MOTO MORINI

175 Double-Overhead-Cam / Jean Pierre Beltoise · 1964

The fastest single in the world

During the Sixties, European motorcycles enjoyed an Indian summer of success. Numerous small constructors challenged each other for supremacy on the race tracks. At one point, no fewer than nine different cycles competed for trophies at the 1963 French championship.

Success on Two and Four Wheels

One of the greatest French marques of the Fifties and Sixties was Morini, specializing in 175cc and 250cc machines. Pictured is the final version of the tvvin-cam 175 ridden by Jean-Pierre Beltoise, who won many victories in the France Inter championship before moving on to an equally successful racing career on four wheels. On an almost identical 250cc Morini, Tarquinio Provini was runner up in the 1963 World Championship behind the four-cylinder Honda of Jim Redman, earning Provini the title "fastest single" cylinder rider in the world."

Challenging the Multis

The first 175cc Morini "Rebello" appeared in 1955 with a single chain-driven overhead camshaft and developed 22 hp @ 9000 rpm. In 1956, it gained twin geared-together camshafts driven by chain, which were developed into a 250 with gear-driven dohc the following year. With a five-speed transmission and an output of 29hp@ 10,000 rpm, that first 250 was good for over 108 mph. An oversquare (72x61mm) engine was fitted in 1958 and developed 32 hp, with a top speed of 130 mph. An ultralight 250 was capable of 143 mph.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: air-cooled 172 cc (60x61 mm) singlecylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 22 hp @ 9000 rpm

Valves: gear-driven twin overhead camshafts

Fuel System: Detl'Orto carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed

Suspension: (front) telescopic fork; (rear)

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Brakes: (front) twin drums; (rear) single drum

Wheels: 18 in wire wheels

Weight: 232 lb

Maximum Speed: 106 mph

The amazing Morini single attracted riders of the caliber of Provini, Agostini, Masetti, Grassetti and Beltoise.