really nice '69 V7 or really Nice 3 1/2

[dgurovich]

Faced with a "dreadful" decision.  Two wildly different bikes, both in excellent shape. 

The first one is a '69 V7 with great red/silver stock paint, Gillardonis (750cc), new clutch, Alternator, lotsa goodies.

The second one is a very nice Moto Morini 3 1/2 Strada (4shoe brake) that is a pristine rider.

Both are priced extremely well within the bounds of reason.  I can have one.

Thoughts on which?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Both are very kool, but Morinis are kooler.  Guzzis are so common, don't you know..

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you've never had a Morini v-twin, buy the Morini. Amazing machines. My 350 K2 thinks it's a 500...

[canuck750]

Buy the Guzzi!!, parts are readily available and reasonably cheap, there is a very enthusiastic group here to help you with any issues and the Guzzi can ridden all day, day after day in comfort. A nice Loop draws a crowd everywhere you go and the bike makes for a relaxed ride, and it has to be one of the classiest bikes ever.

Morini parts are hard to get and dreadfully expensive, the bikes are unique ie, hard to find anyone with real knowledge to work on them and they are bit on the wee side.

And the number one reason to buy the Guzzi - I want to buy the Morini, send me the info on the Morini if you are going to pass on it, I am very interested. I have too many Guzzi's, (not really true, no one can have too many Guzzi's) and I don't own a Morini but really want one, especially the more comfortable Strada.

Cheers

Jim

[Hahnda]

These are two TOTALLY different bikes.  I guess it really depends on which one is calling your name. I have a 500 Morini and it is so much different than a Loopframe Guzzi.  You want a cruiser or a back road burner? I really like the look of V700's but 3 1/2's don't come up very often.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Buy the Guzzi!!, parts are readily available and reasonably cheap, there is a very enthusiastic group here to help you with any issues and the Guzzi can ridden all day, day after day in comfort. A nice Loop draws a crowd everywhere you go and the bike makes for a relaxed ride, and it has to be one of the classiest bikes ever.

Morini parts are hard to get and dreadfully expensive, the bikes are unique ie, hard to find anyone with real knowledge to work on them and they are bit on the wee side.

And the number one reason to buy the Guzzi - I want to buy the Morini, send me the info on the Morini if you are going to pass on it, I am very interested. I have too many Guzzi's, (not really true, no one can have too many Guzzi's) and I don't own a Morini but really want one, especially the more comfortable Strada.

Cheers

Jim

Yeah - North Leicester in the UK can be a bit of a pain for North Americans to deal with. They tack on a  10% "USA surcharge" (not sure how that works for Canadians) and parts can be rather expensive (although the current exchange rate helps).

If you join the UK-based Morini Rider's Club, there is a wealth of knowledge available there. There are quite a few of folks in the 'States that are pretty knowledgeable as well.   

I've had an '80 500 and two 350 K2s. A K2 will run rings around the (five-speed) 500s. Always wanted to try a 500 Sei (six-speed) to see how they go, but they are so rare I may never have the opportunity.

Jim - I know of one that will be coming up for sale in Arizona. PM me if you want details.

[Aaron D.]

I've had experience of both. Both great bikes-one will be a classic and will give great pleasure, one will be fun.

I'd say get the V7.

[huub]

completely different bikes, the 350 is a single minded fun bike , it will outhandle everything on the right roads , and embarrass bigger bikes on twisty roads.
mine produced wheelies in first and second gear. with a 6 speed gearbox , narrow power band and a dry clutch riding one is a full time job.
comfort on highways is pretty limited.
you want to feel like a boy racer again ? the morini is your perfect bike
the V7 is a sedate tourer, that can chuff along in comfort for as long as you want.
it will get out of shape if you get too carried away.
but parts are easy to find , and ( relatively) cheap.
i have both, i am rebuilding the morini, The V7 is in the backof the shed.

[Cal3]

Faced with a "dreadful" decision.  Two wildly different bikes, both in excellent shape. 

The first one is a '69 V7 with great red/silver stock paint, Gillardonis (750cc), new clutch, Alternator, lotsa goodies.

The second one is a very nice Moto Morini 3 1/2 Strada (4shoe brake) that is a pristine rider.

Both are priced extremely well within the bounds of reason.  I can have one.

Thoughts on which?

DREADFUL DECISION.....NOT, WE SHOULD ALL HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS

[dgurovich]

Here is the guzzi.  I'll share pix of Morini when I get them.

[SPEIRMOOR]

The Morini micapeak list is very active should you decide to go that way. NLM are a pleasure to deal with and can get almost anything you'll ever need.

[dgurovich]

I've got 40K miles under me in an Eldorado.  The V7 looks beautiful -- I know what I"m getting there, but the Morini has this thing -- I love small fast bikes.  I had a Parilla 250 that I just thrashed the hell out of -- I have a stornello now that I ride the snot out of, and a 66 Matchless G80 that is one of the most wonderful bikes I've ever owned.

[Hahnda]

I've got 40K miles under me in an Eldorado.  The V7 looks beautiful -- I know what I"m getting there, but the Morini has this thing -- I love small fast bikes.  I had a Parilla 250 that I just thrashed the hell out of -- I have a stornello now that I ride the snot out of, and a 66 Matchless G80 that is one of the most wonderful bikes I've ever owned.

Based on what you said - Go for the Morini......

[danomar]

They are, as previously noted, completely different rides. That said, the Morini is probably the best-handling vintage bike around. The motor loves to wind out and, combined with the handling, is simply the most fun on two wheels that I have experienced.

But then again, I am slightly biased.




upload image


Believe it or not, my Morinis have been the most reliable vintage Italian bikes of all, and I have owned more than twenty different Italian bikes.

But a nice V7 is a beautiful thing, too.

[Aaron D.]

Oh, you have an Eldo? Morini all the way then. Don't even understand the question.

[dgurovich]

"had" an Eldo.  Fave bike of all time.  Now have the bikes in the signature line...

[tazio]

If you've never had a Morini v-twin, buy the Morini. Amazing machines. My 350 K2 thinks it's a 500...

Yes, and after seeing it win that trophy last year at the First GIRO d'ITALIA,
she's calling ALL the shots now.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Yes, and after seeing it win that trophy last year at the First GIRO d'ITALIA,
she's calling ALL the shots now.

I still don't understand how my ratty K2 (rust, corrosion, taped up seat) won over the other bikes in it's class.  But, because it has lots of "patina", I'm not afraid to ride it. If it looked like this one, on the other hand...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/332112653560?#description

[Yukonica]

That might be a difficult choice for some people but having owned (and regrettably sold) a Morini 3 1/2 I'd say there is no better option.
Too late in my own life to start gathering toys but a Strada would high on my list if it weren't.
Enjoy one or both of your choices...

[jas67]

That's a nice Loop, but, I'd buy the Morini given the choice, just because you're more likely to find a nice loop later than another Morini.

[circlip]

Morini
I wish that I had kept one of the ones that I owned and then sold.
Oh well...

[dgurovich]

Wanted to quickly resurrect this thread -- I ended up getting a 1954 175GT and 65 250 Settebello Moto Morini, AND picked up a 2013 Piaggio BV350.   The '54 will be kept original with the patina -- the 250 will be restored.  the BV is ridden constantly.

[canuck750]

What happened to the 3 1/2?  Is it still for sale? I sure would be interested in it

Thanks

Jim

[dgurovich]

The guy decided not to sell. 

[rbond]

Didn't you used to have a 2009 V7C and a blog about it too?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Wanted to quickly resurrect this thread -- I ended up getting a 1954 175GT and 65 250 Settebello Moto Morini, AND picked up a 2013 Piaggio BV350.   The '54 will be kept original with the patina -- the 250 will be restored.  the BV is ridden constantly.

Cool. I'm working on a '69 250 "Tornado" (Settebello) right now.

[Air-Cooled]

Morini looks like it would be a whole lot more fun to ride.

[canuck750]

The guy decided not to sell.

Any chance you could pm me with the primo owners contact?  May be worth making an offer

Thx

Jim

[dgurovich]

I'd love to trade notes on your work on the 250 -- Not a lot of info around them!

I'll dig around for the 3 1/2 owner's info and PM you.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'd love to trade notes on your work on the 250 -- Not a lot of info around them!

I'll dig around for the 3 1/2 owner's info and PM you.

I have scans of the owner's manual and spare parts book - there doesn't seem to be a shop manual. Since this one only has 1800 miles on it, I haven't needed to do a lot of work. Just replacing tires and tubes, fork seals and such.



Project photo album on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AntietamClassicCycle/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1049435468511917