A Moto Morini 500 Strada. I wanted one for years and came across this in late 2016. The rarest model as most- and there aren’t that many 500s - are Sport models ( in fact the only difference as they came out of the factory was the top yoke and clip ons-not comfy for me) When I picked it up,Robin ,the owner immediately before me did say he’d had it running before sending it to his local bike shop to sort out the brakes-when it came back 8 weeks later zilch had been achieved and he pushed on a little before running out of time and money.
I started renovation immediately and replaced the steering head bearings ( with an expensive North Leicester Motorcycles special taper set ) ,all the wheel bearings ( 4 races at the rear), the rear swing arm pin and bushes, dismantled all the brake callipers ready for restoration kits and renovated the carbs- needed needles and seats. Also replaced the handlebars Then I stopped as other aspects of life overtook me! So now I have to finally admit what I really knew all along-if they’re not sorted in the first year I have them they never will be ( I still don’t really want to sell it!!) And of course age is catching up fast so selling is ,in fact,sensible!
A previous owner seemed to want to make it more “cafe” and took off the indicators-and dispensed with the starter motor to save weight,so there isn’t one with it.Ive had quite a few Morinis and never had any difficulty kickstarting them
It comes with an aftermarket set of indicators, aftermarket left hand switch set ,new cables and a new cam belt-all sourced at North Leicester Motorcycles and suited to the bike
From the look of the base and head gaskets I wouldn’t be surprised if the top end had been renovated. The engine turns over on the kickstart and has good compression. It’s been dry stored so isn’t a rusty old barn find. Never had it running as the previous owner was clearly intending to send the stator away for testing and clipped the leads ( just 4 wires if I remember correctly) I never connected them as I would have had it tested too.
The bike is a 1979 model first registered in the uk ( North Leicester Motorcycles again!) and the V5 is in my name.
In my view to be on the road the bike needs
Cam belt change ( provided )
Stator reconnect
Brake caliper overhaul
Front brake master cylinder overhaul
Rear disc. Front pair were skimmed to take off the chrome and will clean
Right hand switchgear as throttle element disintegrated
Indicators fitting
New tyres-the ones on it have plenty of tread but I wouldn’t risk them
Seat cover-though the foam and base are fine
I’ve no reason to doubt the milage ,though can’t verify it .Obviously tax and mot exempt . Please come and look
Would prefer cash on collection,though if your using a courier it will have to be paid for by bank transfer first. All the nice older ones of these bikes in reasonable running nick-but clearly not concourse seem to go for about £4500.00
Forgot to mention, matching frame and engine numbers.