Just purchased a 350 sport this week, my first Morini, so please bear with my ignorance! It's good condition, but plan to restore to 'better than new' and I'd appreciate some suggestions..
Wish to put twin discs on front (cast) wheel. Where can I get caliper (NLM out of stock), how do I modify speedo drive to work with r/h disc?
Have ordered rear sets so I'll be reading the section on tech-tips in detail!
Would like to get the cast wheels powder coated, I live near Southampton, any recommendations? Similarly, and recommendations for platers to get the axles/chain adjusters etc plated.
Finally... tyres... they're probably due for replacement, what works well on these bikes pls? (oh, and what pressures front & rear pls?)
Morini sport, twin discs & other mods
Hi there
I still think Avon Roadrunners are the best tyres for a Morini; don't know how easy they are to find these days.
I have Bridgestones on mine and they're good as well.
Whatever you choose, avoid using an oversize one on the rear! I think the recommended size is 110/80.
Re twin discs- Years ago, shortly after buying my Sport, I mentioned to Phil Smith that I intended fitting a second disc. "Oh, don't do it," said he. "You'll feel the extra weight and it messes up the steering."
I took his advice, and found the single disc to be more than adequate once the correct size master cylinder was fitted (use the 250 one or a Brembo item off a Guzzi V50). My racer had twin discs and the extra rotating mass was apparent.
I still think Avon Roadrunners are the best tyres for a Morini; don't know how easy they are to find these days.
I have Bridgestones on mine and they're good as well.
Whatever you choose, avoid using an oversize one on the rear! I think the recommended size is 110/80.
Re twin discs- Years ago, shortly after buying my Sport, I mentioned to Phil Smith that I intended fitting a second disc. "Oh, don't do it," said he. "You'll feel the extra weight and it messes up the steering."
I took his advice, and found the single disc to be more than adequate once the correct size master cylinder was fitted (use the 250 one or a Brembo item off a Guzzi V50). My racer had twin discs and the extra rotating mass was apparent.
Roadrunners have now been replaced with Roadriders.
Front 90/90-18
Rear 100 or 110/90-18
BT45's are good too.
Some years list a 100/90 for the front, but I think this is too wide for the rim. Most tyre manufacturers lists show it outside the fittment range.
As was common with 1970's bikes, the master-cylinder is too big making the brake feel somewhat wooden. The 250 twin uses the same wheel, disc and caliper, but has a smaller master-cylinder giving much better feel. A new cylinder is something like £55 +vat from NLM (Don't forget to claim your 5% discount if you're a club member). I'd try that first.
Front 90/90-18
Rear 100 or 110/90-18
BT45's are good too.
Some years list a 100/90 for the front, but I think this is too wide for the rim. Most tyre manufacturers lists show it outside the fittment range.
As was common with 1970's bikes, the master-cylinder is too big making the brake feel somewhat wooden. The 250 twin uses the same wheel, disc and caliper, but has a smaller master-cylinder giving much better feel. A new cylinder is something like £55 +vat from NLM (Don't forget to claim your 5% discount if you're a club member). I'd try that first.
Paul Compton
http://www.morini-mania.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/user/EVguru
http://www.morini-mania.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/user/EVguru
Hi and congrats on the bike.I'd probably shake it down over the summer (if it continues) and get ready for the restore in the salty season.
Mine came with Dunlops of some sort. They seem to work OK, I have had no issues. I use BT45's on my other bikes (old-ish Beemers)with no complaints. I would think you only really know which is better if using a bike on a track.
I have twin disc brakes. I have put new pads in recently. I may have a problem with the master cylinder piston sticking slightly when the think is warm ( in the sun!) There are a pair of brake hoses coming directly from the back of this running all the way to each caliper. Not quite correct I guess.
I use braided hoses on other bikes so maybe worth doing. (I note that HEL are only round the corner so I may see what they suggest)
I tend to make most use of engine braking on 4 strokes anyway as anyone who has ridden a R100RS with ATE brakes,2 up with camping gear at 115mph will know but it's good to get the braking optimised. I replaced the bleed nipples with SS ones from the club.The old ones had some corrosion and wept slightly. Had to carefully clean out the threads on the calipers first though.
Mine came with Dunlops of some sort. They seem to work OK, I have had no issues. I use BT45's on my other bikes (old-ish Beemers)with no complaints. I would think you only really know which is better if using a bike on a track.
I have twin disc brakes. I have put new pads in recently. I may have a problem with the master cylinder piston sticking slightly when the think is warm ( in the sun!) There are a pair of brake hoses coming directly from the back of this running all the way to each caliper. Not quite correct I guess.
I use braided hoses on other bikes so maybe worth doing. (I note that HEL are only round the corner so I may see what they suggest)
I tend to make most use of engine braking on 4 strokes anyway as anyone who has ridden a R100RS with ATE brakes,2 up with camping gear at 115mph will know but it's good to get the braking optimised. I replaced the bleed nipples with SS ones from the club.The old ones had some corrosion and wept slightly. Had to carefully clean out the threads on the calipers first though.
I've had that problem with a new cylinder. It's the dirt seal sticking.I may have a problem with the master cylinder piston sticking slightly when the think is warm ( in the sun!)
Take off the brake lever, pushrod and boot. Push the piston back and put a couple of drops of brake fluid in the cylinder. Once lubricated in this way, the piston may try and escape leaving you with a mess on the floor and a brake bleeding job, so be careful (no it didn't happen to me).
It's hard to describe. You really just cut back the 'skirt' that covers the disc bolts. It should be fairly obvious if you come to do it.If I did wish to be pretentious and fit the r/h disc, any idea on how to mod the speedo drive?
Paul Compton
http://www.morini-mania.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/user/EVguru
http://www.morini-mania.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/user/EVguru