find a solution that doesn't involve donning full leathers for every ride.
Does anyone remake the heat shields or is there an alternative known solution?
That's a nice bike, especially with carrying capacity. My later sport has a tail unit which makes carrying stuff really difficult.I got some stainless rod to fabricate something up but so far all I did was replace the gear and brake rod to my rear disc. I have not burned my leg yet but have the original heat sheild.I always wear boots and leathers.Only time I tried without, the kickstart went up my trouser leg as I was preparing to dismount and I nearly fell over.
I guess you could try some stainless steel mesh and make something up perhaps?
Lovely bike - similar to mine, which also came from NLM with the plain heat shield like yours. I found an original heat shield on ebay for £8 which I had rechromed and am about to fit to the bike. There's a guy called Dickhumpty who's been selling parts from a broken 3 1/2 on ebay and currently has some bits listed. It could be worth sending him a message to see if he's got one lying around. Alternatively, ask Rob at NLM if he's got any second-hand ones.
I saw your bike at NLM a couple of weeks ago and thought it looked lovely. Stuart was telling me that you were after some period-looking panniers and they work a treat.
My first Morini was a '76 disc-braked, wire-wheeled Strada in the same paint scheme, which I have always thought suited the lines well. We went all over southern England on that bike, and also to the south of France (two up, for almost three weeks with a small pair of panniers, one of which held a box of spares from Harglo...) and did 18,000 miles in three years. I sold it as the swing arm wore (this was before we realised that Morini needed really regular lubrication of the trunnion and bushes).
Happy days, and I wish you well with your purchase, and good luck with the search for an original heat shield. And glad that you've joined the Morini club, we're a friendly bunch in the main!
Thanks for the suggestions and the kind words about the bike guys.
Stuart at NLM is hunting for an original heat shield - hopefully one will turn up.
I know side cases / panniers aren't everybody's cup of tea but I want to tour and occasionally comute on the Strada so the side cases are a must. I was hoping that NLM could source some period items but given their scarcity and poor condition Stuart persuaded me to go for the Givi set up which I feel works pretty well.
3potjohn I confess I laughed out loud when reading about your kickstart/trouser leg mishap. I'm glad you didn't come to any harm.
What do you mean, Chris? "a friendly bunch in the main?" we are all lovely!!-not like some clubs that do nothing but "hiss" at one another! I too have fitted "Givi's" to my 500-at least they are "made in Italy" and stored in Daventry where I have my abode.
By way of an update, NLM don't have any stock of original exhaust heat shields. In the end I bought one of NLM's remade 'half' shields, cut it down to size so now have one and half of these fitted. Between them they do the job but I will continue searching for an original shield. In the meantime I shouldn't be burning through any more trousers.
Given the scarcity of original exhaust heat shields (I've been searching for one for nearly a year without success), 350/500 owners might want to know that NLM have just had some replacement exhaust shields made in stainless steel. They sell for £25. I've ordered one and will post a photo of it together with my thoughts when it arrives. (P.S. I am not connected to NLM in any way!)
Given the scarcity of original exhaust heat shields (I've been searching for one for nearly a year without success), 350/500 owners might want to know that NLM have just had some replacement exhaust shields made in stainless steel. They sell for £25. I've ordered one and will post a photo of it together with my thoughts when it arrives. (P.S. I am not connected to NLM in any way!)
Strada-Stu
London
SW14
Hi Stu
Most of us go back there for spares, so are all connected to NLM in a way, besides they are a nice and helpful bunch.
John
What I really need is a heat shield to fit on my 2:1 system. It has mounting lugs but I'm pretty sure not in the same positions as the OEM 2:2 system. Already singed my Sidi Vertebra boot on the hillclimber. I will be attempting to molish something out of alloy sheet with a hammer and a drill.
I've got here a bit too late. I've got 2 original heat shields off my 500 but I'm in Australia so it will probably be cheaper to get one from NLM than for me to post one. Faster too.
The rear sets on the 500 don't allow me to have the original fitted but mine came with a really nice short shield made of alloy. After burning some pants I made one to fit from an offcut of 60mm aluminium pipe. Really easy as it already has a nice curve that parallels the pipe. The curve at the top can be included by increasing the cut around the pipe. Being aluminium it is soft enough to bend to fit by hand and eye.
