Notwithstanding the wartime bombardments which destroyed the factory, Alfonso Morini does not lose heart and he starts again from scratch. In the 2-stroke 125 engine he sees the perfect vehicle suitable for postwar needs. The first Moto Morini even appeared in the spring of 1946, and due to time constraints, it was inspired by the best 125 of the time, the DKW RT. Production starts in a new factory in via Ludovico Berti, always in Bologna. The 125 is the first lightweight engine to be produced in Italy liberated from fascism and when it is presented to the trade fair in Milan it is defined as motorcycling’s “success of the year”.

GP WINNING

Realizing the superiority of the 4-stroke engine, Alfonso Morini gives the green light to a new GP motorcycle, the chain-driven 125 single-shaft. Compressed 9:1 and with a 28mm carburetor, it produces 12 HP at 10.000 rpm. The motorbike weighs 80 kg. Besides several top-tier national titles, this is the first Moto Morini to win a GP, in 1951 at Monza with Emilio Mendogni, beating the MV and the Mondial Bialbero bikes. In the end, it can produce 16 HP.

The 175 Settebello debuts, the top of the range of the Bologna firm, is much sought after also by those who want to compete in races, especially long distance. This model, developed with competition in mind, achieved its maximum level of development in 1962 with the 22 HP at 10.500 rpm “Aste Corte” version. In 1954 the fabulous 175 Settebello was created, destined for the Milano-Taranto and the Motogiro d’Italia races. A single-cylinder with single-shaft split distribution capable of 22 HP at 9.000 rpm. It has a very effective chassis – an open duplex cradle frame, top-level hydraulic suspensions – and it proves to be a winner in both the classic long-distance races. Produced in around 15 examples, it has also been developed as a 250 cc.

Another great rider whose name is linked to Moto Morini is Angelo Bergamonti (18 March 1939 – 4 April 1971). An admirer of test rides with which he shares great affinity: the passion and respect for the mechanics, research, and riding style. Debuting in 1957 in the reserves category with a 175 Settebello, and after a pause of a few years also due to marriage, he restarts as a junior in 1964, always on a Morini 175 which he prepares in the Gussola workshop. In 1966 he is a senior, racing with the Corsaro 125 and the glorious 250 bialbero ex-test bike which gives Moto Morini victory in the 1967 Italian championship.

Moto Morini was acquired by two entrepreneurs: Sandro Capotosti and Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli and in 2013 the factory was relocated in Trivolzio, to the province of Pavia. The ownership passes entirely to the Jannuzzelli family. A development process then starts to ensure the motorcycles respect Euro 4 norms, following which new models are created, from which the bold Corsaro ZZ, Corsaro ZT, and the fascinating Milano derive.