Description
Moto Morini 3 ½ Strada 1980*
V5 in my name – selling as I’ve recently purchased another Morini 3 ½ so currently have 3. Would like to get a bit of space back in the shed for another project so I don't have to move things around to make space to start working.
I have the original advert from North Leicester Motorcycles from when they imported it. (Saved on USB stick along with parts list, maintenance schedules, workshop manual and other bits and bobs).
Owners Club dating certificate – it’s actually a 1982* manufactured bike, but NLM’s could be a bit cavalier according to the club when registering them. Thought to be one of the youngest Strada K models in the UK according to club records.
In regular use certainly by me and the previous local owner and benefits from a recent oil change, belt change, plugs and new Bridgestone B46 tyres. Tyres fitted less than 6 months ago and doubt they have done much more than 100 miles since. Some history in the form of invoices and a past owners record of work undertaken including Starter Motor overhaul, rear brakes relined and regular routine maintenance.
I fitted the current round Stanley headlamp and pattern Lucas type indicators. The original CEV rectangular ones (headlight and indicators) are present if you wanted to return it all to original – I just think its looks better with the round ones. The Stanley unit has a H4 bulb and I think it's an improvement in term of lighting the road ahead.
There is also an interesting bikini fairing and fixings which was fitted for a while – it’s actually off a Honda VT500 and looks pretty good (of course does not work with the current headlamp). Would take about 15 mins to refit. I've added a image for you to make up your own mind if you become the next owner if you wanted that bit of weather protection or liked the style.
Random stuff:
Star of the 2018 Morini Riders Club calendar for the month of February! (that calendar is in the history file)
Pretty sure all the owners since NLM sold it have been MRC members – so while it’s been used, it's been looked after, albeit, not quite covered 10K kms since it was imported. 37870 km when sold by NLM, currently 47112. I purchased this Strada as I already had a 3 ½ Sport and wanted exactly what I loved about the Sport, but with some added comfort. Having ridden both, any performance difference is pretty academic on roads and it really is all down to your preference for or against clip on bars or regular bars. I don't, but you can easily carry a pillion on the Strada, but the seat hump on the Sport makes that a bit more of a tight fit.
This one was owned previously by someone I know from my local classic bike club and I asked them to give me first refusal if they ever parted with it. They did when they purchased another Morini. They have that effect on you. If you are familiar with the 3 ½, then you know what a great little bikes they are. If you are less familiar, check out the reviews - aside from the original purchase price back in the day if buying a new one, it's hard to find a bad word said against them. I've always found spares OK to find and there is a great owners club if you need any advice, fancy going on a track day or need tech help or help with finding a part or upgrade. They handle nicely, sip fuel, sound lovely, are light to move around and well engineered and reliable. Very underrated given how good they are. It starts first kick and also has the electric starter if you prefer to press a button.
The bike is very presentable and aside from the lights and indicators, pretty much original. It has some natural patina from being a bike that gets used but as the pictures show, it's very tidy. So when I say patina, I'm talking about natural aging as a historic bike, rather than its been a hedge for 30 years! It hasn't by the way.
So it does not need any restoration but if you were so minded to improve, there is scope to tidy up some bits here and there.
I've tried to price at what, if I was looking for myself, would be a fair price for a bike that does not need anything on day 2 of ownership and could happily be ridden home without any worries if you lived at the other end of the country. (not sure how you would get the box of bits that come with it back with you though....)
Happy to do a walk around video via whatsapp if helpful.
