I bought myself a Moto Morini 31/2

[Guzziando]

It was registered as a 1976 Strada, but the frame number seems to make it an erlier bike. "A/2 is an original Strada/Touring frame. Numbering started at 03001". My frame number is 3038, which would explain the front mudguard being from a 1973 model? The tank looks to be from a sport, as the strada did not have a ridge on it? It may not be the prettiest bike, but I rode it home today (55 miles), and ran well. It comes with lots of receipts, including a Cam belt change in 2011. While it has only done just over 200Km since then, it is on my list of jobs to change it. The lights do not currently work, and of course the rev counter doesn't, but that seems a common issue. Is there an owners handbook to work out what the handlebar switches do? Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

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[Morini Jen]

Hello Guzziando.

Welcome to the Forum and to Morini ownership.

Have you joined the Morini Riders Club? Doing so will give you access to various manuals and parts books etc.. I am guessing by your username that you are no stranger to Italian motorcycles? Feel free to ask any questions you may have. We do like to be friendly and helpful.

P.S. I reckon that little black button on the left is for the horn.

Jenny.

[Guzziando]

Thanks Jenny, yes joined the MM Club. I have had Guzzi's in the past, but this is my first Moto Morini. I did notice several false neutrals while riding the MM, which is very reminiscent of Guzzi gear boxes. It must be an Italian thing! I will check out what publications there are in the members area.

[FatherB]

I would change that cambelt immediately ! Simply bearings have Gates Powergrip ones (124L075) at very good prices. You'll get used to the gearbox, it just needs a very positive foot, not brutal but firm. I love mine and have just come in from a great late evening blast.

[barney 66]

without wishing to hijack the thread, would these fit my 1983 3/12 sport please ?

[Guzziando]

I would change that cambelt immediately ! Simply bearings have Gates Powergrip ones (124L075) at very good prices. You'll get used to the gearbox, it just needs a very positive foot, not brutal but firm. I love mine and have just come in from a great late evening blast.

Thank you, good advice.

[3potjohn]

Check the ignition switch- if it has been replaced you may find it will turn one more turn to activate lights. Anyway the Met office reckon we are due a long very hot summer which suits me. Good Morini riding weather and redundant lawn mowers.

[Guzziando]

Check the ignition switch- if it has been replaced you may find it will turn one more turn to activate lights. Anyway the Met office reckon we are due a long very hot summer which suits me. Good Morini riding weather and redundant lawn mowers.

Just checked the ignition switch again, I was not turning it far enough to the right. The lights do work! One less thing to worry about. Thank you.

[George 350]

Ignition switch - for info, the early bikes (1973-76) standard electrical set up (certainly with 5 pole Ignition switches) was from anti clockwise, off, on, on+lights.As far as I have seen, when the change to 6 pole switches occurred, (around 1977 when disc brakes arrived as well), the layout became parking lights, off, on, with lights on/off via the handlebar switch.

Tip: Check that the key can't be wiggled out of the lock in the 'on' or 'on+lights' positions. You wouldn't be the first to have lost the key on a ride!
Do the belt - see EvGuru youtube videos if unsure, and enjoy thrashing it this summer.
Regards,
George

[Guzziando]

Thanks George,

I have just checked the switch, it is the later type. Off, turn to left, (nothing happens, but the key can be removed) first click to right,the solenoid activates and the bike will start, the key cannot be removed. Second click to the right, the lights come on and the bike will also start. The key cannot be removed. I have never used parking lights on a motorcycle, so not too worried about them not coming on with the key.

I have ordered a cam belt and a flywheel puller.

Keith

[BarryCambs]

Hi Keith

I'm in Cambridge with a 250 2C and I still have Guzzi, so your profile name caught my eye and thought I should say hello!

Barry

[Guzziando]

Hi Barry, hello. Currently without a Guzzi having sold my Centauro. What Guzzi do you own?

[RedVee]

I know it's not original paint, but I do think they look gorgeous in black. My other half has a 2c in black and don't tell him but I think it looks prettier than either of my red Morini's!

[BarryCambs]

Hi Keith

Difficult to say really. The frame and bottom half of the running gear is 1980 Spada, but it had Le Mans 2 tank fitted at some stage early 80s . . . . . as they all did.

[Guzziando]

I know it's not original paint, but I do think they look gorgeous in black. My other half has a 2c in black and don't tell him but I think it looks prettier than either of my red Morini's!

I was thinking of painting it, maybe I will leave it black