MORINI

500 Excalibur - 1992

Spaghetti western

Born in the USA with the Harley-Davidsons of the Hell's Angels, the fashion for choppers and customs was debased by the tame copies brought out by the Japanese. One of the few European bikes represented in this category is the Morini 500 Excalibur.

The Inevitable V-twin

To follow its American model as closely as possible, a custom bike must be powered by a V-twin engine. Morini had such a power unit fitted to one of its road bikes and to an off-road machine; it was an ideal base for the Excalibur. Somewhat outdated, this old overhead-valve V-twin had air-cooling. Around this ancient machinery, the rules of the class called for a long fork and a wide handlebar, a teardrop tank and a two-tier saddle above a fat rear tire.

Send in the Clones

Under this showy exterior beat a sporting heart that was both lively and full of torque. Moreover, the well-proven frame allowed the most to be made of the power unit in safety, though that wasn't the real purpose of this kind of bike. The limited ground clearance reminded the rider to be careful on bends and the very upright riding position was more suitable for cruising than for sport riding. The engine had another side: it was extremely flexible. Despite its qualities, the Morini Excalibur was all alone when it came to trying to beat off the genuine American custom bikes and their numerous Japanese clones.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 507cc (71x64mm) air-cooled 72-degree V-twin four-stroke

Power Rating: 42 hp @ 7800 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: two 28mm Dell'Orto carburetors

Transmission: 6-speed; final drive by chain

Suspension: telescopic fork (front); swinging fork with two dampers (rear)

Brakes: 10.2 inch disk (front); 9.4 inch disk (rear)

Wheels: alloy, 19 inch (front); 16 inch (rear)

All custom clichés were reprised on this Italian bike with its sporting origins, one of the few European models to venture into the field.